Michigan House Bill HJRT

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/26/24
• Refer: 6/26/24

Caption

Constitutional amendments: federal; constitutional amendment to revise the size of United States House districts to not more than 50,000 individuals; ratify. Ratifies a proposed amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

Impact

If adopted, HJRT would significantly change the way federal congressional representation is calculated, potentially leading to increased representation for states with larger populations. The bill aims to create a more equitable system by balancing representation to account for varying state populations, as the current threshold for representation can lead to underrepresentation in populous states. This principle of ensuring fair representation is a key facet of democratic governance.

Summary

HJRT is a joint resolution proposing ratification of a constitutional amendment related to the federal apportionment of the House of Representatives. The proposed amendment stipulates that there should be at least 200 representatives, with no district containing more than 50,000 individuals. This would alter the current structure of representation in the United States, associating the number of congressional representatives more closely with population density across states.

Contention

Debate surrounding HJRT includes concerns about the implications of recalibrating the number of representatives per district. Advocates argue that this change is necessary for fair representation, while critics worry it might complicate the electoral process or lead to disproportionate influence for more densely populated areas. The historical context of apportionment introduces an array of opinions reflecting concerns about accessibility, representation, and governance at both state and federal levels.