STATE CONSTITUTIONS


Each state has a constitution that governs that state.  Below are links to each state constitution and how it can be amended along with how constitutional conventions (meetings where amendments to the constitution are proposed) can be called and how resulting amendments are approved.  Proposed amendments to the constitutions usually come from some combination of the following: vote by legislature, citizen petition or constitutional convention.  Then they are usually placed on the election ballot for a citizen vote. 



Alabama

Constitution


Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: 3/5 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      1. Majority passage of act or resolution by both chambers THEN majority vote on election ballot
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:


Amendments placed on election ballot?
YES
Vote Required: Majority


 

 
Alaska

 Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: 2/3 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      1. Called by legislature anytime
      2. Required to be put on ballot every 10 years if not called
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Majority vote by election ballot


Amendments placed on election ballot?
YES
Vote Required: Majority






Arizona

Constitution


Who Can Propose Amendments?


  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: Majority


  • Citizen Petition: YES
    • Signatures Required: 15% of number of voters for governor in last election


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • Referendum petition by citizens only
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Majority vote by election ballot



Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: Majority





Arkansas

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES – Joint Resolution
    • Vote Required: Majority


  • Citizen Petition: YES
    • Signatures Required: 10% of voters


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • Majority vote by voters
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Majority vote by election ballot



Amendments placed on election ballot?
YES
Vote Required: Majority

 




California

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: 2/3 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: YES
    • Signatures Required: 8% of number of voters in last governor election


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • Legislature - 2/3 vote of each chamber
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Majority vote by election ballot


Amendments placed on election ballot?
YES
Vote Required: Majority



 


Colorado

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?


  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: 2/3 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: YES
    • Signatures Required: 5% of voters in last secretary of state election AND 2% of all voters in each Senate district


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • 2/3 vote of each chamber THEN majority vote of electors
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Majority vote by election ballot


Amendments placed on election ballot?
YES
Vote Required: 3/5 vote; 55%





Connecticut

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: 3/4 vote ORmajority if approved 2 different years


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • 2/3 vote of each chamber - Must NOT be within 10 years of last one
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Majority vote by election ballot


Amendments placed on election ballot?
YES
Vote Required: Majority




 
Delaware

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?


  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: 2/3 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • 2/3 vote of both chambers and vote of electors
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Approval by legislature

Amendments placed on election ballot? NO




Florida

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?


  • Legislature: YES – Joint Resolution
    • Vote Required: 3/5 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: NO
    • Signatures Required: 8% of voters in last presidential election and 1/2 of districts


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      1. Required every 20 years
      2. Citizen petition by 15% of voters in last presidential election from 1/2 the districts AND majority vote
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • 60% vote by election ballot


  • Taxation & Budget Reform Commission: YES (Required every 20 years)


Amendments placed on election ballot?
YES
Vote Required: 60% vote

 



Georgia

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?


  • Legislature: YES – House or Senate Resolution
    • Vote Required: 2/3 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • Legislature - 2/3 vote of each chamber
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Majority vote by election ballot


Amendments placed on election ballot?
YES

Election Vote Required: Majority




Hawaii

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: 2/3 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • Legislature THEN majority vote of electors
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • 50% vote AND at least 30% of voters by election ballot


Amendments placed on election ballot?
YES
Vote Required: 50% majority vote

 



Idaho

Constitution


Who Can Propose Amendments?


  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: 2/3 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • 2/3 vote of both chambers THEN majority vote of electors
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Vote by election ballot


Amendments placed on election ballot?
YES
Vote Required: Majority






Illinois

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: 3/5 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: YES
    • Signatures Required: 8% of number of voters for governor in last election
    • Limitations: Article IV structure/procedure only


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      1. 2/3 vote of both chambers THEN majority vote of electors
      2. 3/5 vote of both chambers AND 3/5 vote on item or majority of electors
      3. auto placed on ballot every 20 years if not called
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Majority vote by election ballot

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required:
3/5 of votes on change ORmajority of electors

 

Indiana

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?


  • Legislature: YES
    • Approved by legislature AND then voted by legislature after next election
    • Vote Required: Majority (both votes)


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: NO

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: Majority




Iowa

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?


