Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H5518

Introduced
2/10/23  

Caption

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State -- Line Item Veto

Impact

If enacted, H5518 would considerably alter the current budget approval process, allowing the governor greater flexibility in managing state finances. This would enable the executive branch to have more direct influence over legislative decisions regarding budget allocations. Proponents argue that it could lead to more responsible financial management and prevent wasteful expenditures. Conversely, critics acknowledge potential risks of the amendment, fearing it could disrupt the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches, effectively undermining the authority of the Assembly in budgetary matters.

Summary

House Bill 5518 seeks to amend the Constitution of the State of Rhode Island by proposing a line item veto for the governor. This would grant the governor the authority to disapprove specific items or parts of items concerning appropriations within a bill, while still approving the remainder. The intent behind this amendment is to provide more precise control over fiscal measures and enhance the governor's ability to govern effectively by having the option to curtail excessive spending or to veto specific provisions within budgetary appropriations.

Contention

There are significant discussions expected around the implications of this bill, particularly concerning the checks and balances embedded within the state's governance structure. Supporters advocate for the practicality of a line item veto in providing a mechanism that allows the governor to veto particular budget items that may be deemed unnecessary or overly burdensome. Detractors, however, worry it could foster increased executive power at the expense of the legislature's role in financial oversight, leading to a diminished legislative voice in state budgeting.

Next_steps

H5518 will be submitted to the electors of the state for their approval or rejection, a crucial step that underscores the democratic process by which this significant constitutional change is being proposed. Transparency during this process is vital, and provisions are included to ensure that the proposal is widely publicized to engage citizens and allow for an informed voting decision.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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.)

RI H5734

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.)

RI S0308

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.)

RI S2317

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 (Proposed amendment to the Constitution provides the governor with a line item veto on the budget and other bills for the appropriation of money.)

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 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 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 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 S0208

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

RI S2225

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- GREEN AMENDMENT (Proposes a constitutional amendment to Article 1 providing for a right to clean air, soil, climate, and the environment’s natural values.)

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