Increases the membership of the Indiana senate to 100 members and the membership of the Indiana house of representatives to 200 members.
Impact
The passage of HJR0004 would fundamentally change the composition of Indiana's legislative bodies, potentially allowing for more diverse representation across various regions. Proponents argue that increasing the number of legislative members would enhance responsiveness to constituents' needs and concerns, as well as limit the influence of a small number of representatives over state policy. Conversely, detractors may express concerns about the implications of such a drastic change, including the increased cost of maintaining a larger legislative body and possible dilution of accountability among representatives.
Summary
HJR0004, introduced in the Indiana General Assembly, proposes an amendment to Article 4 of the state constitution to expand the membership of the Indiana Senate from its current size to 100 members and increase the membership of the Indiana House of Representatives to 200 members. This amendment aims to reflect population growth and ensure more comprehensive representation for the citizens of Indiana. The bill must be agreed to by two consecutive general assemblies and subsequently ratified by a majority of state voters to come into effect.
Contention
There may be significant contention surrounding HJR0004 due to the potential challenges and opposition it might face from various political factions, particularly those cautious of expanding government size and expenditure. Concerns regarding the practical implications of managing a larger legislature, including communication and policy-making effectiveness, are likely to be raised during discussions. Additionally, differing opinions on whether such changes adequately serve the interests of Indiana's population could lead to heated debates during the legislative process.