Oklahoma House Bill HJR1034

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Constitutional amendment; requiring certain vote of people to pass constitutional amendments; ballot title.

Impact

The potential implications of HJR1034 on state laws are noteworthy. By establishing this higher threshold for constitutional amendments, the bill aims to ensure that only proposals with substantial support can lead to changes in the state constitution. This could lead to a reduction in the number of amendments that are able to pass, potentially making it more challenging for grassroots initiatives to succeed. Supporters argue that this requirement could protect the constitution from frequent alterations and ensure that significant changes reflect broad consensus among the electorate.

Summary

HJR1034 is a proposed constitutional amendment originating from the Oklahoma legislature that requires a specific voting threshold for the approval of constitutional amendments. Under this proposal, for any initiative petition to amend the constitution to be passed, it must achieve either a fifty-five percent majority of the votes cast or a majority vote from at least twenty counties in the state. This amendment is significant as it alters the existing requirements which govern the process of amending the Oklahoma Constitution.

Contention

However, the proposal has sparked debate among lawmakers and stakeholders. Opponents express concerns that increasing the voting threshold could disenfranchise voters and limit the ability of citizens to influence constitutional changes that directly affect them. Critics argue that it may favor well-organized groups that can mobilize support across many counties, thereby marginalizing less-advocated issues that may have significant support in certain areas but lack statewide backing. The proposal's critics warn that it could undermine direct democracy and the power of citizen-led initiatives.