Bill > HC11

This Concurrent Resolution proposes amendments to the Mississippi Constitution to grant citizens the power of "initiative," which means the people can directly propose new laws, or amend or repeal existing ones, and vote on them in elections separate from the Legislature. This process would require a petition signed by a significant percentage of qualified voters, with specific rules about signature distribution and verification. The initiative process would have limitations, such as not being able to amend the constitution itself, affect the Public Employees' Retirement System, deal with local or special laws, or address certain sensitive issues like abortion or labor union rights. The resolution also outlines how initiatives would be funded, analyzed for fiscal impact, and presented on ballots, including provisions for the Legislature to propose alternative measures. Importantly, laws passed by initiative would not be subject to the Governor's veto and would have a two-year protection against legislative amendment or repeal, except in cases of declared emergency.