Revision: March 6, 2024, 2:41 p.m.
Rep. Hoell, Merr. 27
March 6, 2024
2024-1003h
08/06
Floor Amendment to CACR 17
Amend the bill by replacing all after the resolving clause with the following:
I. That the first part of the constitution be amended by inserting after article 2-b the following new article:
[Art.] 2-c. [Rights of Parents.] The fundamental right and responsibility of parents to direct the upbringing, education, health and care of their minor children shall not be infringed.
II. That the above amendment proposed to the constitution be submitted to the qualified voters of the state at the state general election to be held in November, 2024.
III. That the selectmen of all towns, cities, wards and places in the state are directed to insert in their warrants for the said 2024 election an article to the following effect: To decide whether the amendments of the constitution proposed by the 2024 session of the general court shall be approved.
IV. That the wording of the question put to the qualified voters shall be:
“Are you in favor of amending the first part of the constitution by inserting after article 2-b a new article to read as follows:
[Art.] 2-c. [Rights of Parents.] The fundamental right and responsibility of parents to direct the upbringing, education, health and care of their minor children shall not be infringed."
V. That the secretary of state shall print the question to be submitted on a separate ballot with other constitutional questions or on the official ballot. The ballot containing the question shall include 2 ovals next to the question allowing the voter to vote “Yes” or “No.” If no oval is marked, the ballot shall not be counted on the question. The outside of the ballot shall be the same as the regular official ballot except that the words “Questions Relating to Constitutional Amendments proposed by the 2024 General Court” shall be printed in bold type at the top of the ballot.
VI. That if the proposed amendment is approved by 2/3 of those voting on the amendment, it becomes effective when the governor proclaims its adoption.
VII. Voters' Guide.
AT THE PRESENT TIME, the constitution does not address the rights of parents of minor children.
IF THE AMENDMENT IS ADOPTED, the constitution will state that parents have a fundamental right and responsibility to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their minor children.