South Dakota 2024 Regular Session

South Dakota House Bill HJR5002

Introduced
1/25/24  

Caption

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota revising the process by which a legislative vacancy is filled.

Impact

If enacted, this amendment would significantly alter the current framework for handling legislative vacancies. Under the new rules, the central committees are required to submit the list of candidates quickly—within thirty days of the vacancy arising if no legislative session is in progress, or within five days if the legislature is in session. The Governor would then be obligated to make a selection within a stipulated time frame. This change is expected to enhance the responsiveness of the legislative process and maintain continuity in representation during transitions.

Summary

HJR5002 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota that revises the process for filling legislative vacancies. The amendment outlines that when a vacancy occurs in either house of the legislature, the Governor must make an appointment from a list of three candidates. This list is to be submitted by the central committees of the former legislator's political party in the counties comprising the vacant legislative district. The proposal seeks to standardize the procedure for these appointments, aiming for timely decisions that reflect party representation in the affected district.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding HJR5002 include concerns about the potential concentration of power in the hands of the Governor and the established political parties. Critics might argue that the reliance on central committees limits democratic input and may not adequately represent the preferences of constituents. In contrast, proponents view this amendment as a pragmatic solution to ensure that legislative functions remain uninterrupted, highlighting the need for swift action when a vacancy occurs.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

SD SJR508

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election, amendments to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, removing the lieutenant governor as presiding officer of the Senate.

SD SJR506

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, limiting to a flat rate the real property taxes.

SD HJR5003

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, requiring that a constitutional amendment receive an affirmative vote of sixty percent of the votes cast before the measure is enacted.

SD SJR504

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, requiring a number of signatures on a petition to initiate a constitutional amendment be obtained from each county.

SD SJR503

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, clarifying that an individual must be a citizen of the United States to be eligible to vote.

SD SJR505

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, establishing the trust for unclaimed property fund.

SD HJR5002

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, repealing the requirement to provide expanded medicaid.

SD SJR501

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, limiting the number of terms an individual may serve as a member of the Legislature.

SD SJR507

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, providing for wagering on sporting events via mobile or electronic platform.

SD HJR5005

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, limiting the assessed value of real property and limiting real property taxes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.