RI
Rhode Island House Bill H7474

Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7474

Introduced
2/2/24  

Caption

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE (Would propose to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment regarding eligibility to vote and to be a candidate.)

Impact

The legislation aims to shift the current norms surrounding voter eligibility by potentially enhancing inclusivity in the voting process. This is significant as it could affect various demographic groups, such as students or transient workers, who may struggle to meet the existing residency requirements. Additionally, the bill stipulates that any individual adjudicated as non compos mentis or incarcerated due to felony convictions will still face restrictions regarding their voting rights until they have fully served their sentences, thereby upholding certain existing limitations within the proposed changes.

Summary

House Bill 7474 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment concerning the eligibility to vote in the state of Rhode Island. If passed, the amendment would remove the existing thirty-day residency requirement and allow individuals to register to vote on election day. This change is aimed at increasing voter accessibility and participation, particularly for those who may not be able to fulfill the current residency mandates. In essence, the bill seeks to modernize the state's voting system in line with the evolving patterns of mobility among citizens.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 7474 include concerns from various political factions regarding the integrity of the electoral process. Supporters argue that the amendment will facilitate increased voter participation and reflect modern societal needs, whereas opponents express apprehension that relaxing residency requirements could lead to potential abuses or complications in the voting system. There's also a discussion about ensuring rigorous voter registration processes to prevent fraud, while balancing accessibility, signaling a divide in perspectives about election security versus voter inclusivity.

Latest H7474 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0608

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution -- Of Suffrage (would Propose To The Voters Of The State A Constitutional Amendment Regarding Eligibility To Vote And To Be A Candidate.)

RI H5770

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution -- Of Suffrage (would Propose To The Voters Of The State A Constitutional Amendment Regarding Eligibility To Vote And To Be A Candidate.)

RI H5310

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution -- Jury Nullification As Proper Trial Defense Argument (this Joint Resolution Would Propose To The Voters A Constitutional Amendment Which Would Allow A Criminal Defendant To Argue Jury Nullification As A Defense.)

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 S0147

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State (governor And Lieutenant Governor To Appear Jointly On The Ballot) (requires Submission To Voters Election Constitutional Amendment Requiring Governor/lieutenant Governor To Run As A Team In Elections Commencing In 2026.)

RI H5189

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State-of Elections And Campaign Finance (proposes A Constitutional Amendment Authorizing Four (4) Year Terms For Members Of The General Assembly, Elected Members From Even Numbered Districts Would Begin To Be Elected To Four (4) Year Terms.)

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 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 H5726

Joint Resolution Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution - Provisions Of State Constitution Declared To Be Presumptively Judicially Enforceable By Parties Allegedly Aggrieved By Violations Thereof (proposes To The Voters Of The State A Constitutional Amendment That The Provisions Of The State Constitution Are Presumptively Judicially Enforceable By Parties Allegedly Aggrieved By Violations Thereof.)

RI H5126

Joint Resolution To Approve, Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State -- Four Year Terms And Term Limits For Representatives And Senators (proposes An Amendment To The State Constitution, Article Iv, To Allow For Term Limits For The General Assembly Members.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.