Proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting a statutory initiative measure approved by the voters to be amended or repealed by the General Assembly except under certain conditions
If passed, the amendment will change the legislative landscape in Missouri by ensuring that any statutory measure approved by voters cannot be modified or repealed by the General Assembly unless certain conditions are met. These conditions include a waiting period of six years after a measure's passage or requiring a three-fourths majority vote from both chambers of the General Assembly for any amendments. This could lead to more permanently established laws that reflect the will of the voters and limit potential legislative interference.
HJR130 proposes a significant constitutional amendment concerning the powers of voters regarding statutory measures in Missouri. Specifically, it aims to repeal Section 49 of Article III of the Missouri Constitution and replace it with a new provision that establishes strict conditions under which the General Assembly can amend or repeal statutory measures approved by voters. This move intends to protect voter initiatives from being easily overridden by the legislature, thereby reinforcing the voice of the electorate in state governance.
The introduction of HJR130 has generated debate among lawmakers and the public alike. Proponents argue that the bill empowers citizens and protects voter-approved measures from political whims, thus promoting democratic engagement and stability in state laws. Conversely, opponents raise concerns about potential impediments to legislative flexibility, arguing that the amendment could hinder the ability of the General Assembly to respond to changing circumstances or necessary adjustments to laws derived from voter initiatives.