Primary season is now in full swing, Dr. Oz is ever closer to Congress, Democracy is still hanging by a thread, and Abortion still looks like it'll be a state matter...along with a bunch of other things. Inflation's still through the roof, and NS Summer is dawning already. This is the thread to see all of that and more as we discuss, debate, and ignore each other just like in real life.
You know the rules by now, and if you're new, remember to play nice and not get yourself modded.
Plebiscite Plaza 2022:
Our first Amendment comes on May 24. This would amend the state constitution to issue $85 million in bonds to improve, renovate, and otherwise maintain all state parks($80 million) and state historical monuments and sites($5 million). All of them, that is, except for the Confederate Memorital Park in Marbury, which was specifically excepted for obvious reasons. APPROVED
All Alabama's other amendments come in November. The first would remove Orphans' Business from the purview of county probate courts. Since Orphans' Business refers to county orphanages(which don't exist anymore), it's a likely pass.
Number two is also referred to as "Aniah's Law" after Aniah Blanchard, who was killed in 2019 by someone who was out on bail despite being indicted for kidnapping, robbery, and attempted murder. Alabama doesn't currently allow remanding suspects without bail, but this amendment would change that, allowing it at a Judge's discretion for most violent crimes such as murder, rape, terrorism, etc.
Number three would require any legislation that changes the conduct of a general election to be fully implemented at least six months before that election takes place.
Number four would allow certain cities that were already authorised to levy a property tax to pay for capital improvement bonds to use revenue from that tax to pay for such improvements directly without bonds.
Numbers five and six involve the recompiled state constitution. Number five would ask the voters whether or not to ratify the recompiled state constitution as was required in 2020. It consolidates economic development provisions, arranges county amendments by county in alphabetical order, and removes racist language among other things. If number five passes, number six would authorise the state Code Commissioner to do the actual recompiling of articles and amendments to the constitution.
Number seven would allow the state or local governments to grant federal award funds or state funds marked for broadband internet infrastructure to public or private entities that plan to expand, provide, or introduce broadband. Any local government doing this would have to have the measure approved by the town or county in question.
Number eight would make some changes to the 772nd Amendment(that's not a typo) to the State Constitution, passed in 2004. The Amendment gives counties and municipalities the right to purchase, lend, or lease property for economic and industrial development and to transfer that property to private companies and it says that bonds may be issued for that purpose. It makes two significant changes, first allowing some of these bonds to be approved without a public vote(which is a constitutional requirement for most other bonds under Section 222 of the Constitution)unless they include tax increases, and changing publication requirements to a newspaper in the city or county rather than the newspaper with the largest circulation.
Number nine would require the Governor to notify the Attorney General and the families of any victims before commuting the death sentence of a convicted felon.
All Alabama's other amendments come in November. The first would remove Orphans' Business from the purview of county probate courts. Since Orphans' Business refers to county orphanages(which don't exist anymore), it's a likely pass.
Number two is also referred to as "Aniah's Law" after Aniah Blanchard, who was killed in 2019 by someone who was out on bail despite being indicted for kidnapping, robbery, and attempted murder. Alabama doesn't currently allow remanding suspects without bail, but this amendment would change that, allowing it at a Judge's discretion for most violent crimes such as murder, rape, terrorism, etc.
Number three would require any legislation that changes the conduct of a general election to be fully implemented at least six months before that election takes place.
Number four would allow certain cities that were already authorised to levy a property tax to pay for capital improvement bonds to use revenue from that tax to pay for such improvements directly without bonds.
Numbers five and six involve the recompiled state constitution. Number five would ask the voters whether or not to ratify the recompiled state constitution as was required in 2020. It consolidates economic development provisions, arranges county amendments by county in alphabetical order, and removes racist language among other things. If number five passes, number six would authorise the state Code Commissioner to do the actual recompiling of articles and amendments to the constitution.
Number seven would allow the state or local governments to grant federal award funds or state funds marked for broadband internet infrastructure to public or private entities that plan to expand, provide, or introduce broadband. Any local government doing this would have to have the measure approved by the town or county in question.
Number eight would make some changes to the 772nd Amendment(that's not a typo) to the State Constitution, passed in 2004. The Amendment gives counties and municipalities the right to purchase, lend, or lease property for economic and industrial development and to transfer that property to private companies and it says that bonds may be issued for that purpose. It makes two significant changes, first allowing some of these bonds to be approved without a public vote(which is a constitutional requirement for most other bonds under Section 222 of the Constitution)unless they include tax increases, and changing publication requirements to a newspaper in the city or county rather than the newspaper with the largest circulation.
Number nine would require the Governor to notify the Attorney General and the families of any victims before commuting the death sentence of a convicted felon.
Alaska will be voting on whether or not to have a Constitutional Convention as they must every 10 years.
