House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022 Regular Session

Posted:	January 24, 2022 02:39 PM
From:	Representative Ryan A. Bizzarro and Rep. Pam Snyder
To:	All House members
Subject:	Passage of Constitutional Amendments by Two-Thirds Majority

The Constitution of Pennsylvania is the foundation for our Keystone State democracy. Currently, changes to the state constitution require that identical legislation be approved by a majority vote in both chambers of the General Assembly in two consecutive legislative sessions before being presented to voters in the form of a ballot question. Changes to the state constitution, while sometimes necessary, require serious forethought, debate, and participation from more than just a simple majority of elected members. For this reason, we plan to introduce a joint resolution to amend the state constitution to require future proposed amendments be approved by at least two-thirds of members in each chamber of the General Assembly. The voters will still have the ultimate say in amending the state constitution when presented with a ballot question, but this important change will better ensure the voices of those we represent are heard at the beginning of the amendment process in Harrisburg. Pennsylvanians need elected leaders who put them first. This necessary change to the way we consider and pass proposed amendments to our state constitution ensures that more diverse voices have a say in the amendment process. Please join us in co-sponsoring this important step forward. Your consideration is greatly appreciated.
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Introduced as HB2340