Bill > S382

This bill proposes a process to determine if the people of the commonwealth want to hold a constitutional convention, which is a gathering to revise, alter, or amend the state's constitution. If a majority of voters approve this question on the official ballot in the 2016 state election, the governor will call for a special election in May 2017 to elect 480 delegates, with three delegates elected from each of the 160 legislative representative districts. Candidates for delegate will be nominated through non-partisan papers signed by at least 150 voters, and if too many candidates are nominated in a district, a non-partisan primary will be held in April 2017. At the special election, voters will choose two delegates from their district, and these elected delegates will convene in June 2017 to consider constitutional changes. Any proposed revisions, alterations, or amendments will then be submitted to the voters for ratification at the next state election, and if approved, they will become part of the constitution. The bill also outlines provisions for delegate compensation, convention expenses (up to $50 million), and procedures for filling delegate vacancies.