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SCR 4007

A concurrent resolution to amend and reenact section 9 of article III and section 16 of article IV of the Constitution of North Dakota, relating to requiring each resolution adopted by the legislative assembly proposing a constitutional amendment and each initiative petition and measure proposing a constitutional amendment to be comprised of a single subject.

69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26) Introduced by Dick Dever and 5 co-sponsors

North Dakota constitutional amendment proposals must address only one subject, applying equally to legislature-sponsored resolutions and citizen-initiated measures.

Filed with Secretary Of State 04/29
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SCR 4007

Legislative bill overview

SCR 4007 amends North Dakota's Constitution to require that all constitutional amendment proposals—whether introduced by the legislature or through citizen initiatives—address only a single subject. Currently, constitutional amendments can bundle multiple unrelated topics into one proposal. This change applies to both legislative resolutions and initiative petitions seeking constitutional changes.

Why is this important

Single-subject requirements aim to prevent "logrolling," where voters must accept unpopular provisions to gain popular ones bundled together. This could increase transparency and allow voters clearer choices on individual constitutional issues. However, it may also complicate efforts to pass comprehensive constitutional reforms that address interconnected topics.

Potential points of contention

  • Defining "single subject": Determining where one constitutional topic ends and another begins could spark litigation. Constitutional provisions often interconnect—what counts as related versus separate subjects?
  • Limiting comprehensive reform: Supporters of broader constitutional overhauls argue single-subject restrictions fragment coherent amendments and make passage of complex reforms harder
  • Initiative petition impact: Citizen-led amendments face stricter constraints than legislative proposals face in practice, potentially disadvantaging grassroots constitutional efforts

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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