JOINT RESOLUTION TO SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING QUESTION TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE STATE AT THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION IN 2024: "SHALL THERE BE A CONVENTION TO AMEND OR REVISE THE CONSTITUTION?" (This resolution would provide for the presentation of the following question at the next general election "Shall there be a convention to amend or revise the Constitution?")
Impact
If passed, the bill would empower voters to decide whether to hold a convention dedicated to amending or revising the state constitution. Such a convention could potentially lead to significant changes in various legal frameworks that govern the state, including amendments to existing laws or the introduction of new provisions that could reshape governance, voting rights, and administrative processes. It is viewed as a measure that encourages civic engagement by allowing residents to play a direct role in deciding the future of their state’s Constitution.
Summary
H8326 is a joint resolution introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly that aims to submit a question to the qualified electors of the state in the upcoming general election of 2024. The question posed is whether there should be a convention to amend or revise the state constitution. This initiative reflects ongoing discussions regarding the need for constitutional updates or revisions to address contemporary issues affecting the governance and rights within Rhode Island. The resolution is spearheaded by a group of representatives, including Craven, Shekarchi, and Blazejewski, among others.
Contention
In the discussions surrounding H8326, notable points of contention include differing opinions on the necessity and implications of convening such a convention. Proponents argue that it may be essential to adapt the state's constitution to current realities and societal needs, while opponents may express concerns about the unpredictability of outcomes from a convention, fearing that it may lead to unintended consequences that could undermine existing rights or legal protections. These debates underscore the tension between the desire for reform and the stability provided by the current constitutional framework.
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
Joint Resolution To Approve, Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State -- Four Year Terms And Term Limits For Representatives And Senators (proposes An Amendment To The State Constitution, Article Iv, To Allow For Term Limits For The General Assembly Members.)