This proposed amendment has not been previously agreed to by a general assembly.
Impact
The passage of SJR0008 would affect the amendment process for the Indiana Constitution by reinforcing the requirement of dual approvals from the General Assembly. This requirement is intended to ensure that only widely supported amendments become part of the state constitution, ultimately providing a safeguard against hasty changes that may not reflect the will of the constituents. As such, this amendment aims to enhance the deliberative nature of constitutional amendments within Indiana, ensuring that major changes are thoroughly vetted by elected representatives over time.
Summary
SJR0008 is a Senate Joint Resolution that proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Indiana. The resolution has not been previously agreed to by a general assembly, indicating that it is in the initial stages of the legislative process. The proposal emphasizes the need for the amendment to be reconsidered and agreed upon by the subsequent General Assembly before it can be submitted for final approval. This reflects the procedural requirements outlined in the state constitution, which necessitate two consecutive agreements from the General Assembly for any constitutional amendment to progress to the voting phase.
Contention
While the summary or details of specific points of contention surrounding SJR0008 are limited, the necessity for dual legislative approval may be a topic of discussion among lawmakers. Some may argue that this process is crucial for maintaining constitutional integrity and preventing rapid legislative changes, while others might contend that it could hinder necessary reforms or amendments that require timely attention. The ultimate fate of SJR0008 will depend on how effectively it is presented and supported within the legislative framework during the upcoming sessions.
Provides that the rights set forth in the Constitution of the State of Indiana, the laws prescribed by the general assembly, and the rules prescribed by virtue of the authority of the general assembly apply to a preborn child as soon as the preborn child's mother is aware she is pregnant.