PROPOSING AMENDMENTS TO ARTICLES II, III, AND XVII OF THE HAWAII STATE CONSTITUTION TO PROVIDE THE ELECTORATE WITH THE POWER OF INITIATIVE.
Impact
If passed, SB2766 would fundamentally alter the legislative landscape in Hawaii by transferring some legislative powers away from the state legislature and placing them directly into the hands of the voters. This means that citizens could bypass traditional legislative processes for proposing amendments. The constitutional amendments would also remove the governor's veto power over initiatives approved by the electorate, ensuring that once an initiative is passed by a majority vote, it becomes law without the possibility of executive interference.
Summary
SB2766 proposes significant amendments to the Hawaii State Constitution, specifically targeting Articles II, III, and XVII. The primary purpose of the bill is to empower the electorate by granting them the right to propose statutory and constitutional amendments through a process known as an initiative. This initiative process would allow voters to directly participate in legislative change, enabling them to submit petitions with proposed amendments that have been supported by a sufficient number of signatures, specifically more than ten percent of those who voted in the most recent gubernatorial election.
Contention
While the bill is touted as a means to enhance democratic participation, it has raised some points of contention among lawmakers. Critics may argue that allowing initiatives without legislative oversight could lead to poorly thought-out laws or amendments being enacted. Furthermore, there are concerns regarding the potential for high-profile issues to be pushed through based on popular sentiment rather than comprehensive legislative review. The restrictions outlined in SB2766, which prohibit the inclusion of certain subjects in initiative measures, such as changes to the budget or taxation, also highlight ongoing debates about the scope and limitations of direct democracy.
Additional_notes
The proposed ballot question for voters under this bill would prompt them to consider whether they agree with the empowerment of the electorate to propose and approve amendments. The careful framing of this question is crucial, as it determines how voters perceive their own power and the implications of such a shift in governance.
Proposing Amendments To Article X, Section 2 And Article Xviii, Section 12, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Establish Local Elected School Boards.
Proposing Amendments To Article X, Section 2 And Article Xviii, Section 12, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Establish A School Board Comprised Of Appointed And Elected Members.
Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for the election of constitutional convention delegates and vote requirements necessary for the adoption of a new constitution (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
(Constitutional Amendment) Modifies disposition of certain state revenues through repeal of the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund and deposits of certain revenue streams into the Budget Stabilization Fund (RRF INCREASE GF RV See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the application of state monies to the unfunded accrued liability of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (EN DECREASE SD RV See Note)
Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.