Constitutional amendment; requiring certain majority vote of the people to pass constitutional amendments; ballot title; filing.
Impact
The introduction of HJR1059 could have profound implications for the way constitutional amendments are approached in Oklahoma. By necessitating a higher threshold for approval, the bill could lead to greater stability in the state's constitutional framework, potentially making it more challenging for controversial amendments to pass. Proponents of the bill argue that this elevated requirement will protect the Constitution from frequent and frivolous changes, ensuring that any significant alterations reflect a robust consensus among the electorate. This could, in theory, safeguard long-standing rights and processes enshrined in the state constitution.
Summary
HJR1059 is a proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to amend Section 1 of Article XXIV of the Oklahoma Constitution. The primary aim of this amendment is to establish that any constitutional amendment proposed by the Legislature must be approved by a fifty-five percent majority of voters in order to take effect. This measure adds a significant level of voter oversight to the amendment process and aims to safeguard against potentially hasty or unpopular changes to the state's fundamental laws. Additionally, it stipulates that any amendment that solely repeals existing constitutional provisions requires only a simple majority to pass.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HJR1059 appears to be largely supportive among certain legislative groups, particularly those advocating for greater accountability and representation in the amendment process. Advocates believe that requiring a fifty-five percent majority prevents knee-jerk reactions to legislative proposals that could be detrimental if approved by a simple majority. However, some critics may view this as a hindrance to necessary legal reforms, arguing that it could stymie essential updates to the constitution that reflect changing societal values or needs.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the potential for this amendment to create obstacles for important reforms that require public approval. Opponents may highlight scenarios where needed changes to the constitution could be derailed by the high threshold, thus keeping the constitution static and unresponsive to evolving societal demands. Furthermore, there is a broader debate about the balance of power between the Legislature and the electorate, with some lawmakers concerned that too stringent requirements may undermine legislative authority and responsiveness.
Constitutional amendment; limiting state questions on ballot to odd-numbered years; requiring proposed constitutional amendments or state questions to receive certain majority vote.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.