Summary — SR 483
Bill number: SR 483
Title (as filed): MEMORIAL — KENNETH W. AUPPERLE
Classification: Resolution (memorial / ceremonial)
Status: Resolution Adopted (records provided show reads, adoption, and enrollment)
Introduced: April 30, 2025
Primary sponsors (as recorded): Josh McLaurin; David Koehler
Note on source material: the provided filing includes two distinct texts that appear to have been combined in error. One text is a standard memorial resolution for Kenneth W. “Ken” Aupperle (an Illinois-style memorial). The other is the text of a proposed state constitutional amendment (labelled “As introduced LC 48 1388”) that would remove “a conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude” as an exception to the right to register and vote (a Georgia-style amendment). Below are separate, concise summaries of each piece and procedural notes.
1) Memorial Resolution for Kenneth W. “Ken” Aupperle (primary title)
Purpose and intent
A ceremonial Senate resolution mourning the death of Kenneth W. “Ken” Aupperle, recording his life, public service, community involvement, and extending condolences to his family and friends. It directs that a suitable copy of the resolution be presented to his family.
Key provisions / content
- Recites biographical details: born July 27, 1933, in Morton; served in the U.S. Army; attended Bradley University.
- Family and marriages: married Carol Ann Friedinger (deceased 2009); later married Carol Lindstrom (2012).
- Career and civic activity: involved with Aupperle Construction (family business), Cook Rental; served as Morton precinct committeeman (50+ years), Morton village assessor (8 years), Morton Park Board, Morton Chamber of Commerce; participated in many civic organizations (Optimist Club, Jaycees, American Legion, VFW, Rotary, Habitat for Humanity, Boy Scouts, etc.).
- Honors: named 2001 Morton Pumpkin Festival Parade Marshal; Construction Man of the Year (TRICON) in 2002.
- Survivors: lists spouse, children, stepchildren, grandchildren, siblings, and others.
- Formal resolves to mourn his passing and present the resolution to the family.
Who is affected
- Primarily symbolic: family, friends, and the local Morton community. No legal or policy impacts.
Effect and timeline
- Ceremonial only; no change in law or policy.
- Legislative actions in the record show introduction (4/30/2025), reads and adoption (5/05/2025), reported enrolled, and later “Resolution Adopted”/filed dates in October 2025. (Source material contains inconsistent dates — see note below.)
2) (Unrelated) Proposed Constitutional Amendment text included in the filing
Purpose and intent
A separate draft proposing to amend a state constitution (text labeled “As introduced LC 48 1388”) to remove “a conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude” as an exception to the right to register and vote. In other words, the proposed amendment would eliminate that specific constitutional basis for disenfranchisement.
Key provisions
- Amends Article II, Section I, Paragraph III to remove the clause barring registration and voting by persons convicted of felonies involving moral turpitude. It retains the provision that persons judicially determined mentally incompetent may not register or vote until the disability is removed.
- Provides ballot language for voter ratification: a yes/no referendum asking whether to remove the felony–moral-turpitude exception.
Who would be affected
- People with felony convictions previously disqualifying them from registering/voting based on “moral turpitude” would potentially regain the right to register and vote (subject to other constitutional or statutory provisions).
- Would affect the electorate, election administration, and criminal-justice/rights-restoration procedures if adopted.
Procedure and timeline
- This is a constitutional amendment proposal requiring publication and voter submission per the state’s constitutional amendment process. If ratified by voters, it would become part of the state constitution.
Important notes / discrepancies
- The packet appears to conflate two different SR 483 documents (a memorial resolution consistent with an Illinois chamber and a constitutional amendment draft consistent with Georgia practice). Sponsors listed (Josh McLaurin — Georgia senator; David Koehler — Illinois senator) and dates in the action history (including a death date of Oct 14, 2025 listed in the memorial) are internally inconsistent.
- The memorial resolution is ceremonial and has no legal effect. The amendment text, if actually a separate SR proposing a constitutional change, would have substantial legal and electoral consequences but requires a separate, state-specific legislative and voter ratification process.
If you want, I can:
- Produce a cleaned single-item summary (memorial only) suitable for publication, or
- Produce a focused analysis of the proposed constitutional amendment’s legal and practical effects for the relevant state.
