Co-Sponsorship Memo Details

2021-2022 Regular Session
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Passage of Constitutional Amendments by Two-Thirds Majority
January 24, 2022 02:39 PM to All House Members
Circulated By
Photo of Representative Representative Ryan Bizzarro
Representative Ryan Bizzarro
D House District 3
Along With
Photo of Representative Rep. Pam Snyder
Rep. Pam Snyder
D House District 50
Memo
The Constitution of Pennsylvania is the foundation for our Keystone State democracy.  Currently, changes to the state constitution require that identical legislation be approved by a majority vote in both chambers of the General Assembly in two consecutive legislative sessions before being presented to voters in the form of a ballot question.  Changes to the state constitution, while sometimes necessary, require serious forethought, debate, and participation from more than just a simple majority of elected members.
 
For this reason, we plan to introduce a joint resolution to amend the state constitution to require future proposed amendments be approved by at least two-thirds of members in each chamber of the General Assembly.  The voters will still have the ultimate say in amending the state constitution when presented with a ballot question, but this important change will better ensure the voices of those we represent are heard at the beginning of the amendment process in Harrisburg.
 
Pennsylvanians need elected leaders who put them first.  This necessary change to the way we consider and pass proposed amendments to our state constitution ensures that more diverse voices have a say in the amendment process.  Please join us in co-sponsoring this important step forward.  Your consideration is greatly appreciated.
 
Legislation
Last updated on January 26, 2022 12:14 PM
Passage of Constitutional Amendments by Two-Thirds Majority
January 24, 2022 02:39 PM to All House Members

Circulated By
BIZZARRO and SNYDER

Memo
The Constitution of Pennsylvania is the foundation for our Keystone State democracy.  Currently, changes to the state constitution require that identical legislation be approved by a majority vote in both chambers of the General Assembly in two consecutive legislative sessions before being presented to voters in the form of a ballot question.  Changes to the state constitution, while sometimes necessary, require serious forethought, debate, and participation from more than just a simple majority of elected members.
 
For this reason, we plan to introduce a joint resolution to amend the state constitution to require future proposed amendments be approved by at least two-thirds of members in each chamber of the General Assembly.  The voters will still have the ultimate say in amending the state constitution when presented with a ballot question, but this important change will better ensure the voices of those we represent are heard at the beginning of the amendment process in Harrisburg.
 
Pennsylvanians need elected leaders who put them first.  This necessary change to the way we consider and pass proposed amendments to our state constitution ensures that more diverse voices have a say in the amendment process.  Please join us in co-sponsoring this important step forward.  Your consideration is greatly appreciated.
 

Document
Introduced as HB 2340

Last Updated
January 26, 2022 12:14 PM
Generated 04/23/2025 02:13 AM