Measure number one would modify 2006's Prop 300, which barred all non-citizens from certain state benefits. This would amend that to allow non-citizens to receive in-state tuition at colleges and universities if they graduated from an Arizona school that they had attended for at least two years.
Measure number two would amend the constitution to allow the legislature to repeal or amend any ballot measures or provisions of measures that have been found to be unconstitutional by SCOTUS or the Arizona State Supreme Court.
Measure number three would constitutionally impose a single-subject rule on all citizen-initiated ballot measures.
Measure number four would stiffen voter ID requirements. First, a date of birth and voter's identification number would be required alongside a signature for future mail-in ballots, and ballots can be rejected if they don't match existing records. Second, a current two-document exemption to those without photo ID would be repealed, thus requiring photo ID as the only acceptable voter ID for in-person voting.
Measure number five would create a new 0.1% sales tax for 20 years. This would go to Arizona's fire districts.
Measure number six would amend the constitution to consolidate all of its provisions on property taxes into a single article. It would also grant the legislature the power to set up property tax exemption amounts and their qualifications. These exemptions could be set up for widows and widowers, people with total and permanent disabilities, disabled veterans, and any property used for trade, business, or agriculture.
Measure number seven would amend the constitution to create the office of Lieutenant Governor, who would run jointly with a gubernatorial candidate. Gubernatorial candidates would be required to select running mates no later than 60 days before the General Election, and the Lieutenant Governor(instead of the SoS like now) would take over if the Governor dies, resigns, etc.
Measure number eight would amend the constitution to raise the threshold for all ballot measure to 60%+1 from the simple majority currently required.
Measure number two would amend the constitution to allow the legislature to repeal or amend any ballot measures or provisions of measures that have been found to be unconstitutional by SCOTUS or the Arizona State Supreme Court.
Measure number three would constitutionally impose a single-subject rule on all citizen-initiated ballot measures.
Measure number four would stiffen voter ID requirements. First, a date of birth and voter's identification number would be required alongside a signature for future mail-in ballots, and ballots can be rejected if they don't match existing records. Second, a current two-document exemption to those without photo ID would be repealed, thus requiring photo ID as the only acceptable voter ID for in-person voting.
Measure number five would create a new 0.1% sales tax for 20 years. This would go to Arizona's fire districts.
Measure number six would amend the constitution to consolidate all of its provisions on property taxes into a single article. It would also grant the legislature the power to set up property tax exemption amounts and their qualifications. These exemptions could be set up for widows and widowers, people with total and permanent disabilities, disabled veterans, and any property used for trade, business, or agriculture.
Measure number seven would amend the constitution to create the office of Lieutenant Governor, who would run jointly with a gubernatorial candidate. Gubernatorial candidates would be required to select running mates no later than 60 days before the General Election, and the Lieutenant Governor(instead of the SoS like now) would take over if the Governor dies, resigns, etc.
Measure number eight would amend the constitution to raise the threshold for all ballot measure to 60%+1 from the simple majority currently required.
Issue 1 is an amendment that would allow the state legislature to call itself into special sessions if a joint proclamation is signed by the House Speaker and the Senate President Pro Tempore or if it's signed by two-thirds of both houses.
Issue 2 would amend the Constitution to require all constitutional amendments and citizen initiatives to have 60%+1 to pass. Currently, only a simple majority is required.
Issue 3 is an amendment that would guarantee that, "government shall not burden a person's freedom of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability."
Issue 2 would amend the Constitution to require all constitutional amendments and citizen initiatives to have 60%+1 to pass. Currently, only a simple majority is required.
Issue 3 is an amendment that would guarantee that, "government shall not burden a person's freedom of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability."
Prop 1 would guarantee the right to reproductive freedom, including the right to abortions and contraception.
Props 26 and 27 legalise sports betting, but they do so in different ways. Prop 26 would legalise sports betting at First Nations Casinos and racetracks and tax all revenue from it at 10%. It would also allow Native casinos to have roulette and dice games for the first time. Prop 27 would legalise online and mobile sports betting by authorising First Nations with gaming compacts to make on agreement with an out-of-state sports betting company. It would create the Division of Online Sports Betting Control within the State Justice Department, which would be able to regulate the practice. All revenues and licence fees would be taxed at 10%, with 85% of the money going to the state's Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Account, which provides permanent and interim housing to the mentioned groups. The remaining 15% would go to the new Tribal Economic Development Account, which would provide funds to non-gaming tribes for their governments, infrastructure, public health, education, and economic development.
Prop 28 would require public schools to fund art and music education. Every school would be required to allocate a minimum of 1% of their annual funding that they get from Prop 98 appropriations(Prop 98 is a 1988 measure that requires annual increases in education funding and sets how much each school and school district gets annually) on top of what they already get from Prop 98. 70% of the money would go to schools based on their enrollments while the remaining 30% would go to schools based on their number of "economically disadvantaged" students, which is basically any student eligible for the National School Lunch Programme. Schools with over 500 students would have to prove that 80% of what they get goes toward employing art and music teachers and the remaining 20% goes toward training and materials for the class.
