The state House has passed measure that would ask voters to change Missouri’s Constitution regarding the powers of a governor to withhold money in the state budget.

If approved by voters the proposal would have a governor issue a proclamation to the legislature any time he or she would reduce an appropriation of money because actual revenues are less than the revenue estimates on which that appropriation was based. That reduction could then be reconsidered by the General Assembly any time it is in session.

The resolution, sponsored by Representative Todd Richardson (R-Poplar Bluff), would also bar governors from reducing an appropriation that pays public debt and from basing part of their budget proposals on legislation proposed to the General Assembly but not passed.

It next goes to the state Senate for consideration.

The legislation is HJR 72.