Author: Jackie Mitchell
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Alabama State Legislature refers third 2022 constitutional amendment to prevent voting policy changes six months before general elections
The Alabama State Legislature referred a constitutional amendment to the 2022 ballot that would require that any legislation changing the conduct of a general election must be implemented at least six months before the next affected general election. The amendment was introduced as House Bill 388 by State Representative Jim Carns (R). On April 6,…
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The Florida Supreme Court blocks marijuana legalization initiative from 2022 ballot
On April 22, 2021, the Florida Supreme Court ruled 5-2 that a marijuana legalization initiative backed by Make It Legal Florida could not appear on the 2022 ballot. The court wrote, “A constitutional amendment cannot unequivocally ‘permit’ or authorize conduct that is criminalized under federal law. And a ballot summary suggesting otherwise is affirmatively misleading.”…
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Alabama legislature sends two constitutional amendments to 2022 ballot
On April 15, 2021, the Alabama State Legislature gave final approval to two constitutional amendments that will appear on the 2022 ballot. One measure would amend the Alabama Constitution to provide that the legislature may enumerate offenses for which bail may be denied. The measure is referred to as Aniah’s Law. The legislature also passed…
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Wyoming to vote in 2022 to allow local governments to invest in stocks and equities
On April 1, the Wyoming State Legislature referred a constitutional amendment to the 2022 ballot that would allow the legislature to provide by law for local governments (county, city, township, town, school district, or other political subdivision) to invest funds in stocks and equities. Legislation establishing or increasing the percentage of funds a local government could…
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Georgia legislature sends two measures to the 2022 ballot during its 2021 session
The Georgia State Legislature adjourned its 2021 legislative session on April 1, 2021. The legislature passed two measures requiring voter approval at the general election in 2022: a constitutional amendment to suspend compensation for certain public officials while they are suspended from office due to a felony indictment and a measure to expand a property…
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Georgia to vote in 2022 on suspending pay for assembly members or public officials indicted for felony
Voters in Georgia will decide in 2022 whether to amend the state constitution to suspend compensation for the following public officials while the individual is suspended from office due to a felony indictment: 1. any member of the General Assembly; 2. Governor; 3. Lieutenant Governor; 4. Secretary of State; 5. Attorney General; 6. State School…
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Utah to vote in 2022 on increasing the limit on appropriations the state legislature can make in an emergency session
The Utah State Legislature adjourned its 2021 session on March 5, 2021, after approving a constitutional amendment that would increase the limit on appropriations the state legislature can make in an emergency session. It would increase the limit on appropriations from 1% to 5% of the total amount appropriated by the Legislature for the immediately…
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South Dakota will decide an amendment requiring 60% voter approval for measures raising taxes in June 2022
South Dakota voters will decide June 7, 2022, on a constitutional amendment that would require three-fifths (60%) voter approval for any future ballot measures that would increase taxes or fees or that would require the state to appropriate $10 million or more in the first five fiscal years. The requirement would apply to constitutional amendments…
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Sponsors of South Dakota medical marijuana initiative propose alternative implementation schedule after Gov. Noem proposed a 1-year delay
In November, South Dakota became the first state to vote on recreational and medical marijuana at the same election. Voters approved Initiated Measure 26 by a vote of 70% to 30% and Constitutional Amendment A by a vote of 54% to 46%. IM 26 was designed to establish a medical marijuana program in South Dakota…
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South Dakota state House advances constitutional amendment requiring three-fifths approval for measures increasing taxes, fees or appropriating more than $10 million
The South Dakota House of Representatives approved House Joint Resolution 5003 on February 16 in a vote of 56-12. The measure would amend the state constitution to require a three-fifths (60%) vote for approval of any ballot measures (whether citizen-initiated or legislatively referred) that imposes or increases taxes or fees or appropriates $10 million or…