A Constitutional Convention took place today at the State House and was dissolved for the remainder of the legislative term. Though we didn’t expect any votes to take place, MFI was there to closely monitor the proceedings because of two onerous proposals to amend the state constitution:

Senate Bill 12 – This amendment, in plain English, would essentially eliminate the citizen initiative process because there are very few subjects that do not deal with freedom, equality, life, liberty and property, and these areas would become off limits.

House Bill 1830 – This amendment would more than double the required number of signatures for an initiative petition to amend the constitution, as well as those required for a referendum to repeal a law, from 3% of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election to 7%. Again, this is a demonstration of the raw abuse of power exhibited by certain legislators to further limit the people’s right to petition.

We are happy to report that no further action will be taken on these proposals this year. However, they may be filed again next legislative session. As always, we will keep you informed and when required, alert you to contact your legislators.