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Bill

SJR 12

Proposing an amendment to the Oregon Constitution relating to requiring a two-thirds vote to pass bills during even-numbered year regular sessions.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Fred Girod

Proposes Oregon constitutional amendment raising even-year legislative session voting threshold from simple majority to two-thirds supermajority, requiring voter approval.

In committee upon adjournment.
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Bill Summary · SJR 12

Legislative bill overview

SJR 12 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds supermajority vote (instead of a simple majority) to pass legislation during Oregon's regular sessions held in even-numbered years. The measure would need voter approval through a referendum to take effect, fundamentally altering the legislative voting threshold for half of Oregon's regular legislative sessions.

Why is this important

This change would make it significantly harder to pass laws during even-year sessions, effectively giving the minority party greater blocking power and potentially requiring broader bipartisan consensus. It could substantially slow the legislative process, make compromise more difficult, and shift political leverage toward smaller coalitions willing to withhold support.

Potential points of contention

  • Legislative efficiency: A two-thirds requirement could gridlock the legislature and prevent passage of bills with majority support but insufficient supermajority backing
  • Partisan impact: The timing of sessions matters politically—this change would disproportionately affect whichever party holds fewer seats during even-year sessions, creating an unequal playing field
  • Democratic representation: Critics may argue that supermajority requirements undermine majority-rule principles and make government less responsive to the electorate's will as expressed through elections

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

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