Prop 29 would enact new requirements for dialysis clinics. Clinics would be required to have at least one physician, nurse practitioner, or physician's assistant onsite during treatments. These professionals would have to have at least six months experience with end-stage renal treatment. Clinics would also be required to report any dialysis-related infections to the Department of Public Health. They would also be required to provide patients with a list of doctors that have at least a 5% ownership stake in the clinic and the CDPH with a list of any persons that have the same. Clinics would also require the CDPH's written consent before either closing or significantly cutting back on services. Finally, they wouldn't be allowed to turn people away based on their method of payment.
Prop 30 would create a new fund for fighting climate change by raising income taxes on the wealthy. Everyone making over $2 million a year would see their taxes go up by 1.75% either for 20 years or, starting in 2030, until California's greenhouse gas levels have been reduced to 80% of their 1990 emissions total for three consecutive years. This money would go towards the new Clean Cars and Clean Air Trust Fund, which could be audited every two years for finances and four years for performance. Audits could cost no more than $600,000(indexed every 10 years). 45% of this new fund's money would go to a sub-fund that helps the California Air Resources Board to provide incentives, subsidies, etc. for anyone wanting a zero-emissions vehicle, provide incentives for zero-emission transit and school buses, promote zero-emission vanpools, and improve access to electric bikes. CARB would be required to distribute incentives first to individuals, then government and business that needs to drive more than 25,000 per year, then others. 35% would go to another sub-fund that promotes the building of electric charging stations for all types of vehicles statewide by the California Energy Commission and the Public Utilities Commission. The remaining 20% goes to a sub-fund for CalFire and the State Fire Marshal's office to hire and train extra firefighters and help communities retro-fit and prepare their structures for wildfires.
Prop 31 is a veto measure. Back in 2020, California passed SB793, which bans the sale of flavoured tobacco except for loose leaf and hookah tobacco and premium cigars, effectively a ban on flavoured vapes and menthols. The tobacco industry has managed to get this veto measure on the ballot, however, so a Yes vote will uphold the bill while a No will reject it.
Props 26 and 27 legalise sports betting, but they do so in different ways. Prop 26 would legalise sports betting at First Nations Casinos and racetracks and tax all revenue from it at 10%. It would also allow Native casinos to have roulette and dice games for the first time. Prop 27 would legalise online and mobile sports betting by authorising First Nations with gaming compacts to make on agreement with an out-of-state sports betting company. It would create the Division of Online Sports Betting Control within the State Justice Department, which would be able to regulate the practice. All revenues and licence fees would be taxed at 10%, with 85% of the money going to the state's Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Account, which provides permanent and interim housing to the mentioned groups. The remaining 15% would go to the new Tribal Economic Development Account, which would provide funds to non-gaming tribes for their governments, infrastructure, public health, education, and economic development.
Prop 28 would require public schools to fund art and music education. Every school would be required to allocate a minimum of 1% of their annual funding that they get from Prop 98 appropriations(Prop 98 is a 1988 measure that requires annual increases in education funding and sets how much each school and school district gets annually) on top of what they already get from Prop 98. 70% of the money would go to schools based on their enrollments while the remaining 30% would go to schools based on their number of "economically disadvantaged" students, which is basically any student eligible for the National School Lunch Programme. Schools with over 500 students would have to prove that 80% of what they get goes toward employing art and music teachers and the remaining 20% goes toward training and materials for the class.
Prop 29 would enact new requirements for dialysis clinics. Clinics would be required to have at least one physician, nurse practitioner, or physician's assistant onsite during treatments. These professionals would have to have at least six months experience with end-stage renal treatment. Clinics would also be required to report any dialysis-related infections to the Department of Public Health. They would also be required to provide patients with a list of doctors that have at least a 5% ownership stake in the clinic and the CDPH with a list of any persons that have the same. Clinics would also require the CDPH's written consent before either closing or significantly cutting back on services. Finally, they wouldn't be allowed to turn people away based on their method of payment.
Prop 30 would create a new fund for fighting climate change by raising income taxes on the wealthy. Everyone making over $2 million a year would see their taxes go up by 1.75% either for 20 years or, starting in 2030, until California's greenhouse gas levels have been reduced to 80% of their 1990 emissions total for three consecutive years. This money would go towards the new Clean Cars and Clean Air Trust Fund, which could be audited every two years for finances and four years for performance. Audits could cost no more than $600,000(indexed every 10 years). 45% of this new fund's money would go to a sub-fund that helps the California Air Resources Board to provide incentives, subsidies, etc. for anyone wanting a zero-emissions vehicle, provide incentives for zero-emission transit and school buses, promote zero-emission vanpools, and improve access to electric bikes. CARB would be required to distribute incentives first to individuals, then government and business that needs to drive more than 25,000 per year, then others. 35% would go to another sub-fund that promotes the building of electric charging stations for all types of vehicles statewide by the California Energy Commission and the Public Utilities Commission. The remaining 20% goes to a sub-fund for CalFire and the State Fire Marshal's office to hire and train extra firefighters and help communities retro-fit and prepare their structures for wildfires.
