Proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting an initiative measure approved by the voters to be amended or repealed by the General Assembly except by referendum
Impact
Should HJR80 be approved by voters in the upcoming election, it would establish a firmer protection for voter-approved measures against alterations by the legislature. This would represent a shift in how legislative power interacts with direct democracy in Missouri, as it places the will of the voters above legislative navigations. Proponents of the amendment argue that this change is necessary to ensure that the electorate retains control over issues determined through ballot initiatives, safeguarding against potential legislative overreach or changes to laws that the public has verified through direct voting.
Summary
HJR80 proposes a constitutional amendment that seeks to significantly alter the balance of power between Missouri voters and the state legislature regarding initiative measures. Specifically, this joint resolution aims to repeal Section 49 of Article III of the Missouri Constitution and replace it with a new provision. The proposed new Section 49 would reserve to the people the power to propose and enact or reject laws and amendments to the constitution independently of the General Assembly. Furthermore, any initiative measure approved by a majority of voters would not be amendable or repealable by the General Assembly unless such action is validated through a referendum.
Contention
This amendment, while aimed at empowering voters, has raised concerns regarding the balance of state governance. Opponents fear that allowing initiatives to be insulated from legislative amendment could lead to poorly conceived laws remaining unchallenged, or overly rigid rules that do not adapt to changing circumstances. The debate around HJR80 underscores a broader discussion about the role of direct democracy in government and whether it serves the best interests of the public or undermines the legislative process's ability to react and evolve.
Notable_points
HJR80 comes at a time when various interest groups are advocating for or against its passage, indicating a deep divide over the method of governance in Missouri. The outcome of this amendment is poised to significantly impact future ballot initiatives and the legislative action that follows them. By reinforcing the power of initiative petitions, the resolution represents a potentially historic change in Mississippi's voter participation and legislative accountability landscape.
Proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting an initiative measure approved by the voters to be amended or repealed by the General Assembly except by referendum
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
Proposes a constitutional amendment to prohibit any new tax or increase in tax from going into effect unless approved by the voters in a general election
Proposes a constitutional amendment to prohibit any new tax or increase in tax from going into effect unless approved by the voters in a general election