Relative to the voters' guide for constitutional amendments.
Impact
If enacted, HB 395 will amend RSA 663:3-a, necessitating that any proposed constitutional amendments include a clear explanatory statement directly on the ballot. The legislative committee will be tasked with crafting this statement, which will follow the text of the proposed amendment. This change is anticipated to enhance voters' understanding of the implications of constitutional amendments, potentially leading to more informed voting decisions.
Summary
House Bill 395 aims to modify the process of creating voter guides for constitutional amendments in New Hampshire. The bill delegates the responsibility of drafting the explanatory text for these voter guides to the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules. This shift is intended to streamline and standardize the way voters receive information about constitutional amendments on ballots, ensuring that the language used is consistent and clear.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 395 appears generally positive among legislative sponsors who see it as a necessary reform to improve voter information and engagement. However, there may be concerns regarding the centralization of this responsibility in one committee, as it removes the explanatory text from the purview of the individual legislative bodies proposing amendments. This centralization might spark debates over accountability and the representation of diverse viewpoints in the explanatory text.
Contention
Notably, a point of contention could arise regarding the adequacy of information provided to voters. Critics might argue that having a single committee draft informative texts might overlook nuances or specific concerns that various groups within the electorate might have. Ensuring that the explanations are comprehensive and accessible to all voters could be critical to the bill's overall success and acceptance.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to require that future constitutional amendments become effective only if approved by a majority of the voters in at least three-fourths of the counties of the state.
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.