Massachusetts House Bill H3819

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/1/23
• Refer: 5/1/23

Caption

In furtherance of the Citizens Commission concerning a Constitutional Amendment to secure government of the people

Impact

If enacted, HB3819 will continue the mandate of the Citizens Commission to advocate and work towards achieving proposed constitutional amendments. The bill emphasizes the necessity for the Commission to provide regular reports on its findings and recommendations, especially concerning Congress's considerations of such amendments. This ongoing evaluation and public engagement represent a critical aspect of ensuring that Massachusetts citizens remain informed and active in governmental matters, especially regarding campaign finance and electoral integrity.

Summary

House Bill 3819 aims to reinvigorate the Citizens Commission established under Chapter 322 of the Acts of 2018. The bill mandates the Commission to advance the policy of amending the Constitution of the United States. This amendment seeks to ensure that government remains accountable to the people, focusing particularly on the influence of money in politics. The intent of the bill arises from the significant public support previously demonstrated through Ballot Question 2, where approximately 71.4% of voters endorsed the initiative. It recognizes the ongoing role of the Citizens Commission in this democratic process.

Contention

The bill reinforces the framework established in previous legislation while introducing operational improvements for the Citizens Commission. Notably, it outlines procedures for filling vacancies within the Commission and mandates annual reporting on their activities. However, the measure may provoke debate around the scope of the Commission's influence and the effectiveness of pushing for state-level changes within the broader ambit of federal constitutional amendments. Some legislators could potentially express concern over the adequacy of representing diverse civic interests within the Commission and the implications of its recommendations on existing governance frameworks.