Const. Amend. - GA Initiated

What is a Constitutional Amendment Initiated bt the General Assembly?

The members of the General Assembly represent Ohio's voters in the legislative branch. They have the ability to pass a joint resolution which will appear as an issue on the general election ballot. Electors then have the option of voting for or against the issue. If the issue receives more than 50% of the vote for passage, the issue will become a Constitutional Amendment.

Please note: This procedural outline is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as the sole source of information. Petitioners must comply with all applicable sections of the Ohio Constitution and the Ohio Revised Code.

Petitioners are encouraged to consult legal counsel.

Requirement	Action	Authority
Joint Resolution	Either branch of the General Assembly may propose amendments to the Ohio Constitution. Customarily Constitutional Amendments are proposed by Joint Resolution. A three-fifths (3/5) vote in favor of the Joint Resolution is required for its passage. The Joint Resolution must then be filed with the Secretary of State at least ninety (90) days before the date of the election at which it is to be submitted to the electors, for their approval or rejection.	Ohio Constitution: Article XVI, Section 1
Ballot Board	The Secretary of State shall pass the Joint Resolution onto the Ballot Board. The Ballot Board shall prescribe the ballot language for such proposed Constitutional Amendments.	Ohio Constitution: Article XVI, Section 1
Constitutional Amendment Challenges	The Ohio Supreme Court has original, exclusive jurisdiction in all cases challenging the adoption or submission of a proposed Constitutional Amendment to the electors. Cases challenging the ballot language, the explanation, or the actions or procedures of the General Assembly in adopting and submitting a Constitutional Amendment shall be filed no later than sixty-four (64) days before the election. The ballot language shall not be held invalid unless it is such as to mislead, deceive, or defraud the voters.	Ohio Constitution: Article XVI, Section 1
Ballot Arguments	Members of the General Assembly appointed by the General Assembly may prepare and file an argument and/or explanation in favor of the proposed constitutional amendment no later than the eightieth (80) day before the election. If members of the General Assembly fail to prepare or timely file an argument and/or explanation, the Secretary of State shall notify the Ohio Ballot Board who will prepare the argument and/or explanation or designate a group to do so. The argument and/or explanation must be filed with the Secretary of State no later than seventy-five (75) days before the election. The argument and/or explanation may not exceed 300 words. Once ballot language is determined, it is advertised statewide and voted on my all eligible Ohio voters.	Ohio Constitution: Article XVI, Section 1; Ohio Revised Code Section: 3505.063
Effective Date	Any amendment approved by the majority of voters will become effective immediately.	Ohio Constitution: Article XVI, Section 1