Proposing a constitutional amendment to provide a person convicted of a felony with the right to vote.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Ron Reynolds

Amend the state constitution to restore felons' voting rights, pending statewide voter approval; eligibility details would be defined in the amendment.

Referred to Elections

#elections--registration&suffrage(i0265) #resolutions--constitutionalamendments(i0661)

Summary: HJR 184 – Constitutional Amendment to Restore Voting Rights for Felony Convictions

Overview

HJR 184 is a joint resolution introduced on March 11, 2025, that proposes a constitutional amendment to provide the right to vote to a person convicted of a felony. The bill is currently in the Elections committee stage.

Purpose and intent

The primary aim is to restore or guarantee, via constitutional amendment, the right to vote for individuals convicted of a felony.

As a constitutional proposal, it seeks to change the fundamental framework governing voting eligibility rather than implementing a general statute.

What the bill would change

The proposed amendment would modify the state constitution to grant voting rights to felons. The exact conditions, thresholds, or process for regaining voting eligibility would be defined in the text of the amendment itself (not provided in the summary).

Because it is a constitutional amendment, any changes would require approval by voters in a statewide referendum after legislative passage.

Who would be affected

Individuals convicted of felonies who would gain, or have regained, the right to vote under the amendment’s language.

State and local election systems and registrars would implement any new eligibility rules and corresponding voter registration procedures as defined by the amendment.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Referred to Elections (as of the latest update).

Legislative actions:

Filed: March 11, 2025
Read first time: April 2, 2025
Referred to Elections: April 2, 2025

Next legal steps (typical for constitutional amendments): If the Legislature approves the amendment, it would be placed on the ballot for a statewide voter referendum. A majority or supermajority vote (as required by state law) would be needed for ratification, after which the amendment would become part of the state constitution.

Potential implications and considerations

Could expand the electorate by restoring voting rights to felons, potentially affecting election dynamics depending on the affected population and turnout.

Administrative considerations include updating registration systems, outreach, and ensuring clear, consistent eligibility definitions.

Debates may address policy questions about the timing and conditions for restoring rights (e.g., upon completion of sentence, probation, or parole), and how to handle enforcement and verification.

Bottom line

HJR 184 seeks to enshrine in the state constitution the right to vote for felons, pending voter approval statewide. The exact terms and eligibility conditions would be defined in the amendment’s text and would become effective only after the constitutional amendment is ratified.