Prop 31 is a veto measure. Back in 2020, California passed SB793, which bans the sale of flavoured tobacco except for loose leaf and hookah tobacco and premium cigars, effectively a ban on flavoured vapes and menthols. The tobacco industry has managed to get this veto measure on the ballot, however, so a Yes vote will uphold the bill while a No will reject it.
This measure would decrease the state income tax rate for individuals and corporations from 4.55% to 4.4% until the end of 2024.
The second measure would amend the constitution to designate judges who currently serve in Colorado's 18th Judicial District to serve in the newly established 23rd District(consisting of Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln Counties just south and southeast of Denver and going into existence in 2025) and establish a residency requirement like all the other districts.
The third measure would extend an existing homestead property tax exemption measure for disabled veterans to the surviving spouses of those killed in action or who died from a service-related injury or illness if the spouse receives dependency indemnity payments from the VA.
The fourth measure would amend the constitution to make changes to charitable gaming. First, it would repeal a current ban on paying manages and operators of these games and allow them to be paid minimum wage starting January 1, 2024. Second, it would reduce the time an organisation has to exist to get a charitable gaming licence to three years from the current five until 2025, when the Legislature would have full authority over how long they would exist.
The fifth measure would create a new Healthy School Meals for All Programme. This programme would reimburse schools for free meals to students who otherwise don't qualify for federal free lunches, authorise additional food funding for schools, and give grants to schools who purchase food from local businesses or distributors. To pay the $100.7 million annual price tag, the current income tax deduction cap would be dropped drastically, from $30,000 to $12,000 for single filers and from $60,000 to $16,000 for joint filers. The income threshold for where the caps apply would also go down from $400,000 to $300,000.
The sixth measure would require any future ballot initatives that raise or lower state income taxes to include a table showing what those changes mean, on average, for different income brackets
The second measure would amend the constitution to designate judges who currently serve in Colorado's 18th Judicial District to serve in the newly established 23rd District(consisting of Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln Counties just south and southeast of Denver and going into existence in 2025) and establish a residency requirement like all the other districts.
The third measure would extend an existing homestead property tax exemption measure for disabled veterans to the surviving spouses of those killed in action or who died from a service-related injury or illness if the spouse receives dependency indemnity payments from the VA.
The fourth measure would amend the constitution to make changes to charitable gaming. First, it would repeal a current ban on paying manages and operators of these games and allow them to be paid minimum wage starting January 1, 2024. Second, it would reduce the time an organisation has to exist to get a charitable gaming licence to three years from the current five until 2025, when the Legislature would have full authority over how long they would exist.
The fifth measure would create a new Healthy School Meals for All Programme. This programme would reimburse schools for free meals to students who otherwise don't qualify for federal free lunches, authorise additional food funding for schools, and give grants to schools who purchase food from local businesses or distributors. To pay the $100.7 million annual price tag, the current income tax deduction cap would be dropped drastically, from $30,000 to $12,000 for single filers and from $60,000 to $16,000 for joint filers. The income threshold for where the caps apply would also go down from $400,000 to $300,000.
The sixth measure would require any future ballot initatives that raise or lower state income taxes to include a table showing what those changes mean, on average, for different income brackets
Connecticut is voting on an amendment that would allow for early voting.
Amendment 1 would allow the legislature to pass laws that forbid counties from taking flood mitigation measures into account when valuing properties for taxation purposes.
Amendment 2 would disband Florida's infamous Constitution Revision Commission, the one that gave us those oddly matched amendments in 2018.
Amendment 3 would allow the state legislature to grant a new homestead property tax exemption of $50,000 on public service workers such as teachers, law enforcement, EMT and fire personnel, active duty military or national guard, and child welfare workers.
Amendment 2 would disband Florida's infamous Constitution Revision Commission, the one that gave us those oddly matched amendments in 2018.
Amendment 3 would allow the state legislature to grant a new homestead property tax exemption of $50,000 on public service workers such as teachers, law enforcement, EMT and fire personnel, active duty military or national guard, and child welfare workers.
Georgia's first ballot measure would amend the constitution to suspend compensation for elected state executives or legislative members if they've been suspended from office due to a felony indictment.
Georgia's second ballot measure would expand a current personal property tax exemption for farm equipment. First, it would expand it to allow any entity that's a merger of multiple family farms. Second, eggs and dairy products would also be exempt from such taxes.
