JOINT RESOLUTION APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF QUALIFICATION FOR OFFICE (Proposes a state constitutional amendment to provide no person could hold office as general officer unless that person was a resident and a registered voter in the State of Rhode Island for at least 5 years, continuously, prior to taking office.)
Impact
If enacted, Bill S2662 would amend Article III of the Rhode Island Constitution to include this residency requirement, thereby establishing a new standard for eligibility to these key state offices. This change aims to strengthen the connection between elected officials and the electorate by ensuring that candidates have familiarity with the state's issues and concerns shaped by prolonged residency. The practical effect could lead to a more stable and informed leadership, as officials would have lived through the policies and circumstances affecting their constituents.
Summary
Bill S2662 proposes a constitutional amendment that stipulates that no individual may hold an office as governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, or general treasurer in Rhode Island unless they have been a resident and registered voter in the state for a minimum of five consecutive years prior to taking office. The intention behind this bill is to ensure that individuals in these high offices have a long-term commitment to the state's community and governance, potentially reflecting a deeper understanding of local issues.
Contention
There may be potential points of contention surrounding this bill, especially regarding how these residency requirements could be viewed as gatekeeping measures, which might disenfranchise certain groups, such as those who may have recently moved to the state or those with less traditional life paths. Lawmakers and constituents may debate whether such a measure is necessary or whether it would unreasonably limit the pool of qualified candidates for these important positions in state government. Additionally, the bill would require a statewide vote for approval, which will necessitate a significant campaign to raise awareness and support among voters.
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 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 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 -- 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, 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.)
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 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.)