The Constitution of the State of San Andreas

Preamble

We the People of the State of San Andreas, with profound reverence for the supreme ruler of the universe, in order to form a more independent and perfect government; establish justice; insure tranquility; provide for the common defense; promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and the prosperity, do ordain and establish this constitution for “the State of San Andreas”

Article I: Geographical Boundaries

Sec. 1 Purpose – This Article serves to formally define the geographical limits of the State of San Andreas. Within these defined boundaries, all inhabitants and the territory itself shall be subject to, and governed by, the provisions of this Constitution, thereby asserting the State's sovereign authority.

Sec. 2 Establishment of Territorial Jurisdiction – The intent of this Article is to precisely delineate the geographical confines of the State of San Andreas. Such defined boundaries shall constitute the exclusive territorial jurisdiction of the State, and all individuals and entities situated therein shall be subject to the supreme authority and provisions of this Constitution.

Sec. 3 Boundaries – The geographical boundaries of the State of San Andreas are hereby defined as the following, with all courses and distances being measured with reference to the San Andreas Principal Meridian.

Beginning at the point of intersection of the thirty-seventh (37th) degree of north latitude and the one hundred and ninth (109th) degree of longitude west of Greenwich, being the southwesternmost corner of the State; thence proceeding due North along said one hundred and ninth (109th) degree of longitude, approximately two hundred and eighty-one (281) miles, to the point of intersection with the forty-first (41st) degree of north latitude, being the northwesternmost corner of the State.

Thence East along said forty-first (41st) degree of north latitude, approximately three hundred and eighty (380) miles, to the point of intersection with the one hundred and second (102nd) degree of longitude west of Greenwich, being the northeasternmost corner of the State.

Thence South along said one hundred and second (102nd) degree of longitude, approximately two hundred and eighty-one (281) miles, to the point of intersection with the thirty-seventh (37th) degree of north latitude, being the southeasternmost corner of the State.

Thence West along said thirty-seventh (37th) degree of north latitude, approximately three hundred and eighty (380) miles, to the point of beginning.

The said boundary lines shall be officially demarcated and surveyed as provided by law.

Article II: Bill of Rights

Sec. 1 Freedom of Assembly, Speech, Religion – The rights of the people to peaceably assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances shall not be infringed. Every person shall be free to speak, write, or publish their sentiments on any subject, being responsible for the abuse of that right. No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; nor shall any preference be given by law to any religious denomination or mode of worship.

Sec. 2 Inalienable Rights – All persons are born equally free and independent, and have certain natural, inherent, and inalienable rights, among which are the enjoyment and defense of life and liberty, the acquiring, possessing, and protecting of property, and the pursuit of safety and happiness.

Sec. 3 Vestment of Political Power – All political power is vested in and derived from the people; all government, of right, originates from the people, is founded upon their will only, and is instituted solely for the good of the whole. The people of this State have the sole and exclusive right of governing themselves as a free, sovereign, and independent State; and to alter or abolish their constitution and form of government whenever they may deem it necessary for their safety and happiness.

Sec. 4 Freedom of Elections – Every citizen of the State of San Andreas who has attained the age of eighteen years shall have the right to vote in all public elections. The right of suffrage shall be protected from infringement and shall not be denied or abridged on account of race, color, sex, or previous condition of servitude. The legislature shall secure the purity of elections by law and shall guard against the abuse of the electoral process.

Sec. 5 Due Process of Law – In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall have the right to a speedy public trial, and to a jury trial. The accused shall also have the right to be heard by self and counsel, and to have the right to demand the nature and cause of the accusation against them, and to have a copy thereof; to meet the witnesses face to face, and to have compulsory process to compel the attendance of witnesses in their behalf. No person shall be compelled to testify against themselves in any criminal case, nor shall any person be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.

Sec. 6 Searches and Seizures – The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and possessions against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated. A warrant may not be issued except upon probable cause, supported by a sworn statement, and specifically describing the place to be searched and the persons or items to be seized. This protection shall extend to any communication, data, or electronic record.

Sec. 7 Cruel and Unusual Punishments – Excessive bail shall not be required, nor shall excessive fines be imposed. The infliction of cruel and unusual punishments is hereby prohibited. No person shall be imprisoned for a failure to pay a debt unless said debt arose from a fraudulent act or a breach of trust, as provided for by law.

