AJR60: Joint Resolution Text

LRB-2260/1

MPG:emw

2023 - 2024 LEGISLATURE

2023 Assembly JOINT RESOLUTION 60

June 22, 2023 - Introduced by Representatives Bodden, Tusler, Behnke, Allen, Armstrong, Binsfeld, Brandtjen, Brooks, Edming, Goeben, Gundrum, Gustafson, Hurd, Magnafici, Maxey, Michalski, Murphy, O'Connor, Penterman, Rettinger, Rozar, Schmidt, Schraa, Schutt, Tittl, Wichgers and Green, cosponsored by Senators Tomczyk, Bradley, Cabral-Guevara, James, Marklein, Nass, Quinn and Stroebel. Referred to Committee on Judiciary.

AJR60,1,2 To amend section 18 of article I of the constitution; relating to: the freedom to gather in places of worship during a state of emergency (first consideration).

Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau

  This constitutional amendment, proposed to the 2023 legislature on first consideration, provides that the state or a political subdivision of the state may not order the closure of or forbid gatherings in places of worship in response to a state of emergency at the national, state, or local level, including an emergency related to public health.   A constitutional amendment requires adoption by two successive legislatures, and ratification by the people, before it can become effective.

AJR60,1,3 Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That:

AJR60,1 Section 1. Section 18 of article I of the constitution is amended to read:

AJR60,2,5 [Article I] Section 18. The right of every person to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of conscience shall never be infringed; nor shall any person be compelled to attend, erect or support any place of worship, or to maintain any ministry, without consent; nor shall any control of, or interference with, the rights of conscience be permitted, or any preference be given by law to any religious establishments or modes of worship; nor shall any money be drawn from the treasury for the benefit of religious societies, or religious or theological seminaries; nor shall the state or a political subdivision of the state order the closure of or forbid gatherings in places of worship in response to a state of emergency at the national, state, or local level, including an emergency related to public health.

AJR60,2,8 Be it further resolved, That this proposed amendment be referred to the legislature to be chosen at the next general election and that it be published for three months previous to the time of holding such election.

AJR60,2,9 (End)