Georgia's third ballot measure would amend the constitution to allow local governments to grant temporary property tax relief if a property was damaged or destroyed in a federally designated disaster area.
Georgia's fourth ballot measure would exempt timbering equipment owned by timber producers from property taxes.
Georgia's second ballot measure would expand a current personal property tax exemption for farm equipment. First, it would expand it to allow any entity that's a merger of multiple family farms. Second, eggs and dairy products would also be exempt from such taxes.
Georgia's third ballot measure would amend the constitution to allow local governments to grant temporary property tax relief if a property was damaged or destroyed in a federally designated disaster area.
Georgia's fourth ballot measure would exempt timbering equipment owned by timber producers from property taxes.
Idaho will vote to amend their constitution to allow the State Legislature to convene itself for a special session if the Senate President Pro Tempore and the House Speaker receive a written request with at least 60% of both houses signatures. The legislature would only be allowed to discuss any topics mentioned in the request. The Legislature would also be allowed to convene on the first Thursday in December following a general elections for an organisational session.
Illinois will be voting to amend its constitution to guarantee the right to collective bargaining and negotiation.
Iowa will be voting to add a right to bear arms to their constitution and require strict scrutiny of any infringement of that right brought before a court.
On August 2, Kansas will be voting on an amendment that states that there is no right to an abortion in the state constitution. Back in 2019, the Kansas Supreme Court said that their bill of rights did, in fact, guarantee such a right, this would supersede that.
In November, another amendment would allow the Legislature to revoke or suspend any rules or regulations passed by executive agencies by majority vote. The Governor would not be allowed to veto these laws if passed.
Another amendment would require every county with a sheriff(which is every county except Riley County[Manhattan], which abolished their sheriff's office in 1974)to require that the position is an elected one with four-year terms. The voters would have the right to recall a sheriff if they submit a petition with at least 40% of the voters from the previous sheriff's election. They could also be removed if the State Attorney General issues a Quo Warranto(a writ questioning their ability or authority).
In November, another amendment would allow the Legislature to revoke or suspend any rules or regulations passed by executive agencies by majority vote. The Governor would not be allowed to veto these laws if passed.
Another amendment would require every county with a sheriff(which is every county except Riley County[Manhattan], which abolished their sheriff's office in 1974)to require that the position is an elected one with four-year terms. The voters would have the right to recall a sheriff if they submit a petition with at least 40% of the voters from the previous sheriff's election. They could also be removed if the State Attorney General issues a Quo Warranto(a writ questioning their ability or authority).
Kentucky's first proposed amendment would change end dates for the commonwealth legislature. First, the legislature would be allowed to change its own end date via approval of 60% of both houses. Second, the House Speaker and Senate President would have the right to call a special session up to 12 days long. Third, all laws would take effect either on July 1 or 90 days after the Governor signed them into law, whichever's later.
The second proposed amendment is another measure that would expressly deny the right to an abortion in the constitution.
The second proposed amendment is another measure that would expressly deny the right to an abortion in the constitution.
Amendment number one would allow taxing authorities, by a two-thirds vote, to raise property tax rates to the maximum allowed by the constitution. Currently, they're only allowed to raise them to last year's maximum, which the state determines every four years with homestead exemptions considered.
Amendment number two would allow local governments to waive monthly water rates for people if water infrastructure was damaged through no fault of the customers(i.e., hurricane-based pipe damage).
Amendment number three would limit the increase in property values in Orleans Parish to 10% annually starting in 2023.
Amendment number four would allow five funds(The Louisiana Education Quality Trust Fund, the Artificial Reef Development Fund, the Lifetime Licence Endowment Trust Fund, the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge Trust and Protection Fund, and the Russell Sage or Marsh Island Refuge Fund-either one), to invest up to 65% of their money into stocks. Currently, they're limited to 35%.
Amendment number five would allow civil or classified servants to publicly support the election campaigns of immediate family members when off duty.
Amendment number six would remove a current requirement that says that people who are totally and permanently disabled have to annually recertify their income in order to receive a special reassessment level for their property taxes. This level keeps properties from being reassessed at a value higher than that which it was at when the homeowner applied for the special level.
Amendment number seven would expand property tax exemptions for disabled veterans. Currently, the exemption is $7,500 for anyone with a 100% disability rating on top of a $7,500 homestead exemption. Under the proposed amendment, any veteran with a rating between 50-70% would see $2,500 exempted, anyone between 70-100% would see $4,500 exempted, and anyone at 100% or declared totally unemployable by the VA would see their entire tax exempted. Also, a disabled veteran's widow would receive these benefits even if the exemption was never claimed in the veteran's lifetime.
Amendment number eight would close the Convict Loophole on slavery and involuntary servitude in the state constitution except for "the otherwise lawful administration of criminal justice."
Amendment number nine, to be decided on December 10 like the others below, would require future appointees to the State Police Commission to be confirmed by the State Senate.
