WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SCR 1617

Proposing to amend section 13 of article 2 of the constitution of the state of Kansas to require a simple majority for passage of a resolution to ratify any amendment to the constitution of the United States or to make any application for congress to call a convention for proposing amendments to the constitution of the United States.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas would lower its ratification threshold for U.S. constitutional amendments and convention applications from supermajority to simple majority, enabling narrower legislative coalitions to commit the state to major constitutional changes.

Died on Calendar
#constitutionalamendments(kansas) #constitutionalamendments(u.s.)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SCR 1617

Legislative bill overview

SCR 1617 proposes amending the Kansas State Constitution to lower the threshold for ratifying U.S. constitutional amendments and applying for a constitutional convention from a supermajority (likely 2/3) to a simple majority (50% + 1). This change would make it easier for Kansas to participate in both processes with reduced legislative consensus requirements.

Why is this important

Constitutional amendments and convention calls are foundational governmental decisions with lasting national implications. Lowering the threshold fundamentally shifts the balance of power within Kansas—currently, supermajority requirements ensure broad bipartisan agreement before taking such consequential steps, while a simple majority would allow narrower coalitions to commit the state to major constitutional changes. This directly affects how much consensus is needed for consequential decisions.

Potential points of contention

  • Reduced deliberation protection: Supermajority requirements historically ensure major constitutional decisions reflect broad consensus; lowering this threshold could enable ratification/convention applications driven by narrow partisan majorities rather than widespread agreement
  • Convention of the States concerns: Lowering barriers to applying for a constitutional convention could facilitate the "Convention of the States" movement, which some view as destabilizing and others see as democratic; this becomes more viable with more states using simple majority thresholds
  • Asymmetric consequences: Once ratified/applied, constitutional amendments and conventions have irreversible national effects; a simple-majority decision in Kansas binds future generations regardless of shifting political consensus

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

Sign in to ask a question.