Maine House Bill LD78

Maine 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/23
• Refer: 1/4/23
• Engrossed: 6/14/23
• Enrolled: 6/14/23
• Passed: 7/25/23

Caption

RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Require All Provisions in the Constitution to Be Included in the Official Printing

Impact

If enacted, LD78 will amend Article X, Section 7 of the Maine Constitution, which currently does not require the complete inclusion of all provisions in the official copies. This change will result in a more comprehensive dissemination of the constitutional text, potentially affecting how citizens engage with and understand their constitutional rights and state governance. It aligns with broader efforts to promote transparency in legislative documentation and could serve as a model for other states considering similar reforms.

Summary

LD78 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of Maine that mandates every provision of the Constitution be included in the official printed versions prepared by the Secretary of State. This amendment seeks to enhance transparency and ensure that citizens have access to the full text of the Constitution, eliminating any potential gaps in availability of legislative provisions. The bill emphasizes the importance of transparency in governance and seeks to promote informed civic engagement by ensuring all constitutional clauses are readily accessible to the public.

Sentiment

The sentiment regarding LD78 is likely to be positive among proponents of transparent governance, who see the amendment as a necessary step toward ensuring that all citizens have equal access to constitutional information. However, there could be dissent among those wary of changes to established processes or those concerned about the implications of making legal texts more accessible, potentially leading to misinterpretation or misuse. Overall, discussions may reflect a balance between promoting transparency and maintaining established governance practices.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding LD78 may include concerns about the costs associated with revising and printing updated versions of the Constitution, as well as the logistics of implementing this requirement for future amendments. Additionally, there may be debates regarding the responsibility of the state in ensuring accessibility and readability of the Constitution, especially concerning updates following legislative changes. Lastly, discussions may arise about the potential impact on civic engagement and public perceptions of governance.