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H.J. Res. 196 96th Congress House

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to permit citizens through a popular initiative process to propose, repeal, and amend the laws of the United States.

Introduced: February 8, 1979 See on congress.gov
Government Operations and Politics Constitution and constitutional amendmentsConstitutional amendmentsLegislationReferendumVoting
This bill died when the 96th Congress ended
It never became law before the 96th Congress (1979–1980) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 2 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Feb 8, 1979
Introduced in House
Feb 8, 1979
Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary.
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 Latest action February 8, 1979

Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Constitutional Amendment - Allows the enactment, amendment, and repeal of laws by popular vote. Excludes specified areas, including the right to: (1) propose constitutional amendments; (2) declare war; and (3) call forth the militia.

Requires a petition signed by at least three percent of the registered voters and which includes the signatures of registered voters in each of 15 States equal to three percent of the ballots cast in the last general election for President in each of the 15 States in order to place such an issue on the ballot. Requires a majority vote for a proposed law to become law. Declares that any law to repeal or amend a law passed by popular vote during the two years immediately following its effective date must receive an affirmative rollcall vote of two-thirds of the Members of each House of Congress.

 Committees of jurisdiction 1
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.J. Res. 196: A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to permit citizens through a popular initiative process to propose, repeal, and amend the laws of the United States.. 96th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/96-HJRES-196/
MLA
"H.J. Res. 196: A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to permit citizens through a popular initiative process to propose, repeal, and amend the laws of the United States.." 96th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/96-HJRES-196/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.J. Res. 196, 96th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/96-HJRES-196/.
Markdown link
[H.J. Res. 196: A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to permit citizens through a popular initiative process to propose, repeal, and amend the laws of the United States.](https://openamerica.io/bill/96-HJRES-196/)
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