Sec. 8 Nondiscrimination – The State of San Andreas shall not deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. No law shall be passed which discriminates against any person on account of gender, race, religion, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, or political affiliation. This provision shall apply to the enjoyment of all civil, political, and human rights.

Sec. 9 Same-Sex Marriage – The right of a person to enter into the institution of marriage shall not be abridged or denied on account of sex, gender, gender identity, race, or sexual orientation. All laws respecting marriage shall apply equally to all persons, and the State shall give full faith and credit to all marriages validly contracted under its laws or the laws of any other jurisdiction.

Sec. 10 Abortion – The right of an individual to privacy extends to decisions concerning their reproductive health. The State of San Andreas shall not interfere with an individual's right to choose whether to continue a pregnancy. In cases of rape or incest, the State shall provide and fund all necessary abortion services.

Sec. 11 Privacy – The right of the people to be secure against governmental and corporate intrusion into their private affairs is inviolable. No entity, public or private, shall collect, sell, or disclose the personal information of any individual without their explicit consent, unless a valid warrant has been issued upon probable cause in a manner prescribed by law. All healthcare and educational documents are considered confidential and shall not be released by any government or corporate entity without the explicit consent of the individual to whom they belong. This provision does not apply to disclosures required by a lawful warrant issued upon probable cause.

Sec. 12 Asset Forfeiture – The State of San Andreas shall not exercise the power of civil asset forfeiture. The government may not seize or forfeit a person’s property unless and until the owner is first convicted of a crime, and such property is proven to have been directly used in the commission of said crime.

Sec. 13 Militias – A well-regulated militia is essential for the security of a free State, and shall remain at all times under the strict control of the civil authority. The right of the people to keep and bear arms for their defense shall not be infringed. No militia or armed body in the service of the State shall be employed to coerce, threaten, or otherwise violate the rights of the people of this State who are acting in a law-abiding manner.

Sec. 14 Freedom of Information – The government of the State of San Andreas shall be transparent and accountable to its citizens. The right of the people to be informed of the actions, proceedings, and deliberations of the State and its political subdivisions is hereby declared to be a fundamental and essential right. This right shall include, but not be limited to, the right of access to public records, the right to attend public meetings, and the right to information regarding the official conduct of public officers. The legislature shall provide for such reasonable exceptions as may be deemed necessary, but such exceptions shall be narrowly construed in favor of the public's right to know.

Sec. 15 Citizen Veto of Legislative Acts – (a) The people of the State of San Andreas reserve unto themselves the power to veto any Act, or any portion thereof, passed by the General Assembly.

(b) Within ninety (90) days after the final adjournment of the legislative session in which such Act was passed, a petition requesting a referendum on said Act may be filed with the Secretary of State. Such petition shall bear the signatures of registered electors equal in number to at least five (5%) of qualified electors statewide.

(c) Upon verification of the petition, the Secretary of State shall submit the challenged Act, or portion thereof, to the qualified voters of the State at the next general or coordinated election, or at a special election if so designated by the Governor.

(d) The ballot shall provide the options “Yes” (to approve the Act) and “No” (to reject the Act). If a majority of the votes cast are “No,” the Act, or the portion thereof in question, shall be repealed and have no further force or effect.

(e) No Act subject to a pending referendum shall take effect until the result of the vote is certified, except those necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, or safety, expressly declared as such by two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the General Assembly.

(f) The General Assembly shall enact such laws as are necessary to carry this section into effect.

Article III: Separation Of Powers & Judicial Review

Sec. 1 Checks and Balances – (a) To prevent the consolidation of power in any single department, this Constitution establishes a system of checks and balances. Each department of government shall possess distinct powers and duties, and each shall serve to restrain the others from the unwarranted exercise of constitutional authority.

(b) The Executive Department shall have the power to veto legislative acts, and shall appoint, with the consent of the Legislative Department, members of the Judicial Department.

(c) The Legislative Department shall have the power to override a veto issued by the Executive Department by the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the duly elected members of each house of the General Assembly. It may also impeach and remove from office members of the Executive and Judicial Departments in the manner prescribed by this constitution.

