THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE BILL

INTRODUCED BY KORTZ, BOYD, CUTLER, DeLUCA, JOSEPHS, MULLERY, MURT, MUSTIO, SIMMONS, SWANGER, VULAKOVICH AND WAGNER, JANUARY 20, 2011

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, JANUARY 20, 2011  

AN ACT

Providing for a nonbinding Statewide referendum relating to

convening a limited constitutional convention on the

structure and function of the General Assembly.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

hereby enacts as follows:

Section 1.  Legislative findings.

The General Assembly finds that the electors of this

Commonwealth should be given the opportunity to voice their

opinion if they wish to restructure the General Assembly. The

power of the government rests within the people as stated in

section 2 of Article I of the Constitution of Pennsylvania:

"All power is inherent in the people, and all free

governments are founded on their authority and instituted

for their peace, safety and happiness. For the

advancement of these ends they have at all times an

inalienable and indefeasible right to alter, reform or

abolish their government in such manner as they may think

proper."

Section 2.  Authorization.

The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall cause to be placed on

the ballot, at the primary or general election occurring at

least 30 days next following the effective date of this section,

a nonbinding referendum to determine the will of the electorate

of this Commonwealth with respect to the structure and function

of the General Assembly.

Section 3.  Form of question.

The referendum question shall be in substantially the

following form:

Shall the Pennsylvania General Assembly convene a limited

constitutional convention on the structure and function

of the General Assembly?

Section 4.  Conduct of election.

The referendum shall be advertised and conducted in

accordance with the provisions of the act of June 3, 1937 (P.L.

1333, No.320), known as the Pennsylvania Election Code.

Section 5.  Effective date.

This act shall take effect immediately.