RI
Rhode Island Senate Bill S3147

Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S3147

Introduced
6/7/24  
Refer
6/7/24  
Report Pass
6/11/24  
Engrossed
6/13/24  
Enrolled
6/13/24  

Caption

JOINT RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR A BI-PARTISAN PREPARATORY COMMISSION TO ASSEMBLE INFORMATION ON CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS IN PREPARATION FOR A VOTE BY THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS ON THE HOLDING OF A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE XIV SECTION 2 OF THE RHODE ISLAND CONSTITUTION (This resolution would provide for a twelve (12) member bi-partisan commission to assemble information on constitutional questions in preparation for a vote by electors on holding a constitutional convention, and who would report back by September 1, 2024.)

Impact

The establishment of this commission aims to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the constitutional issues at hand before electors make their decision. The twelve-member commission, appointed from both legislative chambers and including public representatives, is tasked with compiling findings to present to state leadership and the general public. This initiative highlights the state's commitment to engaging citizens in the constitutional process and ensuring transparency as Rhode Island navigates important structural questions.

Summary

S3147, a joint resolution introduced by Senator Dawn M. Euer, seeks to form a bi-partisan preparatory commission to explore constitutional questions ahead of a vote on whether to hold a constitutional convention. This initiative responds to Article XIV, Section 2 of the Rhode Island Constitution, which mandates that a question regarding the holding of a constitutional convention be posed to voters during the upcoming general election on November 5, 2024. The resolution emphasizes the importance of gathering adequate information to inform voters regarding this significant constitutional process.

Contention

As with any significant constitutional change, there may be varying opinions on the necessity and implications of such a commission. Proponents argue that better-informed voters can lead to more meaningful engagement with the state's constitution, while critics might express concerns about the cost, efficacy, or potential political motivations behind establishing such a preparatory commission. Ultimately, the discussions leading up to the commission's findings may highlight differing perspectives on how to best handle constitutional questions in the present political climate.

Latest S3147 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 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 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 S0634

Senate Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study The Impact And Potential Economic Benefits Of Bail Reforms On Black Rhode Islanders And The State (creates An Eleven (11) Member Commission To Study The Impact And Potential Economic Benefits Of Bail Reforms On Black Rhode Islanders And The State, And Would Report Back By February 5, 2024, And Expire On April 5, 2024.)

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 H5882

Joint Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Write An Olmstead Plan For Rhode Island (creates A Twenty-eight (28) Member Special Legislative Commission Whose Purpose It Is To Write An Olmstead Plan For Ri, And Who Reports Back To The General Assembly No Later Than January 3, 2024, And Whose Life Expires On July 1, 2024.)

RI S0795

Joint Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Write An Olmstead Plan For Rhode Island (creates A Twenty-eight (28) Member Special Legislative Commission Whose Purpose It Is To Write An Olmstead Plan For Ri, And Who Reports Back To The General Assembly No Later Than January 3, 2024, And Whose Life Expires On July 1, 2024.)

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.)

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.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.