Amendment number ten would require future appointees to the State Civil Service Commission to be confirmed by the State Senate.
Amendment number eleven would say that "No person who is not a citizen of the United States shall be allowed to register and vote in this state."
Amendment number two would allow local governments to waive monthly water rates for people if water infrastructure was damaged through no fault of the customers(i.e., hurricane-based pipe damage).
Amendment number three would limit the increase in property values in Orleans Parish to 10% annually starting in 2023.
Amendment number four would allow five funds(The Louisiana Education Quality Trust Fund, the Artificial Reef Development Fund, the Lifetime Licence Endowment Trust Fund, the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge Trust and Protection Fund, and the Russell Sage or Marsh Island Refuge Fund-either one), to invest up to 65% of their money into stocks. Currently, they're limited to 35%.
Amendment number five would allow civil or classified servants to publicly support the election campaigns of immediate family members when off duty.
Amendment number six would remove a current requirement that says that people who are totally and permanently disabled have to annually recertify their income in order to receive a special reassessment level for their property taxes. This level keeps properties from being reassessed at a value higher than that which it was at when the homeowner applied for the special level.
Amendment number seven would expand property tax exemptions for disabled veterans. Currently, the exemption is $7,500 for anyone with a 100% disability rating on top of a $7,500 homestead exemption. Under the proposed amendment, any veteran with a rating between 50-70% would see $2,500 exempted, anyone between 70-100% would see $4,500 exempted, and anyone at 100% or declared totally unemployable by the VA would see their entire tax exempted. Also, a disabled veteran's widow would receive these benefits even if the exemption was never claimed in the veteran's lifetime.
Amendment number eight would close the Convict Loophole on slavery and involuntary servitude in the state constitution except for "the otherwise lawful administration of criminal justice."
Amendment number nine, to be decided on December 10 like the others below, would require future appointees to the State Police Commission to be confirmed by the State Senate.
Amendment number ten would require future appointees to the State Civil Service Commission to be confirmed by the State Senate.
Amendment number eleven would say that "No person who is not a citizen of the United States shall be allowed to register and vote in this state."
Maryland's first amendment would change the name of the Maryland Court of Appeals to the Supreme Court of Maryland. It would also change the name of the Court of Special Appeals to the Appellate Court of Maryland.
Amendment number two would change how much money in controversy needed to guarantee a jury trial in civil cases. The minimum limit would go up to $25,000 from the current $15,000.
Amendment number three would require that people running for state or federal office would have to have their primary residence in the district they plan to stand for for at least six months, thus changing the requirement from simply having a residence of some sort in the district. It also changes all language in the constitution to gender-neutral language.
Amendment number four would legalise marijuana for all people over age 21 effective July 1, 2023. It would also direct the legislature to pass the necessary laws for regulation, taxation, usage, and distribution.
Amendment number five would merge the circuit and orphan's courts in Howard County by requiring the three circuit court judges serve as orphan's court judges and remove the election requirement for the orphan's court. Both the state and the county would have to approve this measure, required because Maryland has a strict structure for their courts and counties have to get amendments to change it for their needs.
Amendment number two would change how much money in controversy needed to guarantee a jury trial in civil cases. The minimum limit would go up to $25,000 from the current $15,000.
Amendment number three would require that people running for state or federal office would have to have their primary residence in the district they plan to stand for for at least six months, thus changing the requirement from simply having a residence of some sort in the district. It also changes all language in the constitution to gender-neutral language.
Amendment number four would legalise marijuana for all people over age 21 effective July 1, 2023. It would also direct the legislature to pass the necessary laws for regulation, taxation, usage, and distribution.
Amendment number five would merge the circuit and orphan's courts in Howard County by requiring the three circuit court judges serve as orphan's court judges and remove the election requirement for the orphan's court. Both the state and the county would have to approve this measure, required because Maryland has a strict structure for their courts and counties have to get amendments to change it for their needs.
Massachusetts is voting on an amendment that would create a new 4% income tax for all incomes over $1 million. This tax would go to education and transportation.
Michigan is voting on an amendment that would change state legislative term limits to 12 years combined in both houses as opposed to the current three two-year terms in the House and two four-year terms in the Senate. The amendment also requires elected legislators and state executives to file annual financial disclosure statements on income, assets and liabilities, gifts from lobbyists, agreements on future employment, travel reimbursements, and positions held in certain orgainsations. The Legislature would not be allowed to limit or restrict these disclosures
First, there's Amendment 1. This would allow the State Treasurer to invest state money into any of the top five highest-rates long-term or short-term municipal securities. It would also allow the State Legislature to pass laws to allow the Treausrer to invest in other securities.
Second, there's an automatic convention question, which Missouri gets every 20 years.
Third, there's an amendment that would create a new cabinet office and department of Secretary of the National Guard, who would be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.
