RI
Rhode Island House Bill H5734

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H5734

Introduced
2/26/25  

Caption

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- LINE ITEM VETO (This proposed amendment to our state Constitution grants the governor a line-item veto on the budget and other appropriation bills.)

Impact

The proposed amendment seeks to replace the existing provisions in Article IX, Section 14 of the Rhode Island Constitution, which currently lacks any specific line-item veto authority. The amendment, if approved by voters, would modernize the state's constitutional framework, reflecting practices already in place in numerous other states and potentially changing the dynamic of how state budgets are crafted and approved. This adjustment is positioned to enable the governor to exert a more influential role in budget negotiations and fiscal planning.

Summary

House Bill H5734 is a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Rhode Island that would grant the governor line-item veto power on budget and other appropriation bills. This legislative proposal is aimed at empowering the executive branch with greater discretion over budgetary allocations, a move that proponents argue is necessary for enhancing governmental efficiency and accountability. By allowing the governor to selectively veto specific items within spending bills, it is believed that there will be more fiscal responsibility and precision in the allocation of state funds.

Contention

Notably, there are potential points of contention surrounding this amendment. Critics may argue that granting the governor such authority could undermine the legislative process and diminish the checks and balances that are central to a healthy democracy. Concerns may arise regarding the possibility of partisan manipulation of the veto power, where the governor could disproportionately target funding for projects favored by opposition members, leading to a politicization of the budget process. The amendment will be submitted to the electorate for approval, which adds an additional layer of public scrutiny and debate over its implications for state governance.

Latest H5734 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5386

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 H5732

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION – GREEN AMENDMENT (Proposes a constitutional amendment to Article 1 providing for a right to clean air, soil, climate, and the environment’s natural values.)

RI S0327

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- GREEN AMENDMENT (Proposes a constitutional amendment to Article 1 providing for a right to clean air, soil, climate, and the environment’s natural values.)

RI S0177

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE, PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- RIGHT TO AN ADEQUATE EDUCATION (Amends the constitution to guarantee Rhode Island residents with equal opportunity to receive an education that is adequate, equitable and meaningful and provides judicial enforcement of this provision.)

RI H5459

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE, PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- RIGHT TO AN ADEQUATE EDUCATION (Amends the constitution to guarantee Rhode Island residents with equal opportunity to receive an education that is adequate, equitable and meaningful and provides judicial enforcement of this provision.)

RI H5515

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 S0820

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 S0725

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF THE LEGISLATIVE POWER (Proposes a state constitutional amendment that no department or other entity created by the state would have poser to incur debt in excess of $ 50,000, without express approval from the legislature and voters.)

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