(d) The Judicial Department shall exercise the power of judicial review, enabling it to declare acts of the Legislative and Executive Departments to be in violation of this Constitution.

(e) The powers of the government of this state are divided into three distinct departments, the legislative, executive and judicial; and no person or collection of persons charged with the exercise of powers properly belonging to one of these departments shall exercise any power properly belonging to either of the others, except as in this constitution expressly directed or permitted.

Article IV: Executive Department

Sec. 1 Office and Term – The supreme executive power of the State of San Andreas shall be vested in a Governor. The Governor shall be elected by the qualified voters of the State for a term of four years. The Governor shall serve until a successor is duly elected and qualified. No person shall serve more than eight (8) years total as governor.

Sec. 2 Qualifications – To be eligible for the office of Governor, a person must be a citizen of the United States, a resident of the State of San Andreas for at least five years preceding the election, and have attained the age of thirty years.

Sec. 3 Powers and Duties – The Governor shall be the Commander-in-Chief of the military forces of the State, except when they shall be called into the service of the United States Military. The Governor shall have the power to grant reprieves, commutations, and pardons for all offenses after conviction, except in cases of treason or impeachment. It shall be the Governor's duty to see that the laws are faithfully executed.

Sec. 4 Lieutenant Governor – There shall be a Lieutenant Governor, who shall be elected at the same time and for the same term as the Governor. The Lieutenant Governor shall possess the same qualifications as the Governor. The Lieutenant Governor shall be the first in line of succession to the office of Governor in the case of the Governor’s death, resignation, removal from office, or inability to discharge the powers and duties of said office. In the event of a vacancy in the office of Governor, the Lieutenant Governor shall become Governor for the remainder of the term.

Sec. 5 Cabinet – The Governor shall establish a Cabinet, which shall serve as a principal advisory body. The Cabinet shall consist of the heads of the state departments, as well as such other officers as the Governor may designate. These state officers shall be nominated by the Governor and confirmed by a vote of no less than fifty-five percent (55%) of the Senate. The Cabinet's role is to advise the Governor on matters related to the duties of their respective offices and to assist in the faithful execution of the laws.

Sec. 6 Special Sessions – (a) The Governor of the State of San Andreas shall have the authority to convene the General Assembly in special session, whenever in the Governor’s judgment the public welfare, safety, or necessity shall so require.

(b) Upon the issuance of a proclamation by the Governor, the General Assembly shall assemble at the time and place therein designated, and shall remain in session only for the purposes specified in such proclamation, except as otherwise provided by law.

(c) The Governor may, in like manner, adjourn such special session to a date certain, provided that no adjournment shall extend beyond the time fixed for the convening of the next regular session, nor shall any adjournment interfere with the constitutional duty of the General Assembly to complete its regular business.

(d) Notice of the convening of a special session shall be transmitted to the presiding officers of each chamber of the General Assembly and made public forthwith, so that the members may be duly apprised and the citizens of the State properly informed.

Sec. 7 Presiding Authority – (a) The Lieutenant Governor of the State of San Andreas shall serve as the President of the General Assembly and shall exercise general supervision over its proceedings, subject to the rules of order adopted by the Assembly.

(b) The Lieutenant Governor shall preserve order and decorum in the chamber, recognize members entitled to the floor, and ensure the proper observance of parliamentary procedure, provided that such authority shall not diminish the constitutional prerogatives of the Assembly itself.

(c) The Lieutenant Governor shall not ordinarily participate in debate or vote upon any measure pending before the General Assembly. However, in all cases where the members of the Assembly are equally divided, the Lieutenant Governor shall be empowered to cast the deciding vote, and such vote shall carry the same force and effect as that of any elected member.

(d) The General Assembly may, by rule or resolution consistent with this Constitution, provide for the manner in which the Lieutenant Governor’s presiding authority shall be exercised, but no such rule or resolution shall abrogate the Lieutenant Governor’s constitutional right to cast a vote in the case of an equal division.

Sec. 8 Gubernatorial Succession – (a) In the event of a vacancy in the Office of Governor, or when the Governor is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office due to death, resignation, impeachment and removal, permanent incapacity, or any condition rendering the Governor unable to serve, executive authority shall immediately devolve, in the following order, upon the Lieutenant Governor, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senate Minority Leader, and House Minority Leader, provided each is eligible under Article IV, Section 2. No person may serve as Governor or Acting Governor unless so eligible.

