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SJR 21

A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT CONCERNING THE VOTE REQUIREMENTS FOR INITIATED ACTS AND CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS TO BE CONSIDERED APPROVED AT THE GENERAL ELECTION.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bryan King

SJR 21 sought to change vote requirements for Arkansas initiatives and amendments, impacting voter participation and the ease of enacting new laws.

Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SJR 21

Summary of SJR 21 - Constitutional Amendment on Vote Requirements

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: SJR 21
  • Title: A Constitutional Amendment Concerning the Vote Requirements for Initiated Acts and Constitutional Amendments to be Considered Approved at the General Election
  • Status: Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment
  • Introduced: February 12, 2025
  • Classification: Joint Resolution

Purpose and Intent

SJR 21 aimed to amend the Arkansas Constitution to modify the vote requirements necessary for initiated acts and constitutional amendments to be deemed approved during general elections. The intent behind this amendment was to clarify and potentially alter the threshold of votes needed for such measures to pass, thereby influencing the legislative process and citizen initiatives in Arkansas.

Key Provisions

  • The resolution proposed changes to the existing vote requirements for initiated acts and constitutional amendments.
  • Specific language was included to indicate which parts of the Arkansas Constitution would be amended, with stricken language to be deleted and underlined language to be added.
  • The amendment would only take effect if approved by a majority of voters in a general election.

Impact

  • Who Would Be Affected:

    • The amendment would impact Arkansas voters, particularly those participating in initiatives and referendums.
    • It would also affect lawmakers and advocacy groups involved in proposing or campaigning for initiated acts and constitutional amendments.

  • Potential Changes:

    • If passed, the amendment could lower or raise the percentage of votes required for approval, thereby affecting the ease or difficulty of enacting new laws or constitutional changes through direct voter action.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 12, 2025: The bill was filed and read for the first time. Rules were suspended, and it was read a second time before being referred to the Senate Committee on State Agencies & Governmental Affairs.
  • May 5, 2025: The bill died in the Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not progress to a vote or further consideration.

Conclusion

SJR 21 represented an effort to revise the voting requirements for citizen-initiated legislation in Arkansas. While it did not advance through the legislative process, the proposal highlighted ongoing discussions about the mechanisms of direct democracy and the role of voter input in shaping state law.

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

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