Proposes constitutional amendment to provide for Statewide initiative and referendum.
Impact
The introduction of SCR60 could fundamentally reshape the legislative landscape in the state. It is anticipated to enhance public engagement in the legislative process by allowing citizens more control over laws that affect them directly. The bill also sets forth signature collection requirements, including that a constitutional amendment proposal must gather signatures from at least 10% of voters in the last gubernatorial election, while a proposed law requires 6%. This ensures that a diverse cross-section of public opinion is represented in any initiatives or referenda put forward.
Summary
SCR60 proposes a significant amendment to the State Constitution aimed at establishing a statewide initiative and referendum process. This constitutional change would empower citizens to propose amendments to the Constitution or new laws. They can also initiate a referendum to consider the repeal of existing laws. If the Legislature fails to act on these proposals within two months, the citizens would have the right to vote directly on these matters. This bill essentially seeks to enhance direct democracy by giving more legislative power to the people of the State.
Contention
There are notable points of contention surrounding SCR60. Critics argue that empowering citizens to bypass the legislative process could lead to poorly thought-out policies being enacted. Various interest groups may lobby for initiatives that favor their causes, potentially causing conflicting legislation or public confusion. Additionally, some legislators may view this bill as an encroachment on their authority, raising questions about the balance of power between elected officials and the electorate. Concerns have also been raised about whether such a mechanism could adequately address complex regulatory issues that require thorough legislative consideration.
Provisions
SCR60 includes several procedural safeguards, such as requiring that any initiative petition be filed with the Secretary of State, who will then verify the signatures. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions that any law or constitutional amendment passed through an initiative would not be subject to gubernatorial veto. This emphasizes the intent to empower the citizens over potentially vested political interests, but also poses questions about the potential stability of newly enacted laws.
Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the limited purpose of proposing one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress.
Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the limited purpose of proposing one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress.
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.
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.
Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii State 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.