Proposing to amend section 13 of article 2 of the constitution of the state of Kansas to require a simple majority for passage of a resolution to ratify any amendment to the constitution of the United States or to make any application for congress to call a convention for proposing amendments to the constitution of the United States.
Impact
If SCR1617 is enacted, it would simplify the process for Kansas legislatives to ratify amendments to the U.S. Constitution or initiate calls for a convention. By allowing a simple majority, it could expedite the consideration and adoption of constitutional amendments within the state legislature, potentially increasing Kansas’s responsiveness to national constitutional changes. However, this change also raises concerns regarding the ease of changing constitutional frameworks, as a simple majority could allow for the passage of resolutions that are not fully representative of the populace's will.
Summary
SCR1617 proposes to amend Section 13 of Article 2 of the Kansas Constitution to require a simple majority for the passage of any resolution aimed at ratifying amendments to the United States Constitution or for applications to Congress to call a convention for proposing amendments. This bill is significant as it alters the existing requirement, which may impose a higher threshold for such actions, thereby changing the dynamic of how Kansas engages with constitutional amendments at the federal level.
Contention
Notably, the bill introduces contention over what constitutes an appropriate threshold for such significant legislative actions. Proponents argue that a simple majority is sufficient and aligns with democratic principles of majority rule, facilitating swift action on necessary constitutional changes. On the other hand, critics may argue that reducing the requirement from a higher threshold could lead to hasty decisions without ample consideration of the implications of constitutional amendments, which require broad consensus given their profound impact on governance and civil rights.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for the election of constitutional convention delegates and vote requirements necessary for the adoption of a new constitution (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
(Constitutional Amendment) Modifies disposition of certain state revenues through repeal of the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund and deposits of certain revenue streams into the Budget Stabilization Fund (RRF INCREASE GF RV See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the application of state monies to the unfunded accrued liability of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (EN DECREASE SD RV See Note)
Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.