Committee reports bill addressing Jackson obligations that exceed fund balance

A Senate committee reported a House-sponsored bill aimed at addressing a situation in which the city of Jackson’s obligations exceed the fund balance available to meet them.

The bill was described to the committee as being offered by Representative Bell and supported by Miss Yates, both identified in the discussion as representing Jackson. Committee members said the House drafting placed the bill’s language in an additional subsection; staff advised either drafting would meet the stated needs.

The committee chair moved the bill and called the voice vote. “All in favor, say aye. Aye,” the chair said; no opposition was recorded and the chair announced that the bill would be reported out of committee.

Committee discussion did not include further technical changes on the record, and the transcript did not specify the exact code sections amended or the bill number. The chair said the version from the House inserts the same language into a third spot in the code section, while the committee’s prior draft placed it in two spots.

The committee did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript; the action was taken by voice vote and the chair reported the bill will be sent forward.