Researcher: MHF Page 1 4/17/23
OLR Bill Analysis
SJ 7
RESOLUTION PROPOSING A STATE CONSTITUTIONAL
AMENDMENT TO PROVIDE FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW OF
CONTESTED GENERAL ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS.
SUMMARY
This resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to give the
courts, instead of the General Assembly, exclusive jurisdiction over
disputes or questions regarding elections returns for state legislators.
Currently, the House and Senate each have final authority to decide
these matters, as well as qualifications, as to their own members. The
amendment correspondingly requires that voter returns and canvass
results be submitted to the state Supreme Court, in addition to the
General Assembly as required by current law.
The ballot designation to be used when the amendment is presented
at the general election is “Shall the Constitution of the State be amended
to provide for judicial review of disputes and questions regarding
elections to the General Assembly?”
EFFECTIVE DATE: If the resolution passes by at least three-fourths
of the membership of each house of the General Assembly, it will be
placed on the 2024 general election ballot. If it passes by a majority of
the membership of each house but less than three-fourths, it will be
referred to the 2025 session of the legislature. If it passes in that session
by a majority of each house, it will appear on the 2026 general election
ballot. If a majority of those voting on the amendment in a general
election approve it, the amendment will become part of the state
constitution.
COMMITTEE ACTION
Government Administration and Elections Committee
Joint Favorable
Yea 17 Nay 1 (03/27/2023)