Oklahoma Senate Bill SJR2

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Constitutional amendment; declaring Oklahoma a sovereign state; declaring certain laws null and void.

Impact

If SJR2 is passed, it could have significant implications for state laws and the relationship between state and federal authorities. It would empower the state to reject federal mandates that are perceived to conflict with state interests, effectively elevating the state's constitutional rights. The resolution may provoke legal disputes regarding the interpretation of sovereignty, especially in areas where state law may conflict with federal regulations. Some proponents argue that this measure will protect the rights of Oklahomans against federal overreach, while critics warn that it could lead to a decline in cooperation with federal laws and programs.

Summary

SJR2 is a proposed joint resolution that seeks to amend Section 1 of Article I of the Oklahoma Constitution. It aims to declare the State of Oklahoma a sovereign entity within the United States and asserts that any state laws that contradict the United States Constitution are to be deemed null and void. This proposal reflects a broader movement among some legislators who advocate for increased state autonomy, particularly in matters they believe the federal government has overstepped. The resolution is designed to affirm state authority and establish a clear stance on the supremacy of the U.S. Constitution within the state's legal framework.

Contention

Debate around SJR2 is expected to highlight the tension between state and federal governance, as well as the implications of redefining state sovereignty. Supporters of the bill argue that states should have the authority to determine their own laws without federal interference, while opponents argue that such a declaration could endanger federal funding and programs that are vital to the state. Contention may also arise around the practical application of this amendment: how state agencies and courts would react to laws that are declared null and void under this new provision.