JOINT RESOLUTION TO SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE STATE AT THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION IN 2024: "SHALL THERE BE A CONVENTION TO AMEND OR REVISE THE CONSTITUTION?" (Proposes a proposition of a question to the voters of the state as to whether there should be a convention to amend or revise the Constitution.)
Impact
The passage of S3137 could lead to substantial implications for state laws and governance. By potentially allowing a convention, it opens the door for a reevaluation of existing constitutional provisions. This could shift the balance of legislative power and redefine various rights and responsibilities enshrined in the current state constitution. The discussions surrounding this bill highlight the importance of direct democracy and the role of citizens in shaping their governing documents.
Summary
S3137 is a joint resolution introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly that seeks to pose a significant question to the electorate in the upcoming 2024 general election. The resolution asks whether there should be a convention to amend or revise the Constitution of the State of Rhode Island. If passed, this proposal will require a majority vote from the members of the general assembly, followed by approval from the voters, thereby directly involving the electorate in constitutional matters.
Contention
Notable points of contention regarding S3137 revolve around concerns about the scope and implications of a convention. Advocates argue that it is an essential democratic measure that empowers citizens to override outdated provisions or to address emerging issues that require constitutional attention. In contrast, opponents raise concerns about the risks associated with a convention, including the possibility of unintended consequences or radical changes to fundamental rights and established law. There are apprehensions that such a convention could lead to the disruption of long-standing protections within the state constitution.
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)