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SB 191

Requiring petition of qualified voters for defeated amendment to be reconsidered

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ryan Weld

Reconsideration of a defeated amendment would require a petition by qualified voters to trigger any reintroduction or ballot reconsideration.

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Bill Summary · SB 191

Summary of Bill SB 191 (Session 2026) — West Virginia

Title: Requiring petition of qualified voters for defeated amendment to be reconsidered

Jurisdiction: West Virginia Senate

Sponsor: Co-sponsor — Ryan Weld

Status: Introduced January 14, 2026; referred to Judiciary (Senate)

Note: The provided bill text appears corrupted/non-readable in this format. The summary below reflects the bill’s stated title, sponsor, and common legislative implications of such a measure. If the final enacted text differs, please provide the official bill language for precise details.

1) Purpose and intent

  • The bill appears to require a petition by qualified voters to reconsider a defeated constitutional or statutory amendment.
  • In essence, it would create or impose a procedural hurdle for amendments that were previously defeated, mandating a petition process before reconsideration or reintroduction.
  • The underlying policy intent is to give voters a mechanism to trigger review or reconsideration of amendments that did not pass, potentially ensuring additional citizen engagement before any subsequent attempt.

2) Key provisions and changes (as indicated by the title and typical structure of such measures)

  • Reconsideration Trigger:
    • Establishes a requirement that a defeated amendment can only be reconsidered if a petition by a specified number or percentage of qualified voters is submitted.
  • Petition Threshold:
    • Specifies a numeric threshold (e.g., a percentage of registered voters or a fixed number) needed to trigger reconsideration.
  • Verification and Certification:
    • Sets procedures for validating petitions, including circulation duration, submission deadlines, and verification by election officials.
  • Timeline for Reconsideration:
    • Outlines the timeframe within which the petition must be submitted and the amendment reconsideration process must proceed (e.g., next legislative session, or a special election window).
  • Ballot and Public Notice:
    • Requires notification to the public and potentially a new ballot measure if the petition threshold is met and the reconsideration proceeds.
  • Legislative Interaction:
    • Defines whether the petition triggers a referendum, a new legislative proposal, or a direct ballot vote upon reconsideration.
  • Penalties and Compliance:
    • Establishes penalties for filing false petitions or noncompliance with petition procedures.

3) Who/what would be affected

  • Voters/Qualified Electors:
    • Individuals who would be eligible to sign petitions to trigger reconsideration.
  • Legislative/Political Process:
    • State and local election authorities responsible for petition validation, certification, and administration of any subsequent reconsideration process.
  • Amendments:
    • Defeated amendments would be subject to potential reconsideration only after meeting petition criteria, altering the typical path for reintroduction.
  • Political Bodies:
    • State Senate and/or House of Delegates depending on where the petition-triggered reconsideration would be initiated, and the mechanism used (legislative vs. ballot process).

4) Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Filing and Introduction:
    • The bill would establish the procedural steps to initiate reconsideration via petition.
  • Circulation Period:
    • A designated window during which petitions must be circulated and signed.
  • Verification Window:
    • A period for election officials to verify signatures and determine eligibility.
  • Reconsideration Schedule:
    • A defined timeline for when reconsideration would be considered if the petition threshold is met (e.g., within the next legislative session or through a special process).
  • Ballot Timing:
    • If a ballot vote is involved, the bill would specify timing for a potential public vote on the reconsidered amendment.

5) Practical considerations and potential impacts

  • Democratic Engagement:
    • Could increase citizen involvement by requiring broad support to revisit defeated amendments.
  • Stability vs. Flexibility:
    • Introduces a balancing mechanism between finality of defeated amendments and the possibility of reconsideration in light of new circumstances or additional information.
  • Administrative Burden:
    • Places additional duties on petition drives, election offices, and legislative staff to manage and verify petitions and potential ballot proceedings.
  • Strategic Considerations:
    • Could influence coalition-building and campaigning around amendments, knowing that reconsideration requires measured public support.

If you can provide the official, full-text language of SB 191 or any amendments to the bill, I can produce a detailed, section-by-section analysis with exact thresholds, timelines, and procedural steps.

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

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