Oklahoma 2024 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 resolution emphasizes the importance of public engagement in the legislative process. Changes proposed by the convention or any new Constitution will ultimately be submitted to Oklahoma voters for approval in the General Election of 2028. This is particularly significant as the last Constitutional Convention proposal was initiated in 1970, highlighting a long gap in revisiting the state's foundational legal document. The resolution, therefore, seeks to ensure that the Constitution remains relevant and reflective of contemporary values and governance needs.

Summary

SJR15 is a Joint Resolution calling for a Constitutional Convention in Oklahoma. The convention is set to convene on July 12, 2024, and will conclude by June 30, 2025. The primary purpose of the convention is to alter, amend, or propose a new Constitution for the State of Oklahoma. It outlines that the convention will involve one hundred six delegates, primarily selected from the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches, as well as public representatives, ensuring a diverse representation that reflects the state's various demographics and political affiliations.

Contention

Discussions around SJR15 may generate contention among various stakeholders. While supporters argue that a Constitutional Convention could modernize and improve state governance, there are opponents who fear that a wholesale review of the Constitution could lead to unintended consequences, such as the erosion of established rights and protections. Critics may argue for the necessity of local control and the implications of altering provisions that have historically safeguarded citizen interests. Ensuring effective oversight and defining the scope of the proposed changes will likely be points of debate leading up to the convention.

Companion Bills

OK SJR15

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

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.