SD
South Dakota Senate Bill SJR504

South Dakota 2025 Regular Session

South Dakota Senate Bill SJR504

Introduced
1/23/25  

Caption

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, requiring a number of signatures on a petition to initiate a constitutional amendment be obtained from each county.

Impact

If enacted, SJR504 would fundamentally change the process by which residents can propose changes to the state constitution. It aims to distribute the requirement for signatures more evenly across all counties, which could enhance county-level participation in the constitutional amendment process. This approach may lead to a more equitable representation of diverse regions within South Dakota, as it prevents a scenario where heavily populated areas dominate the signature-gathering process.

Summary

SJR504, introduced by Senator Pischke, is a proposed joint resolution that seeks to amend the Constitution of the State of South Dakota. The primary objective of this legislation is to require that any petition to initiate a constitutional amendment must gather signatures from each county in the state. Specifically, the amendment stipulates that the number of signatures must equal at least two percent of the total votes cast for Governor during the previous gubernatorial election from each senatorial district. Additionally, the total number of signatures for the petition must represent at least ten percent of the total votes cast for Governor in that election.

Contention

Notably, there may be points of contention regarding this proposed amendment. Critics might argue that imposing a county-specific signature requirement could hinder the ability of citizens to initiate amendments, especially for issues more relevant to urban areas that might not resonate as strongly in rural districts. Proponents, conversely, would likely advocate for this change as a means of ensuring that all voices across the state are heard, promoting a broader consensus on significant changes to the constitution.

Latest SJR504 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

SD HJR5001

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, requiring an intervening general election occur before an initiated constitutional amendment that is substantially similar to an initiated amendment that was previously voted on and rejected may be submitted to a vote of the electors.

SD HB1200

Require a percentage of signatures on a petition to initiate a constitutional amendment to be obtained from each legislative district.

SD SJR504

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota revising the process by which a legislative vacancy is filled.

SD SJR505

Proposing and submitting to the electors at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, updating references to certain officeholders and persons.

SD HJR5001

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, requiring all non-judicial offices elected by a statewide vote to be nominated at a primary election.

SD SJR504

Proposing and submitting to the electors at the next general election an amendment to Article III of the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, to limit terms of service for legislators to eight years.

SD SJR506

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election, an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, to address the right of citizens to bear arms.

SD HJR5003

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election, an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, to limit the placement of restrictions on the right to bear arms.

SD SJR501

Proposing and submitting to the electors at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, providing for the retention elections of circuit court judges.

SD HJR5006

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, providing for wagering on sporting events via mobile or electronic platform.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.