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Bill

HCR 5009

Proposing a constitutional amendment reserving the power of initiative to the people of Kansas.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Alexis Simmons

Kansas constitutional amendment would formally reserve voters' power to directly propose and enact laws through ballot initiatives independent of legislative approval.

Died in Committee
#constitutionalamendments(kansas) #resolutions
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Bill Summary · HCR 5009

Legislative bill overview

HCR 5009 proposes a constitutional amendment to explicitly reserve the power of initiative to Kansas citizens. This would enshrine in the state constitution the right of voters to directly propose and enact legislation through ballot initiatives, independent of the legislature.

Why is this important

Kansas citizens would gain constitutional protection for their ability to bypass the legislature and directly enact laws through voter petition and ballot measures. This fundamentally affects the balance of power between legislators and constituents, and determines which policy areas can be shaped through grassroots democratic processes versus legislative action.

Potential points of contention

  • Legislative authority concerns: Lawmakers may view this as diminishing their legislative prerogative and could argue direct democracy bypasses necessary deliberative processes
  • Scope and limitations unclear: The amendment's language regarding which policy areas fall under initiative power (e.g., fiscal matters, constitutional changes) remains undefined and could create litigation
  • Ballot measure quality: Critics worry initiative processes can produce poorly drafted laws or be subject to well-funded campaigns that don't reflect genuine public will, while supporters emphasize democratic participation

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

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