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

Rhode Island Proposed Constitutional Amendment: Voting and Candidate Eligibility

This is a joint resolution in the Rhode Island legislature that would propose a constitutional amendment related to who is eligible to vote and who is eligible to run for office in the state. Because it is a constitutional amendment, the legislature itself cannot simply pass it into law — instead, if approved by the legislature, the proposed change would be placed on the ballot for Rhode Island voters to decide directly.

The bill deals with the "suffrage" section of the Rhode Island Constitution, which is the part that outlines the basic rules around voting rights and election participation. While the full specific details of the proposed changes are not included in the bill description provided, the amendment would alter the existing constitutional language about the qualifications or requirements a person must meet to vote or to appear on the ballot as a candidate for public office.

This proposal would affect all Rhode Island residents, particularly those who vote in state elections or who wish to run for elected office. Depending on the specific wording of the amendment, it could expand or restrict current eligibility rules for either voters or candidates — or both.

Currently, the bill has been introduced in the Senate and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which recommended it be held for further study. It has been scheduled for hearings but has not yet moved forward in the legislative process. No final vote has been taken, and Rhode Island voters would ultimately have the final say if the legislature approves placing it on the ballot.