Connecticut House Bill HJ00015

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/17
• Refer: 1/17/17

Caption

Resolution Proposing An Amendment To The State Constitution To Provide For Direct Referenda.

Impact

If enacted, the constitutional amendment would have significant implications for how laws are passed and scrutinized in the state. It would empower citizens, offering them a greater opportunity to influence legislation directly rather than solely relying on their elected representatives in the General Assembly. This power could alter legislative dynamics and encourage more robust civic engagement, as citizens may feel more invested in the political process if they have the means to directly impact lawmaking decisions.

Summary

HJ00015 is a proposed resolution aimed at amending the state constitution to enable direct referenda. With this amendment, voters would be granted the authority to directly approve or reject any law or part of a law through a referendum, independent of the General Assembly. The resolution seeks to enhance democratic participation by allowing citizens a more direct role in the legislative process and decision-making at the state level. This initiative reflects a growing desire for voter empowerment and responsiveness from elected officials.

Contention

However, there are notable points of contention regarding the proposal. Critics may argue that direct referenda can lead to poorly informed decisions among voters who might not have the capacity or resources to fully understand the complexities of each piece of legislation. Furthermore, opponents may express concerns about the potential for special interest groups to manipulate referenda campaigns, thereby undermining the integrity of the process. As proponents advocate for greater transparency and accountability through direct voter participation, the debate around the feasibility and implications of such a drastic shift in governance continues.