COLUMBUS, Ohio — On Wednesday, March 22, an Ohio lawmaker introduced House Joint Resolution 1.

The resolution seeks to raise the threshold for passing a constitutional ballot amendment to 60%, instead of its current simple majority plus one. This legislation was proposed in the last general assembly but did not make it through.

What You Need To Know

  • HJR 1 would get rid of the 10-day cure period to secure a citizen-initiated amendment on the ballot 

  • HJR 1 would also make it a 60% threshold to get a citizen-led amendment passed

  • HJR 1 makes it so groups need to gather signatures from all 88 counties

It was a heated discussion between lawmakers and State Representative Brian Stewart, who offered testimony in support of House Joint Resolution 1. 

Many Democrats say it could get rid of a system that's been in place ever since 1912. 

"We have repeatedly watched as special interests buy their way on the statewide ballot and then spend millions of dollars drowning the airwaves seeking to secure permanent fundamental changes to our state by a vote margin of 50% plus one vote," said State Rep. Brian Stewart (R-Ashville).

Stewart defined the parameters of House Joint Resolution 1. He said the resolution would get rid of a cure period which can give citizens a second chance if they don't get enough valid signatures the first time around.

"The cure period is an unnecessary step in the ballot access process that simply drags out the timeline," Stewart said. "Groups seeking to amend the constitution should meet the standards and should not be afforded bonus time to do so after they fail." 

Democratic lawmakers immediately became heated, even questioning the reason for pushing the bill through at this time. Lawmakers mentioned potential issues like abortion, redistricting, and the legalization of recreational marijuana being on future ballots.

Democrats brought up how having this placed on the ballot for a special August election could cost Ohio, taxpayers, nearly $20 million.

"It seems to be quite disrespectful to the people in the audience here and also out in the hallway to suggest that 20 million of their hard-earned dollars is just nothing," said State Rep. Tavia Galonski, (D-Akron).   

House Minority Leader Allison Russo mentioned lawmakers need more time for the public to truly understand what the resolution means. 

House Joint Resolution 1 will continue to head through the House Joint Resolution Committee for more discussion.