Modifies provisions for amendment and repeal of statutory provisions initially proposed by the people
Impact
If adopted, HJR103 will significantly alter the legislative landscape in Missouri by making it more challenging for legislators to amend or repeal statutes that originated as citizen initiatives. This change is intended to provide greater protection for laws that reflect the direct will of the people, thus ensuring that such measures have a stable presence in the state's legal framework. The resolution aims to elevate the level of consensus required for these amendments, reflecting a cautious approach to changes that could undermine citizen initiatives.
Summary
House Joint Resolution 103 (HJR103) proposes an amendment to Article III of the Missouri Constitution regarding the modification of statutory measures that are initiated by the people and subsequently passed by the General Assembly. The core change involves the process that the legislature must follow to repeal or amend such statutes. HJR103 stipulates that for the first regular session after a statute takes effect, a repeal or amendment will require a three-fourths majority vote from both legislative houses. In the second session, a two-thirds majority will be needed, and in any subsequent sessions, a majority vote will suffice.
Contention
The proposed amendment has sparked discussions and differing opinions among lawmakers and the public. Proponents argue that it will safeguard the integrity of voter-approved statutes and ensure that such laws are not easily undermined by legislative maneuvering. Conversely, opponents may express concerns over the rigidity it imposes, potentially hindering the legislative body's ability to respond to changing circumstances or correct laws deemed ineffective. This tension reflects broader debates regarding state power versus direct democracy and the balance of influence between legislators and citizens.