FIRST PASSAGE
The General Assembly passes the resolution by a simple
majority vote in the House and Senate. Amendment
language may change as it moves through the process.
FIRST PUBLICATION
The Secretary of State submits the proposed
amendment (and votes taken) for publication in two
newspapers in every county. Publication must start
three months before the next general election.
In the next consecutive legislative session, a new
joint resolution is introduced proposing the same
constitutional amendment. Amendment language
must be identical to language passed last session.
SECOND INTRODUCTION
SECOND PASSAGE
The resolution passes a second time by a
simple majority vote in the House and
Senate. At no point during the process can
the amendment language be changed.
The Legislature determines when the public will vote
on the amendment. The amendment can be
scheduled to appear on a primary or general election
ballot occurring at least three months after the
amendment passed the General Assembly.
VOTE IS SCHEDULED
SECOND PUBLICATION
The Secretary of State publishes the proposed
amendment for a second time in two newspapers
in every county. Publication must begin at least
three months before the proposed amendment is
scheduled to appear on the ballot.
GENERAL ELECTION
The general election occurs and a new
session of the General Assembly begins.
A Joint Resolution proposing one or more
amendments to the Pennsylvania Constitution
is introduced for consideration.
FIRST INTRODUCTION
The Secretary of State drafts a short summary of
the amendment to appear on the ballot. The
office of the Attorney General writes a plain
English description of what the proposed
amendment would do if adopted.
BALLOT IS PREPARED
ELECTION DAY
If a majority of Pennsylvania voters approve
the proposed amendment, it is codified into
the Pennsylvania Constitution.
Unlike other bills, proposed constitutional amendments bypass the Governor.
They must pass in two consecutive legislative sessions in order to appear on
the ballot for voters to approve or reject.
Pennsylvania Constitutional
Amendment Process
