WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HJ 2

RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO ALLOW FOR DIRECT INITIATIVES AND REFERENDA.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Devin Carney

Connecticut constitutional amendment proposal enabling citizens to directly enact laws and challenge existing legislation through voter-approved initiatives and referenda.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Government Administration and Elections
#referenda #stateconstitutionalamendments #voters
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HJ 2

Legislative bill overview

HJ 2 proposes a constitutional amendment that would establish direct initiative and referendum procedures in Connecticut, allowing citizens to propose legislation and challenge existing laws through voter petition and ballot measures. Currently, Connecticut does not have these direct democracy mechanisms; all legislation must go through the General Assembly.

Why is this important

This would fundamentally reshape how laws are made in Connecticut by shifting some legislative power directly to voters. It could enable citizens to bypass the legislature on issues they prioritize, but would also require establishing procedures for signature collection, ballot access, and implementation of voter-approved measures that the state doesn't currently manage.

Potential points of contention

  • Concern about legislative bypass: Critics worry direct initiatives could circumvent careful legislative deliberation, expert input, and budget considerations that the General Assembly provides
  • Funding and implementation challenges: Opponents question who funds ballot measure campaigns and whether voter-passed measures create unfunded mandates on state budgets
  • Threshold and feasibility debates: Questions remain about petition signature requirements, geographic distribution rules, and how often Connecticut courts would need to interpret voter-approved constitutional changes or statutes
  • Majority rule concerns: Some worry direct democracy could enable temporary majorities to suppress minority rights or reverse protections without the General Assembly's checks

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

Sign in to ask a question.