(b) Before assuming such authority, the next eligible officer shall undergo expedited certification of eligibility by the Secretary of State, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court or the most senior available Associate Justice, and the Attorney General; a unanimous determination of ineligibility shall advance succession to the next officer.

(c) The Governor may declare temporary incapacity in writing to the Secretary of State, whereupon the Lieutenant Governor shall serve as Acting Governor until the Governor declares recovery. If the Governor is unable or unwilling to do so, a majority of the Executive Council, consisting of the Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Treasurer, may declare incapacity in writing, upon which the Lieutenant Governor shall immediately assume such authority. If contested, the General Assembly shall convene within seventy-two hours and may uphold the declaration by a two-thirds vote of its entire membership; failing such approval, the Governor shall resume the powers of office.

(d) An Acting Governor shall exercise all powers of the Governor, except that an Acting Governor serving solely due to temporary incapacity shall not appoint a Justice of the Supreme Court, veto or sign legislation passed prior to the incapacity, remove elected officials, or issue executive orders with permanent legal effect beyond sixty days without legislative approval. These limitations shall not apply in the case of a permanent vacancy.

(e) Upon a permanent vacancy, the successor shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term, and any legislator assuming the office of Governor or Acting Governor shall immediately resign their legislative office, with the vacancy filled as provided by this Constitution.

(f) If no officer in the line of succession is able, eligible, or willing to serve, the General Assembly may, by concurrent resolution adopted by two-thirds of each chamber, designate an eligible constitutional officer as Acting Governor until succession is restored or a Governor is elected. The Supreme Court shall have exclusive and expedited jurisdiction over all disputes arising under this Section, which shall supersede any inconsistent law.

Article V: Legislative Department

Sec. 1 Legislative Power – The legislative power of the State of San Andreas shall be vested in a Legislature, which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives “House”. This power shall extend to all matters necessary for the peace, safety, and welfare of the State and its inhabitants. The Legislature is empowered to make all laws not inconsistent with this Constitution or the Constitution of the United States of America.

Sec. 2 Composition – The Senate shall be composed of a number of members, each of whom shall be elected from a Senatorial District. The House shall be composed of a number of members, each of whom shall be elected from a House District. The number of Senators and House members, and the manner of their election, shall be prescribed by this constitution.

Sec. 3 Additional Duties – In addition to its general law-making authority, the Legislature shall have the following specific powers: To levy and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises. To appropriate funds for the expenses of the government and to provide for the public debt, To establish a uniform system of public schools, To define crimes and provide for their punishment, To establish all courts and tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court, To impeach and remove from office all State officers for malfeasance or misfeasance in office, To organize and provide for the State Militia, and to propose amendments to this Constitution.

Sec. 4 Qualifications – A House member must be at least twenty-five (25) years of age and a resident of the State of San Andreas for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the election. A Senator must be at least twenty-five (25) years of age and a resident of the State of San Andreas for at least ten (10) years immediately preceding the election.

Sec. 5 Elections – Members of the Legislature shall be elected by the qualified electors of their respective districts. House members shall be elected to a term of four (4) years and shall not be subject to term limits. Senators shall be elected to a term of six (6) years and shall be limited to a maximum of three (3) terms.

Sec. 6 Impeachments – The general assembly shall have the sole power of impeachment. An impeachment may be initiated by a motion introduced by two members of the House and co-sponsored by a Senator. A bill of impeachment must be passed by a vote of no less than fifty-five percent (55%) of the House. Upon passage, the bill shall be transmitted to the Senate, which shall have the sole power to try all impeachments. The grounds for impeachment shall include, but not be limited to, wrongdoing, corruption, bribery, upon a criminal conviction or indictment, or other unethical behavior. A conviction on impeachment requires the concurrence of no less than sixty-five percent (65%) of the entire Senate. A judgment in cases of impeachment shall not extend further than removal from office and disqualification from holding any office of honor, trust, or profit under the State of San Andreas.

