Frankfort, Kentucky – A House Committee has approved a bill that could eventually require the General Assembly to approve a budget every two years. House Bill 27 would place a constitutional amendment on the ballot, allowing voters to decide whether lawmakers should be required to approve a budget.
The measure is sponsored by Majority Floor Leader Greg Stumbo. Under an amendment to Stumbo's bill, lawmakers would not be able to collect extra pay if they have to stay in session until a budget has been enacted for the entire state. If passed by the full House and the Senate, the measure would be placed on the ballot in November of 2004. The legislature did not pass a budget for the executive and judicial branches during the last year's legislative session.