Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State (initiative And Referendum) (this Resolution Would Enable The Citizens Of Rhode Island To Propose Laws And Amendments To The Constitution Through An Initiative And Referendum Process, Except As To Revenue And Appropriations, Which Power Remains Vested In The General Assembly.)
Impact
If passed, this amendment would fundamentally alter the legislative landscape in Rhode Island by increasing the power of citizens in shaping state laws. It grants voters the authority to propose legislative measures and constitutional changes, thereby reducing the exclusive power of the General Assembly over law-making. Supporters argue that this will empower citizens and foster greater government accountability, promoting a participative political culture where the electorate has greater control over the issues that affect their lives.
Summary
House Bill H5236 proposes a joint resolution to amend the Constitution of Rhode Island by enabling citizens to propose laws and constitutional amendments through an initiative and referendum process. This power would allow voters to enact or reject laws at general elections without requiring legislative approval, except in matters of revenue and appropriations, which would remain under the authority of the General Assembly. The bill aims to enhance direct democracy and engage citizens more actively in the legislative process by providing them with the tools to propose significant legal changes directly.
Contention
However, the bill is not without its detractors. Critics raise concerns regarding the potential for misuse or overreach of the initiative process, fearing that it may lead to the enactment of poorly conceived laws driven by popular sentiment rather than thoughtful legislative deliberation. Additionally, opponents argue that such a drastic shift may bypass important checks and balances inherent in the legislative process. The potential for conflicting initiatives on ballots may also complicate matters for voters at general elections, raising questions about the clarity and coherence of state laws post-implementation.
A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa relating to citizen initiatives to amend the Constitution of the State of Iowa and the Iowa Code and referendums to approve certain bills passed by the general assembly.
JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- REFERENDUM ON LINE ITEM VETO (This proposed amendment to the Constitution would provide the governor with a line item veto on the budget and other bills for the appropriation of money.)
Proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting an initiative measure approved by the voters to be amended or repealed by the General Assembly except by referendum
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.)
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.