Fourth, another amendment would allow the legislature to pass a law that would be effective until December 2026 that would require a city to increase funding for a police force established by a state board of police commissioners without compensation by the state and allow the legislature to go around a constitutional provision that otherwise requires such compensation. Only Kansas City has a police force that fits the amendment's criteria, and the amendment is seen as a response to KC cutting police funding.
Second, there's an automatic convention question, which Missouri gets every 20 years.
Third, there's an amendment that would create a new cabinet office and department of Secretary of the National Guard, who would be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.
Fourth, another amendment would allow the legislature to pass a law that would be effective until December 2026 that would require a city to increase funding for a police force established by a state board of police commissioners without compensation by the state and allow the legislature to go around a constitutional provision that otherwise requires such compensation. Only Kansas City has a police force that fits the amendment's criteria, and the amendment is seen as a response to KC cutting police funding.
First, C-48 would amend the constitution to require search warrants to access electronic data and communications.
Second, LR-131 would implement a "born alive" law in Montana, stating all people born alive are people and would require care for them even in the event of an attempted abortion. Violations of this law would result in a maximum of 20 years imprisonment and/or a $50,000 fine.
Second, LR-131 would implement a "born alive" law in Montana, stating all people born alive are people and would require care for them even in the event of an attempted abortion. Violations of this law would result in a maximum of 20 years imprisonment and/or a $50,000 fine.
Nebraska's voting on an amendment that would let cities or counties who own airports spend and raise revenue to let those airports expand or introduce commercial passenger flights. Currently, Nebraska's the only state that doesn't allow this.
First, an ERA is being proposed for Nevada, an amendment that would ban discrimination on the basis of sex, race, colour, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, ancestry, or national origin.
Second, a proposal would raise the minimum wage to $12 per hour by 2024(currently its $12 for people without employer-based health benefits and $11 for people with it), but it would also remove the current annual inflation adjustments to the wage. It would also allow the legislature to set higher minimum wages than the constitutional minimum.
Second, a proposal would raise the minimum wage to $12 per hour by 2024(currently its $12 for people without employer-based health benefits and $11 for people with it), but it would also remove the current annual inflation adjustments to the wage. It would also allow the legislature to set higher minimum wages than the constitutional minimum.
Another convention vote as required every 10 years.
New Hampshire will also be voting on an amendment that would eliminate the office of Register of Probate from all counties. After a 2011 court reform, the job's basically been reduced to preserving potentially significant documents, a job that many consider could be better suited by other officials.
New Hampshire will also be voting on an amendment that would eliminate the office of Register of Probate from all counties. After a 2011 court reform, the job's basically been reduced to preserving potentially significant documents, a job that many consider could be better suited by other officials.
New Mexico's voting on an amendment that would require 1.25% of the Land Grant Permanent Fund(the state's education fund made up of investment returns and royalties and leases on things like oil and natural gas) to go to early childhood education(60%) and public education in general(40%). This would mean that 6.25% is altogether being dedicated to certain funds and projects.
Another amendment being considered would require appellate judges who were appointed to fill vacancies to be up for election in the first general election after they've served a full year. Currently, they have to go up for election at the next general election regardless of whether they've served a year, a month, etc.
Their third proposed amendment would allow the legislature to appropriate state funds for household services infrastructure(internet access, water, electricity, gas) through a majority vote.
Another amendment being considered would require appellate judges who were appointed to fill vacancies to be up for election in the first general election after they've served a full year. Currently, they have to go up for election at the next general election regardless of whether they've served a year, a month, etc.
Their third proposed amendment would allow the legislature to appropriate state funds for household services infrastructure(internet access, water, electricity, gas) through a majority vote.
Ohio's voting on an amendment that would forbid local governments from allowing people to vote if they don't qualify to be an elector in state or federal elections.
Another amendment would require edges to "use factors such as public safety, including the seriousness of the offense, and a person's criminal record" when setting bail amounts and conditions.
Another amendment would require edges to "use factors such as public safety, including the seriousness of the offense, and a person's criminal record" when setting bail amounts and conditions.
The first amendment would "ensure that every resident of Oregon has access to cost-effective, clinically appropriate and affordable health care as a fundamental right."
The second amendment would remove slavery as a possible punishment for crime and authorise courts or probation agencies to order alternatives to imprisonment as part of sentencing convicts.
The third amendment would disqualify legislators from re-election if they've had more than 10 unexcused or unpermitted absences during their term. This applies to both regular and special sessions.
The second amendment would remove slavery as a possible punishment for crime and authorise courts or probation agencies to order alternatives to imprisonment as part of sentencing convicts.
The third amendment would disqualify legislators from re-election if they've had more than 10 unexcused or unpermitted absences during their term. This applies to both regular and special sessions.
