Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H8017

Introduced

3/5/24

Refer

3/5/24

Caption

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE (This Joint Resolution would propose to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment which would provide that no person who is not a citizen of the United States would be allowed to vote in this state.)

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly impact the state's existing laws on suffrage. It directly amends Article II, Section 1 of the state constitution, leading to more stringent voting eligibility criteria. This legislative change could lead to potential challenges in voter registration practices, as officials must ensure compliance with the updated citizenship requirements. Overall, this amendment aligns the state constitution with the objective of ensuring that only citizens participate in the electoral process, contrasting with previous practices where non-citizen vote eligibility might have been less clear.

Summary

House Bill H8017 proposes a constitutional amendment to clarify voting rights in the state. The key provision of this bill specifies that only United States citizens who are at least eighteen years old, have resided in the state for a minimum of thirty days, and are registered to vote thirty days prior to an election will be entitled to vote. This amendment aims to ensure that all individuals voting in the state are citizens, thus reinforcing the requirement for citizenship in the voting process.

Contention

The proposal has sparked debate among lawmakers and the public regarding its implications for voter engagement. Supporters argue that it strengthens electoral integrity by preventing non-citizens from voting, thus upholding the principle of citizenship in the democratic process. On the other hand, opponents raise concerns that this amendment could disenfranchise certain groups, particularly individuals who are legal residents but not yet citizens. Critics worry that it may create unnecessary barriers to participation in democracy, thereby affecting local immigrant communities and their influence in the electoral process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0608

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution -- Of Suffrage (would Propose To The Voters Of The State A Constitutional Amendment Regarding Eligibility To Vote And To Be A Candidate.)

RI H5770

RI H5310

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution -- Jury Nullification As Proper Trial Defense Argument (this Joint Resolution Would Propose To The Voters A Constitutional Amendment Which Would Allow A Criminal Defendant To Argue Jury Nullification As A Defense.)

RI H5236

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State (initiative And Referendum) (this Resolution Would Enable The Citizens Of Rhode Island To Propose Laws And Amendments To The Constitution Through An Initiative And Referendum Process, Except As To Revenue And Appropriations, Which Power Remains Vested In The General Assembly.)

RI S0341

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State -- Referendum On Line Item Veto (this Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Would Provide The Governor With A Line Item Veto On The Budget And Other Bills For The Appropriation Of Money.)

RI H5518

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State -- Line Item Veto

RI H5189

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State-of Elections And Campaign Finance (proposes A Constitutional Amendment Authorizing Four (4) Year Terms For Members Of The General Assembly, Elected Members From Even Numbered Districts Would Begin To Be Elected To Four (4) Year Terms.)

RI S0147

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State (governor And Lieutenant Governor To Appear Jointly On The Ballot) (requires Submission To Voters Election Constitutional Amendment Requiring Governor/lieutenant Governor To Run As A Team In Elections Commencing In 2026.)

RI H5311

Joint Resolution Ratifying The Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Relating To The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age (this Joint Resolution Would Ratify A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Which Would Provide That The Congress Of The United States Would Have The Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under 18 Years Of Age.)

RI H5726

Joint Resolution Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution - Provisions Of State Constitution Declared To Be Presumptively Judicially Enforceable By Parties Allegedly Aggrieved By Violations Thereof (proposes To The Voters Of The State A Constitutional Amendment That The Provisions Of The State Constitution Are Presumptively Judicially Enforceable By Parties Allegedly Aggrieved By Violations Thereof.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.