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RI H5515

RI H5515
JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE (Would propose to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment regarding eligibility to vote and to be a candidate.)


summary

Introduced
02/13/2025
In Committee
02/13/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/20/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution -- Of Suffrage (would Propose To The Voters Of The State A Constitutional Amendment Regarding Eligibility To Vote And To Be A Candidate.)

AI Summary

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to update voting and candidate eligibility rules in Rhode Island. The amendment would modify Article II of the state constitution, specifically changing voter qualification requirements to state that every U.S. citizen aged 18 or older who is a resident of the state and the specific town or city where they wish to vote can vote, with some key restrictions: individuals who have been legally declared non compos mentis (mentally incapacitated) cannot vote, and people incarcerated for a felony conviction cannot vote until they are discharged from the correctional facility. The resolution also introduces a new requirement that candidates must have been a qualified elector in Rhode Island for at least 30 days before filing for candidacy. The proposed amendment would take effect on January 1, 2026, and will be submitted to voters for approval at the next statewide general election. If approved, the amendment would replace the existing Sections 1 and 2 of Article II in the state constitution, with the secretary of state responsible for publishing the proposed changes in state newspapers and ensuring proper voting procedures are followed during the election.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (10)

Last Action

Committee recommended measure be held for further study (on 03/18/2025)

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