- Committee -

SCS/SJR 47 - This proposed constitutional amendment submits a proposal to voters regarding funds obtained by the State as a result of any legal settlement or award resulting from a final order in a dispute between the state and tobacco companies. The proposal excludes the funds from the calculation of total state revenues, and designates that 60 percent of the money shall be used for health care and health research; 20 percent for smoking and substance abuse education, prevention and cessation; and 20 percent deposited into a newly created Emergency Budget Reserve Fund. Money in the Fund shall be used for any state emergency, natural disaster or budget deficit, upon a two-thirds vote of the members elected to each house.

JOAN GUMMELS