Oklahoma House Bill HJR1042

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Constitutional amendment; clarifying language; ballot title.

Impact

If enacted, HJR1042 would codify existing practices surrounding voter initiatives and referendums while also providing clearer guidelines on the process for proposing legislative measures and amendments. This could impact state laws by ensuring that the thresholds for citizen participation in the legislative process are well-defined, potentially enhancing democratic engagement. By requiring full text of proposed measures to be included with petitions, it should improve transparency for voters regarding what they are endorsing.

Summary

HJR1042 is a proposed joint resolution directing the Secretary of State of Oklahoma to refer a constitutional amendment to the electorate. The resolution aims to clarify the language of Article V, Section 2 of the Oklahoma Constitution, which outlines the powers reserved for the people pertaining to initiatives and referendums. The proposed amendment specifies the percentages of legal voters required to propose legislative measures and constitutional amendments by petition, aiming for greater clarity and accessibility in the legislative process for Oklahoma citizens.

Contention

While the bill seeks to simplify and clarify the amendment process, some opposition may be anticipated. Critics could argue that any changes to voter initiative and referendum processes should be approached with caution, as they might unintentionally restrict citizen engagement in legislative matters. Additionally, questions may arise regarding the logistics of implementation and whether additional requirements might deter voters from participating in these processes.