  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: Majority


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      1. Legislature THEN majority vote of electors
      2. Auto placed on election ballot every 10 years
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Majority vote by election ballot

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: Majority


 


Kansas

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES – Concurrent Resolution
    • Vote Required: 2/3 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • 2/3 vote of both chambers THEN majority vote of electors
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Legislature majority vote and majority vote by election ballot

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: Majority

 


Kentucky

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: 3/5 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • Legislature majority vote THEN majority vote of next legislature THEN majority vote of electors with 1/4 of voters from last general election
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments: Not specified

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: Majority





Louisiana

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES – Prefiled Joint Resolution
    • Vote Required: 2/3 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • 2/3 vote of both chambers - no vote of electors required
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Majority vote by election ballot

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: Majority

 



Maine

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES – Resolution (Must notify towns)
    • Vote Required: 2/3 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • Legislature - 2/3 vote of both chambers
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: Majority

 


Maryland

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?


  • Legislature: YES – Bill introduced
    • Vote Required: 3/5 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • Auto placed on ballot every 20 years THEN majority vote of electors
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Majority vote by election ballot


Amendments placed on election ballot?
YES
Vote Required: Majority




 

Massachusetts

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: 3/4 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: YES – Needs legislature vote
    • Signatures Required: 25,000 voters
    • Limitations: No 18th amendment changes


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call: Unknown
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments: Unknown

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: 1/4 legislature vote of 2 general courts THEN

  • Majority voters if from legislature OR
  • 30% of total voters and majority on item





Michigan

Constitution
https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(avkujoiaf0zs043t3xjuhcyk))/mileg.aspx?page=MCLconstitutionSearch


Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: 2/3 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: YES
    • Signatures Required: 10% of number of voters for governor in last election


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • Auto placed on election ballot every 16 years THEN majority vote of electors
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Convention majority and majority vote by election ballot

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: Majority




Minnesota

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: Majority vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • 2/3 vote of both chambers THEN majority vote of electors
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • 3/5 vote by election ballot

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: Majority



 

Mississippi

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: 2/3 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: YES – Needs legislature vote
    • Signatures Required:
      • 12% of voters for governor in last election with not more than 1/5 from one district
    • Limitations:
      • Limit 5 petitions per election
      • NO changes to Bill of Rights, public employee retirement, right to work or union, initiative process


  • Constitutional Convention: NO

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required:

At least 40% of all voters in election AND majority vote on item





Missouri

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: Majority vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: YES
    • Signatures Required: 8% of voters in each of 2/3 of the districts


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      1. legislature
      2. Auto placed on election ballot every 20 years THEN majority vote of electors
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Convention majority and majority vote by election ballot

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: Majority

 



Montana

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES - Referendum
    • Vote Required: 2/3 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: YES
    • Signatures Required: 10% of voters of governor in last election from at least 2/5 of districts


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call: All require majority vote of electors
      1. Legislature - 2/3 vote of both chambers
      2. citizen initiative petition with 10% of signatures from 2/5 of districts
      3. auto placed on ballot every 20 years if not called
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Majority vote by election ballot

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: Majority

 




Nebraska

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?


  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: 3/5 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: YES
    • Signatures Required: 10% of voters including 5% of voters for each of 2/5 of counties


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • 3/5 vote of both chambers THEN majority vote on item and 35% of total electors
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Majority vote by election ballot

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: 35% of all voters AND majority on item




Nevada

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES - Approved by legislature AND then voted by next legislature
    • Vote Required: Majority vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: YES
    • Signatures Required:
      • 10% of voters in last general election from at least 75% of counties
    • Limitations
      • No appropriation of money except with revenue source


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • 2/3 vote of both chambers THEN majority vote of electors
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: Majority - Based on votes on candidate or office

 
 


New Hampshire

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: 3/5 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      1. Majority vote of both chambers THEN majority vote of electors
      2. Auto placed on election ballot every 10 years if not called
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • 3/5 vote of convention and 2/3 vote by election ballot

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: 2/3 vote
 

New Jersey

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required:
      1. 3/5 vote of both chambers
      2. If majority but not 3/5 - need majority of next legislature


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: NO

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: Majority

 



New Mexico

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required:
      • For Article VII Sections 1 and 3 and Article XII Sec. 8 and 10 - 3/4 vote of both chambers
      • Rest - Majority vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • 2/3 vote of both chambers THEN majority vote of electors
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Majority vote by election ballot


