Modifies process for proposing and approving constitutional amendments

SJR 30 - This constitutional amendment, if approved by the voters, modifies various provisions relating to constitutional amendments. VOTER APPROVAL THRESHOLD (Sections 2(b) and 3(c)) Current law provides that any constitutional amendment or new constitution shall take effect at the end of 30 days after the election when approved by a simple majority of the votes cast on the measure. This amendment requires all constitutional amendments proposed by the initiative or constitutional convention and all new constitutions to receive a majority of the votes cast statewide as well as a majority of the votes cast in at least a majority of the Congressional districts. PROHIBITING FOREIGN ACTIVITY IN INITIATIVE PETITIONS (Section 2(c)) The amendment creates new restrictions relating to foreign government activity with respect to constitutional amendments. Specifically, it shall be unlawful for: • A government of a foreign country or a foreign political party to sponsor an initiative petition proposing a constitutional amendment; • A government of a foreign country or a foreign political party to directly or indirectly make contributions in connection with an election on a constitutional amendment or contributions in support of or opposition to a proposed constitutional amendment; • A government of a foreign country or a foreign political party to directly or indirectly make an expenditure, independent expenditure, or disbursement for an electioneering communication, whether print, broadcast, or digital media, or otherwise, related to a proposed constitutional amendment; or • A person to solicit, accept, or receive a contribution or donation from a government of a foreign country or a foreign political party, in connection with a proposed constitutional amendment. REVIEW AND COMMENT PERIOD (Section 2(d)) The amendment requires that legal voters in each Congressional district be given the opportunity to review and comment upon all initiative petitions proposing constitutional amendments following the filing of the petition with the Secretary of State, not less than 15 days prior to the measure appearing on the ballot. Such process shall be administered by the Secretary of State in a public forum. This constitutional amendment is substantially similar to HCS/SS#4/SCS/SJRs 74, et al (2024).