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Bill

HJR 2

Initiatives and referendums.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Sue Errington

Indiana joint resolution to establish or reform statewide initiative and referendum procedures, enabling citizens to directly propose and challenge legislation through ballot measures.

First reading: referred to Committee on Judiciary
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Bill Summary · HJR 2

Legislative bill overview

HJR 2 is a joint resolution introduced in Indiana that addresses the processes for initiatives and referendums at the state level. The bill appears designed to establish or modify procedures by which Indiana citizens can directly propose legislation or challenge existing laws through ballot measures. This would create or reform mechanisms for direct democracy in a state that currently has limited or no statewide initiative and referendum processes.

Why is this important

Indiana is one of a handful of states without a statewide initiative and referendum process, meaning citizens cannot directly propose laws or overturn legislation through ballot measures. This bill could fundamentally change how Hoosiers participate in lawmaking, potentially shifting power from the legislature to the electorate on certain policy matters. The outcome would affect which issues reach voters and how state governance operates.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional amendment requirement: Joint resolutions typically propose constitutional amendments, which would require voter approval through a separate ballot measure before taking effect, adding a procedural layer
  • Threshold requirements: Disputes likely over signature collection thresholds, timeline requirements, and what percentage of voters must approve initiatives versus referendums
  • Scope limitations: Disagreement over which legislative matters would be eligible (some states exclude budget, emergency laws, or constitutional amendments from initiative processes)

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

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