Kansas House Bill HCR5024

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/24
• Refer: 1/29/24
• Failed: 4/30/24

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment reserving the power of initiative to the people of Kansas.

Impact

The passage of HCR5024 would fundamentally alter the dynamics of legislative power in Kansas by allowing citizens to push for changes without legislative approval. It would require the establishment of guidelines for gathering signatures and ensuring the transparency of proposed amendments and laws. By shifting some power back to the electorate, the bill aims to strengthen democratic processes at the state level.

Summary

HCR5024 is a proposed resolution that seeks to amend Article 14 of the Kansas Constitution to reserve the power of initiative to the people. This amendment would empower citizens to propose and enact or reject amendments to the state constitution and laws independently of the legislature. It stipulates that for constitutional amendments, a petition must be signed by at least 10% of the voters from the last gubernatorial election, and for laws, by at least 5%. This would enhance public participation in the legislative process, enabling greater grassroots involvement in governance.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HCR5024 is the potential backlash from lawmakers who might view this as an encroachment on legislative authority. Critics may argue that it could lead to a proliferation of conflicting amendments and laws that complicate the legal landscape. Supporters counter that such measures are essential for holding elected officials accountable and ensuring that their views reflect the desires of the populace, especially on contentious issues. The discussion around this resolution may raise questions about the effectiveness of direct democracy versus representative democracy.