Constitutional amendment vote requirement.
If ratified, SJ0003 would alter the current requirement under Article 20, Section 1 of the Wyoming Constitution, which mandates only a simple majority from statewide electors. By introducing the additional county-level approval requirement, this bill would emphasize the representation of less populated regions in the constitutional amendment process. Proponents argue that this would prevent amendments from being passed that might disproportionately benefit areas with larger populations, ensuring that all regions of the state have a voice in significant legal changes.
SJ0003, also known as the Senate Joint Resolution 3, proposes a crucial amendment to the Wyoming Constitution regarding the process of ratifying constitutional amendments. Specifically, it seeks to add a stipulation that any proposed amendment must be approved not only by a majority of the electors statewide but also by a majority in at least three-fourths of the counties. This change aims to ensure broader geographic support for constitutional changes, reflecting the interests of rural areas and smaller counties compared to urban centers.
Debate around SJ0003 is expected to involve significant discussion regarding the balance of power between urban and rural populations in Wyoming. Supporters of the bill assert that it promotes local governance and protects the interests of smaller counties, which may feel overlooked in legislative processes dominated by larger cities. However, opponents may argue that such a requirement could hinder necessary reforms and complicate the amendment process, potentially leading to a lack of responsiveness to evolving legal and social issues across the state.