RI
Rhode Island House Bill H7425

Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7425

Introduced
2/9/22  

Caption

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State (initiative And Referendum)

Impact

If passed, the proposed amendments will grant voters significant authority over legislative matters, particularly in relation to constitutional changes and statutory initiatives. This shift is intended to clarify the procedures for initiatives and set specific requirements, such as the number of signatures needed to qualify for the ballot. The changes are designed to streamline the process for voters and ensure that initiatives and amendments are handled in a manner that is transparent and accountable.

Summary

House Bill 7425 proposes to amend the Constitution of the State of Rhode Island to enhance the process of initiative and referendum. The bill aims to reserve the power for the electorate to propose laws and constitutional amendments, as well as to adopt or reject them during general elections without requiring approval from the general assembly. This emphasis on direct democracy ensures that voters have more agency in the legislative process and can enact laws that reflect their needs and priorities more directly.

Contention

Opponents of HB 7425 might raise concerns regarding the potential for conflicting initiatives and the impact of such changes on the traditional legislative process. Critics may argue that while empowering voters is important, such measures could lead to a disjointed or unpredictable legislative landscape, where popular initiatives could override carefully considered laws enacted by elected representatives. There may also be discussions on whether this effectively diminishes the role of the legislature, risking a simplification of complex policy decisions that could benefit from thorough debate and analysis by lawmakers.

Latest H7425 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5236

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State (initiative And Referendum) (this Resolution Would Enable The Citizens Of Rhode Island To Propose Laws And Amendments To The Constitution Through An Initiative And Referendum Process, Except As To Revenue And Appropriations, Which Power Remains Vested In The General Assembly.)

RI H6660

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State -- Referendum On Line Item Veto (same As 21h-5861 -- This Joint Resolution Would Provide For The Publishing And Submission To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State For A Line Item Veto.)

RI H5518

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State -- Line Item Veto

RI SCR60

Proposes constitutional amendment to provide for Statewide initiative and referendum.

RI SCR111

Proposes constitutional amendment to provide for Statewide initiative and referendum.

RI S2092

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State -- Referendum On Line Item Veto (this Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Would Provide The Governor With A Line Item Veto On The Budget And Other Bills For The Appropriation Of Money.)

RI S2445

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- REFERENDUM ON LINE ITEM VETO (This proposed amendment to the Constitution would provide the governor with a line item veto on the budget and other bills for the appropriation of money.)

RI S0308

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- REFERENDUM ON LINE ITEM VETO (This proposed amendment to the Constitution would provide the governor with a line item veto on the budget and other bills for the appropriation of money.)

RI S0341

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State -- Referendum On Line Item Veto (this Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Would Provide The Governor With A Line Item Veto On The Budget And Other Bills For The Appropriation Of Money.)

RI S2526

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Composition Of The Senate

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