Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SJR15

Introduced
2/6/23  

Caption

Joint resolution; calling a Constitutional Convention to alter, revise, or amend the present Constitution of the State of Oklahoma or propose a new Constitution.

Impact

The proposed amendments or new provisions resulting from the convention will necessitate voter approval at a General Election to be held in 2028. By structuring the selection of delegates to ensure representation from various sectors, including a public constituency, this resolution aims to provide a comprehensive review of the state's governing document. It provides that delegates will not be paid but will receive reimbursements for travel and per diem expenses during the convention's operation. This approach seeks to engage a diverse group in the governance process while maintaining ethical oversight for all delegates.

Summary

SJR15 is a joint resolution calling for a Constitutional Convention aimed at revising or amending the current Constitution of the State of Oklahoma, or proposing a new Constitution altogether. This convention is scheduled to convene on July 12, 2024, and will operate until June 30, 2025. The convention will consist of 106 delegates, including members from the State Legislature, the Executive Department, Judicial Department, and the public. This resolution reaffirms the requirement that such proposals be presented to state voters for approval, adhering to Article XXIV of the Oklahoma Constitution.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding SJR15 include its implications for local governance and the potential for controversial amendments to be discussed during the convention. Critics may argue that a Constitutional Convention could lead to significant shifts in policy or governance that may not reflect the will of the electorate, particularly if certain proposed amendments stray from more established norms. The selection process, which involves a mix of appointments and a lottery system, can also raise questions about representational equity and the balance of power within governmental branches.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SJR43

Joint resolution; calling a Constitutional Convention to alter, revise, or amend the present state Constitution or propose a new Constitution.

OK S2463

Resolutions for a United States Constitutional Amendment and a limited amendment proposing convention

OK H3842

Resolutions for a United States constitutional amendment and a limited amendment proposing convention

OK HJR12

Constitutional Convention

OK HJR9

Constitutional Convention

OK SJR5

Constitutional Convention

OK SCR75

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

OK ACR123

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

OK SJM8008

Rescinding prior applications for a constitutional convention to propose amendments to the Constitution of the United States.

OK ACR83

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment to provide for State constitutional convention to reduce government spending and to reform system of property taxation.

Similar Bills

LA HB472

(Constitutional Amendment) Revises Article VII of the Constitution of La. (OR -$139,000,000 GF RV See Note)

NJ ACR123

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NJ SCR75

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NJ SCR43

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing Legislature to invalidate certain court decisions.

LA HB244

(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)

LA HB678

(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)

LA HB473

(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)

HI SB1225

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.