Proposing a Law or Amendment

This FAQ is based on the San Andreas General Assembly's guides for Citizen-Initiated Proposals (CIPs) and Constitutional Amendments through the Initiative Petition process.

Q1: What are the two main ways citizens can propose changes to San Andreas law?

The two main processes are:

• Citizen-Initiated Proposal (CIP): Used for proposing statutory amendments (changes to state laws). This process is governed by Article XIV, Section 4 of the Constitution.

• Initiative Petition: Used only for proposing constitutional amendments. This process is independent of the General Assembly and governed by Article XIV, Section 2.

Statutory Amendments (Citizen Initiated Proposals)

Q2: Can I use a Citizen-Initiated Proposal (CIP) to amend the San Andreas Constitution?

No. The CIP process cannot be used for constitutional amendments. It is reserved for statutory amendments.

Q3: Can I use the Initiative Petition process for a statutory amendment?

No. The Initiative Petition process only applies to constitutional amendments and cannot be used for statutory amendments.

Q4: What is the required vote threshold for a proposed law to pass?

• Statutory Proposal (CIP): Requires a simple majority (50%+1) of the electors voting on it to pass.

• Constitutional Amendment (Initiative Petition): Requires at least 55% of the qualified electors voting on the measure to pass.

Q5: Does a CIP have to go through the General Assembly?

Yes. Unlike the Initiative Petition process, a CIP must enter and pass through the full legislative process (including approval by the General Assembly and signature by the Governor) before it can ever reach the ballot for a public vote.

Q6: What happens if the General Assembly fails to pass my CIP or the Governor vetoes it?

If the General Assembly fails to pass the bill, or if the Governor vetoes it, the measure cannot be placed on the ballot for a vote, unless the General Assembly overrides the veto.

Q7: When is a mandatory referendum required for a CIP?

A mandatory referendum is required before a CIP can take effect if it involves:

• Taxes or revenue measures.

• Appropriations from the State Treasury.

• Changes to elections or statewide education.

• The creation or alteration of state funds.

Q8: Can I get help from the Legislative Legal Council to draft my CIP?

No. The Legislative Legal Council cannot provide legal or fiscal analysis for CIPs, as that service only applies to legislative sponsors. Furthermore, they are unable to assist with drafting a citizen's bill due to potential conflicts of interest.

Q9: What are the key components I must include when drafting a CIP?

You must include key sections such as:

• Short Title 

• Legislative Declaration (the intent or justification) 

• Substantive Provisions (the actual legal changes) 

• Funding and Appropriation (any fiscal implications) 

• Mandatory Referendum Section (when required) 

• Effective Date Section 

Constitutional Amendments (Initiative Petitions)

Q10: Before collecting signatures for a constitutional amendment, what must I do?

You must submit your written draft to the Legislative Legal Council of the General Assembly. The Council will review it for conformity, standards, and help correct technical errors.

Q11: How many signatures do I need to collect for a constitutional amendment?

You must collect signatures from a number of qualified electors equal to at least 10% of the total electorate in the State of San Andreas, or 30% of the total electorate within a defined legislative district.

Q12: When is the deadline for filing the Initiative Petition?

The petition must be filed with the Secretary of State no later than two (2) months prior to the next general or coordinated election.

Q13: Is a constitutional amendment subject to gubernatorial veto?

No. An amendment proposed by a citizen initiative is not subject to gubernatorial veto. It takes effect immediately upon the Governor's proclamation of the vote, unless the amendment specifies otherwise.

Q14: Does the Supreme Court review a proposed constitutional amendment?

Yes. The Supreme Court of San Andreas has original jurisdiction to determine if the amendment contains more than one subject or if the subject is not clearly expressed in its title. This review must occur before October 1st prior to the November election.