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SJR20

A Constitutional Amendment Concerning The Vote Requirements For Constitutional Amendments To Be Considered Approved At The General Election.

Failed

Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

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AI-Generated Summary

SJR 20 is a Senate Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution. The bill seeks to modify the existing vote requirements necessary for proposed constitutional amendments to be considered approved by the electorate during a general election. The resolution is currently in its preliminary stage, requiring approval by a majority of both houses of the Arkansas General Assembly before the proposed amendment can be placed on a statewide ballot. If passed by the legislature and subsequently approved by a majority of voters in a general election, the amendment would officially be incorporated into the state constitution. The text serves as the formal vehicle to initiate this constitutional change.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries would be political entities or interest groups who prefer a higher threshold for constitutional change, as adjusting vote requirements can influence how easily the state constitution can be amended. If the bill implies raising the vote threshold, proponents of preserving the current constitutional status quo or those seeking to limit the frequency of constitutional changes would benefit.

Who Might Suffer?

Those who would be negatively impacted include proponents of proposed constitutional amendments who may find it more difficult to secure passage if the threshold is increased. Additionally, if the amendment process becomes more restrictive, citizens or interest groups who utilize the ballot initiative process to enact policy changes may face greater obstacles in achieving their objectives.

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us