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Bill

Bill

HJ 1

RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO GRANT THE POWERS OF DIRECT INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM AND RECALL.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tami Zawistowski

Constitutional amendment enabling Connecticut voters to directly propose laws, overturn legislation, and recall elected officials through citizen petitions and ballot measures.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Government Administration and Elections
#initiative #recallofofficials #referenda #stateconstitutionalamendments #voters
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Bill Summary · HJ 1

Legislative bill overview

HJ 1 proposes a constitutional amendment that would grant Connecticut citizens the power of direct initiative (ability to propose laws through petition), referendum (ability to vote on laws passed by the legislature), and recall (ability to remove elected officials from office before their term ends). This amendment would fundamentally alter how legislation is enacted and officials are held accountable in the state.

Why is this important

Currently, Connecticut citizens can only influence policy through voting for representatives who then make legislative decisions. Direct democracy mechanisms would allow voters to bypass the legislature entirely on certain matters and potentially remove officials deemed unresponsive. This represents a significant shift in governmental power from representatives to constituents, with implications for how quickly laws change and how responsive government becomes to popular will.

Potential points of contention

  • Legislative authority concerns: Critics argue direct democracy mechanisms could undermine representative government and the deliberative process, potentially allowing emotional or narrow-interest campaigns to override legislative expertise
  • Implementation complexity: The amendment would require detailed legislation defining thresholds for signatures, petition procedures, recall standards, and which offices/laws qualify, creating significant practical and legal questions
  • Fiscal and policy risks: Unlimited referendum and initiative power could lead to contradictory laws, fiscal instability (voters approving spending without funding mechanisms), or policies that conflict with state/federal law

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

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