HJR1089 is a joint resolution that calls for a Constitutional Convention in Oklahoma for the purpose of altering, revising, amending, or replacing the state constitution. The convention would convene in Oklahoma City on January 5, 2027, and would be required to adjourn no later than May 28, 2028. Any constitutional changes or a proposed new constitution would then be submitted to voters at the November 2028 general election.
The resolution specifies that all 149 delegates would be current members of the Oklahoma House and Senate, while members of Congress and other federal officeholders would be ineligible. It also creates a Constitutional Convention Commission to organize public hearings, sets an oath for delegates, authorizes staff support, establishes procedural rules and voting thresholds, and limits delegate compensation to mileage and per diem reimbursement for up to 90 legislative days. The measure also directs that convention expenses and the cost of the ratification election be paid by the state.
Impact
If approved by voters, the resolution would trigger a constitutionally authorized convention process and establish the legal framework for how that convention operates. It would not itself amend the Oklahoma Constitution, but it would set the dates, delegate selection method, procedural rules, ethics requirements, funding obligations, and ballot submission process for any proposed constitutional revisions. It would also require state expenditures for convention operations and the subsequent statewide election on any proposed changes.
Sentiment
The available vote history suggests substantial legislative support, with the House passing the measure 71-21 on third reading. The bill’s structure indicates an effort to tightly control the convention process through legislative delegates, public hearings, ethics rules, and supermajority requirements for certain actions, which may have been intended to reassure supporters concerned about scope and accountability. No committee transcript is available, so the broader discussion record is limited.
Contention
The main points of contention likely center on whether Oklahoma should hold a constitutional convention at all, given the potential for broad constitutional change, and on who should serve as delegates. The bill assigns delegate seats exclusively to sitting legislators, which may draw criticism from those who prefer a more independent or citizen-led convention. Other likely concerns include the cost to the state, the breadth of authority granted to the convention, and the possibility of a new constitution or major revisions being placed before voters in 2028.
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.