Joint resolution; calling a Constitutional Convention to alter, revise, or amend the present Constitution of the State of Oklahoma or propose a new Constitution.
The proposed resolution emphasizes the importance of public engagement in the legislative process. Changes proposed by the convention or any new Constitution will ultimately be submitted to Oklahoma voters for approval in the General Election of 2028. This is particularly significant as the last Constitutional Convention proposal was initiated in 1970, highlighting a long gap in revisiting the state's foundational legal document. The resolution, therefore, seeks to ensure that the Constitution remains relevant and reflective of contemporary values and governance needs.
SJR15 is a Joint Resolution calling for a Constitutional Convention in Oklahoma. The convention is set to convene on July 12, 2024, and will conclude by June 30, 2025. The primary purpose of the convention is to alter, amend, or propose a new Constitution for the State of Oklahoma. It outlines that the convention will involve one hundred six delegates, primarily selected from the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches, as well as public representatives, ensuring a diverse representation that reflects the state's various demographics and political affiliations.
Discussions around SJR15 may generate contention among various stakeholders. While supporters argue that a Constitutional Convention could modernize and improve state governance, there are opponents who fear that a wholesale review of the Constitution could lead to unintended consequences, such as the erosion of established rights and protections. Critics may argue for the necessity of local control and the implications of altering provisions that have historically safeguarded citizen interests. Ensuring effective oversight and defining the scope of the proposed changes will likely be points of debate leading up to the convention.