Could the Mississippi capital leave Jackson? Not so fast.

As the chamber engaged in heated debate over the future of Jackson's water system, a Mississippi state senator rose to propose an amendment that would bring unprecedented change to state politics.

Sen. Chad McMahan, R-Guntown, proposed that the state move its capital from Jackson to Tupelo, within his district.

McMahan was clearly joking, and his expressions went over the top in explaining the benefits of a move.

"It's a bipartisan city represented half by myself and half by Sen. Bryan," McMahan said. "It's a six time All American City. We've got the water system, the police force and the road system. I ask you to vote to make Tupelo the capital of Mississippi and give us a new image."

During a lengthy debate on a serious topic, many of McMahan's colleagues did not find the proposal amusing.

"In all due respect to Sen. McMahan, this bill is a very serious matter," said Sen. David Parker, R-Olive Branch, who sponsored the underlying bill. "I understand the jest of this amendment, but I ask that you defeat this amendment."

Sen. Hob Bryan, D-Amory, did not appreciate his name even being associated with the move. He came running into the chamber, waving his hands in the air to get the chamber's attention and ensure that no one believed he supported McMahan's amendment.

Sen. John Horhn, D-Jackson, successfully killed the amendment through a procedural complaint, saying it was unrelated to the underlying bill.

That said, what would it take to move the state capital? Is it possible, and has it been considered before?

The city of Jackson was built to be the state capital, but it was not the first city to hold the distinction. The legislature moved from Natchez, to Washington, back to Natchez and then to Columbia before settling in Jackson in 1822. There were numerous attempts to move the capital out of Jackson, until 1832, when its status was guaranteed for at least 18 more years.

The most recent state to move its capital was Oklahoma, when it became Oklahoma City in 1910.

As unlikely as it may be, what would moving the capital look like?

The Mississippi Constitution states, "The seat of government of the state shall be at the city of Jackson, and shall not be removed or relocated without the assent of a majority of the electors of the state."

That means any future attempt to move the capital, to Tupelo or anywhere else, would need to be passed by the majority of voters in the state. With the state's initiative process still in limbo, there seems to be no immediate path for that to happen.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Is Jackson's role as Mississippi state capital safe? Could it move?