Sec. 7 Quorum – Three-fourths (3/4) of the general assembly shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. A smaller number may adjourn from day to day and may compel the attendance of absent members in such manner and under such penalties as each chamber may provide.

Sec. 8 Legislative Session – The general assembly shall convene for its regular session no later than the fourth Monday of January each year and adjourn no later than one hundred and twenty (120) calendar days after convening. Each session, regular or special, shall not exceed 120 calendar days.

Sec. 9 Representation – (a) The Senate shall be constituted as a chamber of equal representation. Each county within the state shall be entitled to the election of at least one Senator, and no more than three, with regard to population. Senators shall be chosen by the qualified electors of their respective districts in a manner prescribed by law, and such representation shall remain fixed to ensure that all districts enjoy equal standing within the upper chamber of the General Assembly.

(b) The House of Representatives shall be constituted as a chamber of proportional representation. One Representative shall be elected for every twenty-five thousand (25,000) inhabitants residing within an assembly district, as determined by the most recent census authorized by law. Each district shall be drawn in a contiguous and compact manner, and the apportionment of representatives shall reflect, as nearly as practicable, the principle of one person, one vote, so that the will of the people may be fairly expressed in the lower chamber of the General Assembly.

(c) The number of Representatives in the House shall be recalculated and adjusted every ten (10) years, coinciding with the completion of the decennial census, in order to account for changes in population and to preserve the equitable distribution of representation. Such reapportionment shall be conducted in the year following the census, and the revised composition of the House shall take effect with the subsequent coordinated election in an odd-number year.

(d) The boundaries of legislative districts may be redrawn in September preceding the coordinated election to be held in November of each odd-numbered year. Redistricting shall be carried out in accordance with the principles of fairness, population equality, and respect for established political subdivisions, except as otherwise required by law or this Constitution.

(e) The total membership of the General Assembly, composed of both Senators and Representatives, shall not exceed two hundred fifty-five (255) members for a period of ten (10) years from the date of enactment of this amendment. Upon the expiration of such period, the Legislature may provide for additional membership, provided that any expansion shall remain consistent with the principles of equal and proportional representation as herein established.

(f) Upon ratification of this amendment by the people at the general election of November 2024, the provisions of this Section shall take effect immediately for all purposes of legislative representation and apportionment. The first reapportionment of the House of Representatives pursuant to this Section shall occur in September of the year 2027, prior to the coordinated election of that year, and shall be conducted using the most recent census data available. Such apportionment shall remain in effect until revised in accordance with subsection (c). All Senators and Representatives elected under prior constitutional provisions shall continue to serve the remainder of their terms, after which successors shall be chosen in conformity with the requirements of this Section.

Sec. 10 Redistricting – (a) No consideration shall be given to the race, sex, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation of any individual or group when establishing, revising, or redrawing the boundaries of legislative, congressional, or other representative districts within the State. All redistricting plans shall be based solely upon population equality, contiguity, compactness, and the preservation of political subdivisions and communities of interest, as defined by law.

(b) No redistricting plan shall be drawn, adopted, or implemented for the purpose of favoring or disfavoring any political party, candidate, or group of candidates. Districts shall be designed so that no political party receives a disproportionate or undue advantage in representation compared to its statewide vote share.

(c) Each redistricting shall be conducted with the participation of an equal number of legislators from the two largest political parties represented in the General Assembly.

(d) All proposed redistricting plans shall be made publicly available for not less than sixty (60) days prior to submission for voter approval. Each plan shall include both a written summary in plain and easily understandable language describing the proposed changes; and a clear visual representation comparing the current district boundaries to the proposed boundaries.

(e) No redistricting plan shall take effect unless it has been approved by a majority of qualified voters at a general or special election. The ballot title and summary shall fairly and impartially describe the proposed changes and shall include, where feasible, a simplified map or comparative illustration of the affected districts.

(f) Redistricting shall occur only following the official publication of each federal decennial census, except when required by court order or constitutional mandate. No redistricting plan shall be altered or replaced until the next constitutionally authorized redistricting period.

(g) Any resident of the State shall have standing to bring an action in the Supreme Court of the State alleging non-compliance with this Article. The Court shall have original jurisdiction and may enjoin, modify, or nullify any district plan found to violate the provisions herein.