Measure number one would increase the state's General Reserve Fund(the fund used to cover year-end deficits) from 5% to 7% of all general fund revenue. It would go up half a percentage point each year until it hits the mark.
Measure number two would increase the Capital Reserve Fund(which has to be used to cover year-end deficits before the General Reserve can be used) from 2% to 3% of all general fund revenue. It would also change the Fund's usage, switching to covering midyear deficits instead of those at year's end.
Measure number two would increase the Capital Reserve Fund(which has to be used to cover year-end deficits before the General Reserve can be used) from 2% to 3% of all general fund revenue. It would also change the Fund's usage, switching to covering midyear deficits instead of those at year's end.
Amendment C, to be decided on June 7, would require any ballot measure that increases taxes or fees or requires to state to appropriate more than $10 million within the first five fiscal years to be passed by 60%+1 of voters. REJECTED
In November, Amendment D and Initiated Measure 28 would increase Medicaid access to ACA levels. Proponents are going both ways to ensure the measure doesn't get struck down for one reason or another.
Initiated Measure 27 would legalise marijuana for people over 21. Technically South Dakota did vote to do this already in 2020, but the measure was struck down for violating the state's single-subject rule.
In November, Amendment D and Initiated Measure 28 would increase Medicaid access to ACA levels. Proponents are going both ways to ensure the measure doesn't get struck down for one reason or another.
Initiated Measure 27 would legalise marijuana for people over 21. Technically South Dakota did vote to do this already in 2020, but the measure was struck down for violating the state's single-subject rule.
Measure number one would add a Right-to-Work Amendment to Tennessee's Constitution. Tennessee already has a similar law banning union membership as a requirement for employment.
Measure number two would remove slavery as a punishment for convicts.
Measure number three would set up an order for an Acting Governor. Tennessee is the only state that still does not have any constitutional provisions for an Acting Governor if the sitting Governor is temporarily unable to carry out their duty. The Governor could send a letter to both legislative leaders, or a majority of executive agencies could approve a measure declaring unfitness. Either way, the Senate Speaker and Lieutenant Governor would take over as Acting Governor.
Measure number four would lift a state constitutional ban on religious ministers, priests, pastors, rabbi, imams, etc., running for the Legislature.
Measure number two would remove slavery as a punishment for convicts.
Measure number three would set up an order for an Acting Governor. Tennessee is the only state that still does not have any constitutional provisions for an Acting Governor if the sitting Governor is temporarily unable to carry out their duty. The Governor could send a letter to both legislative leaders, or a majority of executive agencies could approve a measure declaring unfitness. Either way, the Senate Speaker and Lieutenant Governor would take over as Acting Governor.
Measure number four would lift a state constitutional ban on religious ministers, priests, pastors, rabbi, imams, etc., running for the Legislature.
Unusual, but they passed a couple of measures that came too late for a odd-year vote and will appear on May 7. First, Prop 1 would reduce the tax limit for school maintenance and operations on homesteads of elderly or disabled residents in accordance with a law passed last year. APPROVED
Second, Prop 2 would raise the homestead exemption for school property taxes to $40,000 from the current $25,000. APPROVED
Second, Prop 2 would raise the homestead exemption for school property taxes to $40,000 from the current $25,000. APPROVED
Utah will vote an amendment that would raise the limit on appropriations made during emergency legislative sessions. The limit would go up to 5% of the previous year's budget from the current 1%. Federal funding would be exempt as would anything that decreases total spending for the year.
Proposal 2 would repeal certain language that allows slavery or indentured servitude as a criminal punishment or as a method of paying debts, effectively closing what's known as the "convict loophole."
Proposal 5 would amend the constitution to protect the right to personal reproductive autonomy and ensure that it cannot be infringed by the state without a compelling interest.
Proposal 5 would amend the constitution to protect the right to personal reproductive autonomy and ensure that it cannot be infringed by the state without a compelling interest.
Amendment number one would state that no state court has any authority over any impeachments made by the legislature and that no court can review such impeachments.
Amendment number two would allow the legislature to incorporate churches and religious denominations. West Virginia is the only state that still doesn't have such authority.
Amendment number three would any personal property used for businesses from property taxes.
Amendment number four would requite the State Board of Education to submit any proposed rules or rule changes to the Legislature so it can amend, reject, or approve them.
Amendment number two would allow the legislature to incorporate churches and religious denominations. West Virginia is the only state that still doesn't have such authority.
Amendment number three would any personal property used for businesses from property taxes.
Amendment number four would requite the State Board of Education to submit any proposed rules or rule changes to the Legislature so it can amend, reject, or approve them.
Amendment A would allow local governments to invest their money into stocks upon a two-thirds vote of the legislature. They would need a similar approval to increase the amount of funds being invested.
Amendment B would raise the retirement age for district court judges and state supreme court justices from 70 to 75.
Amendment B would raise the retirement age for district court judges and state supreme court justices from 70 to 75.
