North Dakota Senate Bill SCR4013

North Dakota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/23
• Refer: 1/23/23
• Report Pass: 2/20/23
• Engrossed: 2/22/23
• Refer: 2/22/23
• Report Pass: 3/21/23
• Enrolled: 4/12/23
• Passed: 4/12/23

Caption

The process for approving initiated constitutional amendments, the requirement of a single subject for each petition and measure, the individuals able to circulate a petition, and the requirement that all ballot measures must be voted on at the primary and general election.

Impact

If enacted, SCR4013 would bring significant changes to the procedural framework governing how citizens can propose constitutional amendments in North Dakota. By mandating that all measures have only one subject, the bill aims to simplify the understanding and voting process for electors. This change has implications for grassroots efforts and could potentially limit the scope of issues that can be addressed through a single petition. Furthermore, the requirement for qualified electors to circulate petitions seeks to establish a clearer connection between petitioners and the state's electorate, which proponents argue will enhance accountability.

Summary

SCR4013, also known as the Senate Concurrent Resolution 4013, seeks to amend the North Dakota Constitution regarding the process for initiating constitutional amendments. The proposed legislation aims to require that all initiated amendments be voted on at both primary and general elections and stipulates that petitions for these amendments must be limited to a single subject. Additionally, only qualified electors will be permitted to circulate petitions, ensuring that those involved in the process are registered voters in the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR4013 appears to be mixed, with proponents expressing support for the clarity and structure that the bill would provide in the constitutional amendment process. Supporters, particularly from the majority legislative party, argue that it will prevent multi-issue confusion on ballots and streamline citizen initiatives. Conversely, critics may view these proposals as restrictive, arguing that they could stifle grassroots movements and limit voters’ rights to propose amendments reflecting wider communities' concerns and needs.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential reduction of citizen participation in the legislative process. Critics express concerns that by restricting who can circulate petitions and limiting the content to single subjects, SCR4013 could make it more challenging for innovative or comprehensive policy proposals to reach the ballot. Furthermore, the enforcement of these stipulations may lead to legal ambiguities regarding what constitutes compliance with the single subject rule, raising questions about the practical impacts of this legislation on the future of citizen-driven initiatives in the state.