Sec. 11 Equal Application of Law – (a) The General Assembly shall enact no law that does not apply with equal force to its own members. All statutes, regulations, duties, obligations, penalties, and privileges established by the General Assembly shall apply to legislators in the same manner and to the same extent as they apply to the people of this State.

(b) No public official, whether elected, appointed, or otherwise holding office under the authority of the State or any political subdivision thereof, shall be exempt from the laws duly enacted by the people or the General Assembly. All public officials shall be fully subject to the civil and criminal laws of this State.

(c) The General Assembly, and all agencies or political subdivisions of the State, shall be prohibited from granting special legal immunities, privileges, or exemptions to any public official that are not equally available to every citizen of this State.

(d) This Section shall be fully self-executing. Any law or portion of law enacted in violation of this Section is hereby declared null and void.

Article VI: Judicial Department

Sec. 1 Judicial Power – The judicial power of the State of San Andreas shall be vested in a Supreme Court, and in such inferior courts as the Legislature may from time to time ordain and establish. The judicial power shall extend to all cases in law and equity arising under this Constitution and the laws of this State.

Sec. 2 Supreme Court – The Supreme Court shall have original jurisdiction in all cases concerning public officials and in cases where the State is a party. It shall have appellate jurisdiction over all other cases as may be prescribed by law. The Supreme Court shall also have general superintending control over all inferior courts.

The Supreme Court will consist of no more than nine (9) justices. Each Justice will be appointed by the Governor, from a list of 3 people provided by the Judicial Nominating Commission. To qualify, justices must have practiced law in the State of San Andreas for at least ten (10) years immediately prior to their appointment and throughout their service on the Supreme Court. Justices will serve an initial two (2) year term, followed by retention elections every eight (8) years thereafter. No justice may serve more than a total of twenty-six (26) years in office.

Sec. 3 Court of Appeals – The Court of Appeals shall serve as the first court of appeals. The Court of Appeals shall have appellate jurisdiction over decisions made in the local or county courts, as may be prescribed by law. The Court of Appeals shall also have jurisdiction over multiple counties within their respective judicial districts. Each Judge will be appointed by the Governor, from a list of 3 people provided by the Judicial Nominating Commission. Judges will serve an initial two (2) year term, followed by retention elections every six (6) years thereafter. No judge may serve more than a total of twenty-six (26) years in office.

Sec. 4 Trial Courts – The District Trial Courts shall have original jurisdiction over nearly all categories of civil and criminal cases, including felony criminal cases, equity cases, domestic relations cases, and all civil cases. The District Trial Court shall be the first to hear any case within its jurisdiction. Each Judge will be appointed by the Judicial Nominating Commission, and must be confirmed by 50% of the legislature. Judges will serve an initial two (2) year term, followed by a retention election four (4) years thereafter. No judge may serve more than a total of thirty-four (34) years in office.

Sec. 5 Judicial Nominating Commission – There shall be a Judicial Nominating Commission to assist in the selection and appointment of judges and justices for the courts of this State. The Commission shall review all applications from qualified candidates and shall select the most suitable individuals for available judicial positions.

The Commission shall be composed of twenty (20) members, who shall be nominated by the Attorney General, and confirmed by at least fifty-five (55%) of the legislature. A member of the Commission must be at least forty-five (45) years of age, and a resident of the State of San Andreas for at least ten (10) years prior to their appointment. The members shall serve a term of two (2) years and may serve for a maximum of two (2) terms. The commission shall be composed half of attorneys and citizens.   

Sec. 6 Commission on Judicial Discipline – There shall be a Commission on Judicial Discipline responsible for protecting the public from improper judicial conduct and for preserving the integrity of the judicial process. The Commission shall investigate complaints of judicial misconduct or disability and shall provide for the fair and expeditious disposition of such matters. The Commission shall be composed of twenty (20) licensed attorneys from around the State. A member of the Commission must have been licensed to practice law in the State of San Andreas for at least five (5) years prior to their appointment. Members shall be appointed  to a term of four (4) years and may serve for a maximum of sixteen (16) years in total.  Members of the commission shall be nominated by the Attorney General, and confirmed by at least fifty-five (55%) of the legislature

Sec. 7 State Court Administrator – There shall be a State Court Administrator to assist in the administration of the Judicial Branch and its officers. The Administrator shall ensure that the judiciary remains fair, impartial, and courteous to all citizens. The State Court Administrator shall be nominated by the Attorney General, and confirmed by the Legislature by at least sixty (60%) percent. The incumbent must be a licensed attorney with the State of San Andreas and shall be responsible for upholding the values of Integrity, Discipline, and Transparency. The Administrator shall be bound to maintain exemplary model behavior before nomination and while in office.  

