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
The passage of S3136, if approved by voters, would mark a significant moment in Rhode Island's democratic processes by potentially opening up the state's constitutional framework for reassessment. This may lead to comprehensive alterations affecting various aspects of governance and law. It places the power of constitutional amendments directly into the hands of citizens, allowing them to address pressing issues that require more than mere legislative adjustments.
Summary
S3136 is a joint resolution introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly, proposing to place a question before the qualified electors of the state during the 2024 general election. The primary inquiry is whether there should be a convention to amend or revise the Rhode Island Constitution. This legislative move seeks to empower voters to decide if constitutional changes should be pursued through a convention, allowing for potential revisions that could reflect the evolving needs of the state and its citizens.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding S3136 include concerns regarding what specific amendments or revisions could be proposed during a constitutional convention. Critics may argue that a convention could lead to unintended consequences, including the possibility of eroding existing rights or protections currently enshrined in the Constitution. Proponents, however, emphasize the necessity for adaptability in governance, arguing that the constitution should be a living document that answers to the contemporary issues facing Rhode Island.
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 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 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.)