SJR17
An Amendment To The Arkansas Constitution To Create The Arkansas Taxpayer Bill Of Rights.
Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution titled the 'Arkansas Taxpayer Bill of Rights.' It prohibits deficit spending by the state and establishes strict limitations on annual expenditure growth, capping it at the lower of three percent or the rate of inflation. The bill requires a three-fourths supermajority vote in both houses of the General Assembly to establish or increase taxes and fees, or to pass legislation that increases net state tax revenue. Excess revenue must be directed into specific reserve funds, specifically a Catastrophic Reserve Fund and a Budget Stabilization Trust Fund, until those funds meet defined balance requirements. Any remaining excess revenue must be refunded to taxpayers. Finally, the measure repeals existing constitutional language concerning tax increases and sets an effective date of January 1, 2027.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be Arkansas taxpayers, who would benefit from potential tax refunds during periods of revenue surplus and protection against rapid state government spending growth. Additionally, proponents of fiscal conservatism would benefit from the constitutional constraints placed on the legislative budgeting process, which aim to limit government expansion and prevent deficit spending.
Who Might Suffer?
The primary entities negatively impacted would be state agencies and programs reliant on general revenue, as their ability to receive increased funding would be strictly capped, potentially leading to budget cuts or the inability to expand services to keep pace with inflation or population growth. Legislative proponents of increased public investment, such as those seeking to improve infrastructure, public education, or social services, would face a higher hurdle in passing legislation to fund these initiatives due to the new three-fourths supermajority requirement for tax or fee increases.
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