Sec. 8 Advisory Questions, when required – Upon solemn occasions, the Supreme Court of the State of San Andreas may render advisory opinions on important questions of constitutional or statutory law when requested by the Governor, the General Assembly, or any officer or agency of the state, provided that the Court determines, in its sole discretion, that the request presents a matter of sufficient public importance and gravity to warrant such an opinion.

Article VII: Elections And Voting

Sec. 1 Suffrage – Every citizen of the State of San Andreas who has attained the age of eighteen (18) years, and who is a resident of this State, shall be qualified to vote in all public elections. The Legislature shall have the power to enact laws to provide for voter registration.

Sec. 2 Secrecy – All elections by the people shall be by secret ballot. The Legislature shall have the power to pass laws to protect the integrity of the ballot box and to secure the secrecy of the vote from all forms of intimidation and coercion.

Sec. 3 General Elections – General elections shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November in each even-numbered year. The Legislature shall provide by law for the time, place, and manner of holding all elections not otherwise provided for in this Constitution.

Sec. 4 Referendums – The General Assembly may refer to the people any Act, bill, or resolution, or any portion thereof, including proposed amendments or revisions to this Constitution, for approval or rejection of the electorate. All measures referred pursuant to this section shall be submitted to the electors of the State of San Andreas at the November general election, and shall be certified for the ballot not later than one calendar month prior to the election. A proposed amendment or revision to this Constitution shall take effect only upon approval by at least fifty-five percent (55%) of the votes cast thereon. Any statutory measure referred to the people shall take effect only upon approval by a majority of the votes cast, being not less than fifty percent (50%) plus one.

Sec. 5 Recall from Office – A citizen of the State of San Andreas may initiate a petition to recall a state, county, or city elected official. The petition must receive signatures from no less than thirty percent (30%) of the qualified voters within the jurisdiction or district that the elected official serves, or ten percent (10%) statewide. Upon verification of the required signatures, the power shall be vested in the State Legislature to initiate a referendum for recall. The measure must receive at least fifty-three percent (53%) of in-favor votes within the respective jurisdiction or district for the official to be removed from office. If the Secretary of State is to be recalled, it shall be the responsibility of the Governor to appoint a nonpartisan member to review the petition signatures and initiate the recall referendum.

Article VIII: State Officers

Sec. 1 Attorney General – The Attorney General shall be the chief legal officer and legal adviser for the State of San Andreas. It shall be the Attorney General's duty to prosecute and defend all suits and proceedings to which the State is a party, and to perform such other duties as may be prescribed by law. The Attorney General shall be elected by the qualified voters of the State for a term of four years and shall be eligible for re-election to a maximum of two terms.

Sec. 2 District Attorney – The District Attorney shall be the chief prosecuting officer for the State of San Andreas within their respective jurisdiction or district. The District Attorney shall be elected by the qualified voters of the jurisdiction they serve. To be eligible for the office of District Attorney, a person must be at least thirty-five (35) years of age, a resident of the jurisdiction or district for at least five  (5) years immediately preceding the election, and must be a licensed attorney with the State of San Andreas. The powers and duties of the District Attorney shall be prescribed by law. The District Attorney shall be elected by the qualified voters of the district for a term of four years and shall be eligible for re-election to a maximum of two terms.

Sec. 3 Board of Regents – The Board of Regents shall have the general supervision and control of all public universities and higher education institutions in the State of San Andreas. The powers and duties of the Board of Regents, including the number of members and the manner of their selection, shall be prescribed by law. Board members shall be elected by the qualified voters of the district for a term of four years and shall be eligible for re-election to a maximum of two terms.

