Connecticut House Bill HJ00008

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/19
• Refer: 1/10/19

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, this amendment would lead to substantial changes in how laws are created in Connecticut. By enabling direct initiatives, citizens would be able to propose legislation directly, potentially expediting the law-making process on issues that matter to them. This shift could decrease reliance on traditional legislative processes and encourage more civic involvement in shaping state policies, reflecting the will of the people more directly.

Summary

HJ00008 is a proposed amendment to the Connecticut State Constitution that seeks to empower the electors of the state by granting them the right to propose and enact laws through direct initiatives. This direct initiative process would allow citizens to bypass the legislature in law-making, thereby increasing public participation in governance. It reflects a significant shift towards empowering voters and enhancing democratic engagement within the state.

Contention

The introduction of HJ00008 may generate debate among lawmakers and constituents regarding the potential for direct initiatives to both enhance democracy and introduce challenges. Critics may argue that direct initiatives could lead to poorly crafted laws or propositions that do not undergo the rigorous scrutiny typical of legislative processes. Supporters, however, might contend that this form of direct democracy provides a necessary counterbalance to perceived legislative inaction on critical issues.