Arkansas Senate Bill SJR16

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/8/23
• Refer: 2/8/23
• Failed: 5/1/23

Caption

A Constitutional Amendment Concerning The Powers And Duties Of The Independent Citizens Commission.

Impact

If passed, SJR 16 would have significant implications for state laws regarding the governance model in Arkansas. It seeks to enhance the authority of the Independent Citizens Commission, potentially leading to increased transparency and accountability in the state's administrative processes. The amendment could enable the commission to take on new responsibilities, thereby influencing various policies that affect the citizens of Arkansas.

Summary

SJR 16, introduced by Senator B. King, proposes a constitutional amendment concerning the powers and duties of the Independent Citizens Commission in Arkansas. This amendment aims to clarify and potentially expand the responsibilities of the commission, which plays a crucial role in overseeing certain aspects of state governance and ensuring accountability. The bill is designed to be submitted to voters at the next general election, where a majority approval would allow it to be adopted into the Arkansas Constitution.

Contention

Although the bill is framed as a means to empower citizens through enhanced oversight, there could be points of contention among legislators and stakeholders. Some may argue that expanding the powers of the commission could lead to overreach and bureaucratic inefficiencies, while others could view it as a necessary step towards greater democratic participation and transparency. The debate surrounding the bill will likely evolve as it progresses through the legislative process and enters public discourse.