Bill
HR 462
Georgia would allow voters to enact, amend, or repeal general statutory law via a direct initiative and referendum, with strict thresholds and safeguards.
Note on source material
- The materials provided appear to include two distinct items under the label “H.R. 462”: (A) proposed amendments to the Georgia Constitution establishing a direct initiative and referendum process, and (B) an Illinois House memorial resolution honoring Raymond B. Lee. Below are concise, separate summaries of each item and their key provisions, effects, and procedural details.
Purpose and intent
- To add a state constitutional provision permitting Georgia voters to enact, amend, or repeal general statutory law by direct initiative and to submit statutes to the people by referendum.
Key provisions
- New Article III, Section XI creates a “direct initiative and referendum” process.
- Thresholds and geographic distribution:
- Signatures required: at least 8% of the number of registered electors who voted for president in the last presidential election.
- Signatures must be gathered from voters residing in at least one-half of the state’s congressional districts.
- Petition content rules:
- Petitions must include the full text of any statute to be enacted, amended, or repealed and an enacting clause: “BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA:”.
- Single-subject rule; no mere reference by code section number — the amendment/repeal must be described distinctly.
- Petition must include the exact ballot question wording; ballot must be a clear yes/no question.
- Filing and certification:
- Petitions filed with the Secretary of State at least 180 days before a general election in which members of the General Assembly are elected.
- Secretary of State verifies signatures and certifies petitions that meet requirements; General Assembly may legislatively provide a cure period for signature deficiencies.
- Passage and effect:
- A certified initiative/referendum must receive at least 60% approval of voters who are qualified to vote for General Assembly members and who vote on the measure.
- If approved, the statute becomes effective July 1 following the election unless an earlier effective date is clearly stated on the ballot.
- If rejected, the substantially similar initiative may not be reoffered by initiative or referendum for three years.
- Limits and exclusions:
- Initiative power does not extend to statutes involving: appropriations (Article III §IX) or taxation and finance (Article VII); retirement systems (Article III §X); matters necessary for immediate preservation of public peace/health/safety; laws maintaining state institutions; modifications to initiative/procedural rules set forth in the Constitution; local legislation authorized under specified constitutional provisions; or matters the General Assembly is deprived of authority over elsewhere in the Constitution.
- Implementation provisions:
- General Assembly must provide enabling statutes for petition formatting, circulation, fiscal review requirements, appeal procedures, and other administrative matters consistent with the new section.
Who is affected
- Georgia voters (empowers citizen lawmaking), the Secretary of State (administration/certification duties), the General Assembly (new procedural obligations and limits), and state fiscal/administrative operations subject to initiatives (with several categories excluded).
Procedural/timeline points
- Petition filing: ≥180 days before relevant general election.
- Signature threshold: 8% of presidential-elector voters, geographically distributed.
- Supermajority approval: 60%.
- Waiting period after a failed measure: 3 years.
- Effective date typically July 1 after election unless otherwise specified.
Purpose and intent
- A memorial resolution (Illinois House) honoring the life and civic contributions of Raymond Ben‑Kuey Lee of Chicago.
Key content and highlights
- Biographical notes: Born in Guangdong, China (Sept 7, 1934); immigrated at 16; settled and operated family businesses in Chicago.
- Business and community leadership:
- Co‑founder of Golden Country Oriental Foods; significant importer and wholesale distributor of ethnic foods.
- Leadership roles: Chinese American Development Corporation (aided construction of Chinatown Square), Chinatown Parking Corporation, Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce (implemented Pagoda and Nine Dragon Wall, safety and cleanliness programs, summer fair).
- Public service: Commissioner of Chicago Park District, member of Chicago Board of Education (funding for Ping Tom Memorial Park; school renovations).
- Philanthropy and legacy:
- Donated Quong Yick & Co. building for the Chinese American Museum of Chicago (CAMOC); established endowment and sustained philanthropic support.
- Received multiple community awards (e.g., Luminary Award, Lifetime Achievement).
- Resolution action: Expresses mourning, condolences to family, and directs that a suitable copy be presented to Raymond Lee’s family.
Procedural status (as provided)
- Introduced and adopted in 2025 (several docket entries list introduction, committee referrals, readings, placement on calendars, and final adoption). A copy is to be presented to the family.
Recommendation
- The source file blends two unrelated legislative texts. Verify the jurisdiction and official bill text for the item you intend to track (Georgia constitutional amendment vs. Illinois memorial resolution) and consult the appropriate legislative clerk or online database for the authoritative version and final status.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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