REPEALING RHODE ISLAND'S RATIFICATION OF THE CORWIN AMENDMENT
Impact
If enacted, H7579 will serve to clarify the state's stance on the Corwin Amendment, reinforcing that the state no longer acknowledges or supports its provisions. This could have symbolic significance in acknowledging historical injustices and reaffirming the importance of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States. Aside from the historical and symbolic implications, there are no direct changes to current laws or practices as a result of repealing ratification since the Corwin Amendment was never enacted.
Summary
House Bill H7579 proposes to repeal Rhode Island's previous ratification of the Corwin Amendment, which sought to prevent Congress from abolishing or interfering with states' domestic institutions, notably slavery. Originally ratified by Rhode Island's General Assembly on May 31, 1861, the amendment has never been adopted by three-fourths of the states and, thus, is not part of the U.S. Constitution. The intent behind this bill is to formally rescind a historical legislative action that no longer holds relevance in modern legal frameworks, particularly following the abolition of slavery and the ratification of the 13th Amendment.
Contention
The discussions surrounding H7579 may involve debates on issues of historical accountability and the significance of formally addressing past legislative actions. While the bill is unlikely to face substantial opposition, as the Corwin Amendment is considered moot in the current context, it might raise questions regarding the appropriateness of revisiting historical resolutions. Some may argue that repealing the ratification serves merely as a formality, while others could highlight the importance of acknowledging historical context through legislative processes.
HOUSE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY 11TH, 2025, AS "211 DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND HONORING UNITED WAY 211 FOR ITS SERVICE TO RHODE ISLANDERS
SENATE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MARCH 8, 2025, AS "INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY", AND THE MONTH OF MARCH AS "WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH", IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
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.