SENATE BILL REPORT

SHJR 4231

BYHouse Committee on Constitution, Elections & Ethics (originally sponsored by Representatives Fisher and Pruitt;by request of Secretary of State)

Revising constitutional references to persons with mental or sensory disabilities.

House Committe on Constitution, Elections & Ethics

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 24, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Zimmerman, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, Garrett, Halsan, Metcalf.

Senate Staff:Desley Brooks (786-7443)

                  February 24, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, FEBRUARY 24, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Provisions of the state's Constitution contain language which, by today's standards, is denigrative to persons with sensory or mental disabilities.

SUMMARY:

A provision of the state's Constitution which excludes "idiots" and "insane" persons from elective franchise is replaced with a provision excluding persons while they are judicially declared to be mentally incompetent.  Another provision is changed to refer to state institutions for the benefit of persons with sensory or mental disabilities.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Ralph Munro, Secretary of State (for)