  • Independent Commission: YES – Needs legislature vote

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required:

  • For Article VII Sec 1 and 3 & Article XII Sections 8 and 10 - 3/4 vote
  • Rest - Majority






New York

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Process: legislature proposed, attorney general gives opinion, vote THEN vote by next legislature
    • Vote Required: Majority vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      1. legislature
      2. Auto placed on ballot every 20 years THEN majority vote of electors
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments: Convention majority THEN majority vote by election ballot

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: Majority






North Carolina

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES – must pass Act
    • Vote Required: 3/5 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • 2/3 vote of both chambers THEN majority vote of electors
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Majority vote by election ballot


Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: Majority




North Dakota

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: Majority vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: YES
    • Signatures Required: 4% of total state residents from last US census


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • citizen initiative petition
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Majority vote by election ballot

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: Majority




Ohio

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: 3/5 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: YES
    • Signatures Required: 10% of voters


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      1. 2/3 vote of both chambers THEN majority vote of electors
      2. auto placed on election ballot every 20 years
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Majority vote by election ballot

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: Majority





Oklahoma

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: Majority vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: YES
    • Signatures Required: 15% of voters for governor in last election


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • Referendum vote on election ballot
      • Auto placed on election ballot every 20 years
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Majority vote by election ballot

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: Majority




Oregon

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required:
      • Amendment - 2/3 vote of both chambers
      • Revision - Majority vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: YES
    • Signatures Required: 8% of voters of governor for 4-year term in last election


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • Only allowed by referendum vote of electors
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: Majority





Pennsylvania

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Process: Approved by legislature AND then voted by next legislature
    • Vote Required:
      • Emergency - 2/3 vote of both chambers of just 1 legislature
      • Rest - Majority vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: YES - Allows but no rules given

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: Majority


 

Rhode Island

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES – Roll call vote
    • Vote Required: Majority vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      1. Majority vote of both chambers THEN majority vote of electors
      2. Auto placed on election ballot every 10 years if not called
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Majority vote by election ballot

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: Majority






South Carolina

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: 2/3 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • 2/3 vote of both chambers THEN majority vote of electors
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:


Amendments placed on election ballot?
YES
Vote Required: Majority





South Dakota

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: Majority vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: YES
    • Signatures Required: 10% of voters for governor in last election


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call: Need majority vote of electors
      • 3/4 vote of both chambers
      • citizen initiative petition
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Convention majority THEN majority vote by election ballot

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: Majority

 


Tennessee

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Process: Approved by legislature THEN voted on by next legislature
    • Vote Required: Majority vote of both chambers THEN 2/3 vote of next legislature


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • Initiated by legislature THEN majority vote of electors
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Majority vote by election ballot


Amendments placed on election ballot?
YES
Vote Required: Majority



 

Texas

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: 2/3 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: NO

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES

Vote Required: Majority



 

Utah

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: 2/3 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • 2/3 vote of both chambers THEN majority vote of electors
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Majority vote by election ballot

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: Majority






Vermont

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Process: Vote by Senate and concurred by House every 4 years THEN vote of next legislature
    • Vote Required:
      • 1st legislature - Senate vote of 2/3 and majority in House
      • 2nd legislature - majority vote in both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: NO

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: Majority




 

Virginia

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Process: Approved by legislature THEN vote by 1st Session of next legislature
    • Vote Required: Majority vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • 2/3 vote of both chambers ONLY
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: Majority





Washington

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: 2/3 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • 2/3 vote of both chambers THEN majority vote of electors
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Adopted by electors

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: Majority


 

West Virginia

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: 2/3 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • Law passed by majority of both chambers THEN majority vote of electors
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Vote of electors



Amendments placed on election ballot?
YES
Vote Required: Majority


 

Wisconsin

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Process: Approved by legislature THEN vote by next legislature
    • Vote Required: Majority vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • Majority vote of both chambers THEN majority vote of electors
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: Majority





Wyoming

Constitution

Who Can Propose Amendments?

  • Legislature: YES
    • Vote Required: 2/3 vote of both chambers


  • Citizen Petition: NO


  • Constitutional Convention: YES
    • Methods to Call:
      • 2/3 vote of both chambers THEN majority vote of electors
    • Vote Required to Adopt Amendments:
      • Vote of electors

Amendments placed on election ballot? YES
Vote Required: Majority