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HJR 4

BLACK IMMIGRANT TF-EXTENDS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Sonya Harper and 1 co-sponsor

HJR 4 aims to amend Idaho's Constitution, granting only the Legislature authority to regulate marijuana and psychoactive substances, impacting users and businesses statewide.

Referred to Assignments
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Bill Summary · HJR 4

Summary of HJR 4: Amendment on Psychoactive Substances

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HJR 4
Title: NARCOTIC, SUBSTANCES – Proposes an amendment to the state constitution to provide that only the Legislature shall have power and authority to legalize the growing, producing, manufacturing, transporting, selling, delivering, dispensing, administering, prescribing, distributing, possessing, or using of marijuana, narcotics, or other psychoactive substances.
Status: Delivered to Secretary of State on March 14, 2025
Introduced: February 28, 2025
Classification: Joint Resolution
Subject: Constitutional amendments, controlled substances, government, legislature, resolutions

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of HJR 4 is to amend the Idaho State Constitution to ensure that only the state legislature has the authority to regulate and legalize activities related to marijuana and other psychoactive substances. This amendment aims to reinforce legislative control over these substances, reflecting concerns about public health, safety, and morality.

Key Provisions

  • Amendment to Section 26, Article III: The proposed amendment specifies that effective immediately upon voter approval, only the Idaho Legislature will have the power to:

    • Legalize the growing, producing, manufacturing, transporting, selling, delivering, dispensing, administering, prescribing, distributing, possessing, or using of marijuana, narcotics, or other psychoactive substances.

  • Voter Submission: The amendment will be presented to Idaho voters at the next general election with the following question:

    • "Shall Section 26, Article III of the Constitution of the State of Idaho be amended to provide that only the Idaho Legislature shall have power and authority to legalize the growing, producing, manufacturing, transporting, selling, delivering, dispensing, administering, prescribing, distributing, possessing, or using of marijuana, narcotics, or other psychoactive substances?"

Impact

  • Affected Parties: This amendment would primarily impact individuals and businesses involved in the cultivation, distribution, and use of marijuana and other psychoactive substances in Idaho. It would also affect the legislative process regarding drug policy in the state.

  • Community and Health Concerns: Proponents argue that the amendment is necessary to uphold community health and safety, aligning with the constitutional mandate to promote virtue and sobriety among the populace.

Fiscal Note

  • The amendment itself does not propose changes to existing statutes and is expected to have no fiscal impact beyond the cost of placing the measure on the ballot, estimated at approximately $200,000. The Secretary of State typically receives a biennial appropriation of $300,000 for ballot measures.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 28, 2025: Bill introduced and referred for printing.
  • March 3, 2025: Reported printed and referred to State Affairs.
  • March 4, 2025: Reported out of committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation.
  • March 10, 2025: Passed in the House and sent to the Senate.
  • March 12-14, 2025: Signed by legislative leaders and delivered to the Secretary of State.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of HJR 4, detailing its purpose, key provisions, potential impacts, and legislative timeline, making it accessible for readers seeking to understand the implications of this proposed constitutional amendment.

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

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