Proposing a constitutional amendment to reserve to the people the powers of initiative and referendum.

SJR 14 proposes a constitutional amendment to give Texas citizens the direct power to propose new laws or constitutional changes through petitions, known as "initiative," and to vote on those proposals, known as "referendum." It requires petitioners to submit a $2,000 filing fee (refundable if the measure reaches the ballot), include two representative voter names, and ensure proposals cover only one subject. The Texas Legislative Council would review proposals for constitutionality and fiscal impact, requiring a fiscal note if state funds are involved, before forwarding them to the Secretary of State for public petitioning. This amendment, if approved, would directly affect Texas voters by expanding their direct role in lawmaking, while adding administrative steps for state officials handling petitions. The bill is currently in the State Affairs committee for review.