Bill > HJR4

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Oregon Constitution that would require a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate to pass bills declaring an emergency, which is a significant change from the current requirement of a simple majority. Currently, most bills only need a majority vote to pass, with revenue-raising bills requiring a three-fifths majority. The proposed amendment would create a new constitutional provision mandating that emergency declaration bills must receive at least two-thirds support from all elected members in each legislative chamber. If approved, this change would make it more difficult for the legislature to quickly enact legislation with emergency clauses, potentially slowing down the legislative process for urgent matters. The resolution also includes a provision to refer the proposed constitutional amendment directly to Oregon voters for approval or rejection at the next regular general election, allowing the state's citizens to have the final say on this procedural change.

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HJR4