RI
Rhode Island Senate Bill S2355
Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session
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Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2355

Introduced
2/15/22  
Refer
2/15/22  
Report Pass
3/1/22  
Engrossed
3/8/22  

Caption

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State -- Procedure To Fill Vacancy In Office Of The Secretary Of State, Attorney General Or General Treasurer

Impact

The amendment is expected to have a significant impact on the state's election processes and governmental structure. By stipulating a clear pathway for filling vacancies, the bill may reduce political uncertainty during transitional periods in state governance. This clarity could lead to more effective governance and continuity in state operations, as vacant positions would not remain unfilled for extended periods, thereby ensuring the effective functioning of important state roles.

Summary

Bill S2355 aims to amend the Rhode Island Constitution regarding the procedure for filling vacancies in the offices of Secretary of State, Attorney General, and General Treasurer. Under the proposed amendment, if a vacancy occurs in one of these offices with less than one year remaining in the unexpired term, a person will be elected by the General Assembly in grand committee. In contrast, vacancies occurring with more than one year left in the term will be filled through a special election. This change aims to clarify and streamline the process of filling these crucial government positions, enhancing governmental stability and accountability.

Contention

However, there are notable points of contention surrounding this bill. Some lawmakers and advocacy groups may express concerns about the potential consolidation of power within the General Assembly, as it could limit the voters' direct influence in choosing their representatives. Critics may argue that allowing the assembly to elect a successor in certain cases could lead to outcomes that do not reflect the electorate's wishes, thereby undermining democratic principles. These discussions will likely continue as the bill moves through the legislative process.

Latest RI S2355 Activity

View All Events: RI 2022 Regular Session S2355

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H7791

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE, PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- COMBINING THE OFFICES OF THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR AND SECRETARY OF STATE (Proposes an amendment to the State Constitution, Article IV, Section 1, that would combine the offices of lieutenant governor and secretary of state, commencing with the 2028 election.)

RI LD455

RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Require a Statewide Popular Election of the Secretary of State, the Treasurer of State and the Attorney General for 4-year Terms

RI S2979

JOINT RESOLUTION APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF QUALIFICATION FOR OFFICE (Proposes a state constitutional amendment to provide no person could hold office as general officer unless that person was a resident and a registered voter in the State of Rhode Island for at least 2 years, continuously, prior to taking office.)

RI S0208

APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF QUALIFICATION FOR OFFICE

RI H5086

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE, PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- FOUR YEAR TERMS FOR REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS (Proposes an amendment to the State Constitution, Article IV, Section 1, that would allow four (4) year terms for general assembly members, commencing with the 2028 election.)

RI S2132

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE (Proposes to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment regarding eligibility to vote and to be a candidate.)

RI H7303

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE (Proposes to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment regarding eligibility to vote and to be a candidate.)

RI S0820

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE (Would propose to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment regarding eligibility to vote and to be a candidate.)

RI H5515

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE (Would propose to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment regarding eligibility to vote and to be a candidate.)

RI H7387

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- LINE ITEM VETO (This proposed amendment to our state Constitution grants the governor a line-item veto on the budget and other appropriation bills.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.