Title: Article V Process Legislation Model Language Summary

Original CoS Document (slug): article-v-process-legislation-model-language-summary

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Attached File: Article_V_Process_Legislation_Model_Language_Summary_Sheet_(1).pdf

Created: 2023-11-20 11:44:26

Updated: 2024-11-20 19:00:00

Published: 2023-11-19 23:00:00

Converted: 2025-03-29T15:37:49.386109917


background image Article V Process Legislation Model Language Summary Sheet

The model language consists of two components:

1. A model resolution suggesting procedures for selecting, instructing and

overseeing commissioners.

2. A model bill enacting criminal penalties for commissioners violating their

commission and for individuals interfering with a commissioner in fulfilling their
duties.

Summary of the Resolution

● Section 1. Applicability.
● Section 2. Definitions.
● Section 3. Qualifications of Commissioners.

○ 25 years old, U.S. and state citizen, registered to vote. Prohibition on

Federal employees, contractors, lobbyists, and officeholders. Prohibition
on holding a statewide office. Prohibition for felony convictions.

● Section 4. Commissioner Selection and Removal.

○ Recommends an odd number of commissioners. Commissioners selected

or removed by joint resolution. The advisory committee can suspend or
remove a commissioner for violating the commission.

● Section 5. Commissioning resolution.

○ Shall not alter one-state-one-vote. Shall not alter existing amendments

guaranteeing individual rights. Defines scope of commissioner’s authority.
State legislature can provide additional instructions.

● Section 6. Oath.

○ Defines the oath and requires filing with the Secretary of State.

● Section 7. Credentials.

○ Commissioners will be provided an official copy of their oath and the

commissioning resolution.

● Section 8. Vacancies.

○ Advisory committee selects an interim commissioner until the legislature

can select a permanent replacement.

● Section 9. Compensation and Expenses.

○ Same as for a legislator, prorated.

● Section 10. Emolument and Gift Prohibition.

○ Prohibition on gifts totaling over $200. Exception for family and employer

compensation.

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background image ● Section 11. Quorum, Conduct, and Rule of Decision within the Delegation.

○ Sets rules for how the delegation operates.

● Section 12. Article V Commissioner Advisory Committee.

○ Consists of three legislators. Provides advisory opinions to commissioners

upon request.

● Section 13. Monitoring the Exercise of Commissioner Authority.

○ The advisory committee monitors the commissioners and notifies the

legislature of violations. The legislature can ask for a determination of a
violation. The advisory committee can remove and replace
commissioners.

Summary of the Criminal Penalties Bill

● Section 1. Definitions.
● Section 2. Exceeding the Scope of a Commissioner’s Authority.

○ Defines criminal elements and penalty.

● Section 3. Interference with a Commissioner’s Duties.

○ Defines criminal elements and penalty.

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