The House voted Monday to seek permission to undo programs that voters have required the state to provide or fund.
HCR 2039 would partly and temporarily repeal a 1988 constitutional amendment which bars lawmakers from altering anything the voters themselves have approved. The 31-25 vote sends the measure to the Senate.
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But the last word would be up to voters themselves who would have to agree to the change in November.
Backers said lawmakers need flexibility when state revenues run short, as they are now. The measure, if ratified by voters, would affect only the next four budget years.
Rep. Chad Campbell, D-Phoenix, said if lawmakers want more flexibility they should ask voters to also suspend another constitutional provision which requires a two-thirds vote of both the House and Senate to raise taxes. Campbell said that would make it easier for legislators to consider closing what he said are “loopholes” in tax laws.
