This proposed amendment has not been previously agreed to by a general assembly.
If enacted, SJR0011 would significantly alter the procedure for amending the state constitution in Indiana. Currently, amendments can be proposed and, if passed by the General Assembly, can go directly to voter referendum. This resolution seeks to slow down that process, ensuring that any proposed amendments undergo more scrutiny across two legislative sessions, followed by a popular vote. This added requirement could potentially limit the number of amendments passed, fostering a more thoughtful and considered legislative approach toward constitutional changes.
SJR0011 is a Senate Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Indiana. This proposed amendment aims to establish a process whereby amendments must be agreed to by two consecutive general assemblies and then ratified by a majority of the state's voters. The intent is to ensure that any changes to the constitution reflect the collective will of both the legislature and the electorate, adding a layer of democratic scrutiny to the amendment process.
The reception of SJR0011 among lawmakers and the public may vary. Supporters argue that the new requirements will prevent hasty or ill-considered amendments that could arise from political pressures or transient public sentiment. Critics, however, may view this as a way to entrench existing power structures and inhibit necessary reforms. The need for both legislative agreement and voter ratification could delay important changes, leading to frustration among constituents seeking immediate action on pressing issues.