The amendment establishes that a petition, signed by at least 5% of the total votes cast in the preceding gubernatorial election, must be filed within 90 days after a Public Act is enacted. This ensures that citizens have a clear and timely way to challenge laws they oppose. Once a petition is deemed valid, it calls for a referendum at the next general election, where voters can opt to reject the legislation in question. If discarded, the law will cease to exist from the date specified in the referendum.
Summary
SJRCA0012, introduced by Senator Dan McConchie, is a proposed constitutional amendment to the Illinois Constitution that outlines a new procedure for the public to reject legislation passed by the General Assembly. Under this amendment, Illinois residents would be able to initiate a referendum against any Public Act, allowing voters to decide on its validity. This mechanism aims to increase voter engagement in legislative decisions and enhance democratic accountability.
Contention
While proponents argue that SJRCA0012 empowers voters and holds legislators accountable for unpopular decisions, critics worry about potential misuse, where well-organized groups could strategize to overturn laws that may have been beneficial for the state's governance. Concerns have also been raised about the practicality of gathering sufficient signatures and whether this process might lead to legislative instability, especially for laws that address critical issues.