If ratified, SJ0003 would alter the current requirement under Article 20, Section 1 of the Wyoming Constitution, which mandates only a simple majority from statewide electors. By introducing the additional county-level approval requirement, this bill would emphasize the representation of less populated regions in the constitutional amendment process. Proponents argue that this would prevent amendments from being passed that might disproportionately benefit areas with larger populations, ensuring that all regions of the state have a voice in significant legal changes.
Summary
SJ0003, also known as the Senate Joint Resolution 3, proposes a crucial amendment to the Wyoming Constitution regarding the process of ratifying constitutional amendments. Specifically, it seeks to add a stipulation that any proposed amendment must be approved not only by a majority of the electors statewide but also by a majority in at least three-fourths of the counties. This change aims to ensure broader geographic support for constitutional changes, reflecting the interests of rural areas and smaller counties compared to urban centers.
Contention
Debate around SJ0003 is expected to involve significant discussion regarding the balance of power between urban and rural populations in Wyoming. Supporters of the bill assert that it promotes local governance and protects the interests of smaller counties, which may feel overlooked in legislative processes dominated by larger cities. However, opponents may argue that such a requirement could hinder necessary reforms and complicate the amendment process, potentially leading to a lack of responsiveness to evolving legal and social issues across the state.
(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)
A Constitutional Amendment Concerning The Vote Requirements For Initiated Acts And Constitutional Amendments To Be Considered Approved At The General Election.
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.