sr817.html
06 LC 28 3036S (SCS)
Senate Resolution 817
By: Senators Shafer of the 48th, Cagle of the 49th, Rogers of the 21st, Schaefer of the 50th, Pearson of the 51st and others

ADOPTED SENATE

A RESOLUTION

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution so as to restrict amendments that increase appropriations made by the General Appropriations Act; to provide for a short title; to provide for the submission of this amendment for ratification or rejection; and for other purposes.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.
This resolution shall be known and may be cited as the "Taxpayerś Dividend Act."

SECTION 2.
Article III, Section IX, Paragraph IV of the Constitution is amended by adding at the end a new subparagraph to read as follows:
"(e) A General Appropriations Act passed during a regular session of the General Assembly may not be amended following adjournment sine die of that session if such amendment would increase the amount appropriated in such Act unless that amendment:
(1) Increases the appropriations to fund increased amounts for local school systems solely for increases in student enrollment in such systems; or
(2) Is approved by two-thirds of the members of each house.
Funds otherwise available for appropriation through an amendment to a General Appropriations Act but not appropriated pursuant to subparagraph (1) or (2) of this subparagraph shall be appropriated by the General Assembly during the immediately succeeding regular legislative session following passage of that Act only for purposes of reducing existing state debt, increasing the reserve fund, providing for a refund of state taxes, or any combination of such purposes. Appropriations for those purposes shall not be subject to the limitations of subparagraph (1) or (2) of this subparagraph."

SECTION 3.
The above proposed amendment to the Constitution shall be published and submitted as provided in Article X, Section I, Paragraph II of the Constitution. The ballot submitting the above proposed amendment shall have written or printed thereon the following:
"(  )  YES
(  )  NO

Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to prohibit increased state spending by amendments to an enacted general appropriations Act except to fund increased enrollment in local school systems and under certain other circumstances?"
All persons desiring to vote in favor of ratifying the proposed amendment shall vote "Yes." All persons desiring to vote against ratifying the proposed amendment shall vote "No." If such amendment shall be ratified as provided in said Paragraph of the Constitution, it shall become a part of the Constitution of this state.