Oklahoma House Bill HJR1008

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, HJR1008 would alter the threshold required for constitutional amendments, reinforcing the need for a larger consensus among voters. Proponents argue that this change would ensure that only widely supported amendments can alter the fundamental legal framework of the state, protecting the Constitution from changes driven by narrow majorities. This could lead to greater stability in Oklahoma's constitutional provisions and may deter frequent or partisan-driven amendments that could be divisive.

Summary

HJR1008 is a proposed constitutional amendment that mandates a fifty-five percent (55%) majority vote of the electorate to pass any amendments to the Oklahoma Constitution proposed by the Legislature. This measure also outlines that a simple majority is sufficient to repeal existing provisions of the Constitution. The resolution seeks to direct the Secretary of State to facilitate the submission of this amendment to Oklahomans for their approval or rejection during the next regular general election, or at a special election called by the Legislature with a two-thirds vote from both houses.

Contention

There are notable implications and potential points of contention surrounding HJR1008. Critics may argue that raising the threshold to a fifty-five percent majority could impede necessary reforms and perpetuate the status quo, particularly on issues that may require updates based on evolving social or political conditions. Conversely, supporters emphasize the necessity of protecting the integrity of the Constitution by making it harder to amend, potentially limiting the influence of transient political movements on perennial constitutional protections.