Sec. 4 Secretary of State – The Secretary of State shall be the chief elections officer of the State and shall oversee all public elections. The Secretary of State shall be the keeper of the Great Seal of the State of San Andreas and shall authenticate all official documents. The Secretary of State shall be elected by the qualified voters of the State for a term of four years and shall be eligible for re-election to a maximum of two terms.

Sec. 5 State Treasurer – The State Treasurer shall be the chief financial officer of the State of San Andreas. It shall be the State Treasurer's duty to receive and keep all public funds of the State, to disburse the same upon warrants drawn by law, and to keep an accurate account of all receipts and expenditures. The State Treasurer shall be elected by the qualified voters of the State for a term of four years and shall be eligible for re-election to a maximum of two terms.

Sec. 6 Minimum Age – Unless otherwise specified in this Constitution, the minimum age to hold any elective or appointive public office within the State shall be twenty-one (21) years. Nothing in this section shall be construed to waive or supersede statutory qualification, licensing, certification, or training requirements lawfully established by the General Assembly for any office.

Sec. 7 Restriction of Authority – (a) No board, commission, council, task force, advisory body, private organization, or other group shall exercise any governmental power, authority, or function within the State of San Andreas unless such power or authority has been expressly granted by law enacted by the General Assembly or by executive action lawfully issued by the Governor pursuant to this Constitution.

(b) Governmental power or authority, for purposes of this Section, includes but is not limited to the power to regulate, enforce, adjudicate, levy penalties, compel compliance, allocate public funds, issue binding directives, or otherwise act with the force or effect of law.

(c) Advisory bodies that possess no independent authority to bind the State, its political subdivisions, or the public, and whose role is limited to study, recommendation, or consultation, shall not be deemed to exercise governmental power within the meaning of this Section.

(d) No officer, agency, political subdivision, or instrumentality of the State shall delegate governmental authority to any entity not lawfully constituted pursuant to this Constitution or the laws of this State.

(e) Any action taken in violation of this Section is void and of no force or effect. Any resident of the State shall have standing to bring an action in a court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin or invalidate conduct undertaken in violation of this Section.

(f) This Section shall be self-executing.

Article IX: Education

Sec. 1 Compulsory Education – All children of the State of San Andreas between the ages of six (6) and eighteen (18) years shall be required to attend a public, private, or home school that provides instruction in the subjects prescribed by law. The Legislature shall have the power to enact laws to enforce this provision and to provide for such exceptions as may be deemed necessary.

Sec. 2 Establishment of Public Schools – A general and uniform system of free public education shall be provided for all children of the State of San Andreas. The Legislature shall establish, maintain, and support a system of public schools sufficient for the instruction of all children within the State.

Sec. 3 Individual Board of Education – Individual school districts shall be governed by an elected school board. The local school board shall have the authority to manage and control all public schools within its district, consistent with the laws of the State of San Andreas and the policies set forth by the State Board of Education. The Legislature shall provide by law for the powers, duties, and election of members to individual school boards.

Sec. 4 No State Interference – The State of San Andreas shall not compel any school district to use or adopt certain textbooks, reading materials, or curricula for educational courses. The selection of such materials shall be vested in the individual school boards, which shall have the sole authority to determine the content of educational instruction within their respective districts. The Legislature may, however, establish minimum standards for a thorough and efficient education.

Sec. 5 Separation of Church and State – The State of San Andreas shall not establish a religion, nor shall it create or enforce any official language. The public education system shall remain separate from religious institutions. No student attending a public school shall be compelled to be taught religious beliefs or participate in religious instruction. Religious freedom, as outlined in Article II, shall be preserved for all students and faculty.

Sec. 6 State Board of Education – (a) There shall be established a State Board of Education, which shall serve as the governing authority of the San Andreas Department of Education and shall oversee the administration and operation of all public schools within the State.

(b) The State Board of Education shall be composed of five (5) members. Members shall be elected by the qualified electors of the State through the system of district boundaries as prescribed by the Legislature, but shall serve at-large in representing the interests of the entire State.

(c) Each member of the State Board of Education shall serve a term of four (4) years and may serve no more than two (2) terms.

(d) To be eligible for election, a member of the State Board of Education must have attained the age of fifty (50) years and must have been a resident of the State of San Andreas for at least ten (10) years immediately preceding the election.

(e) The State Board of Education shall exercise general supervision over the San Andreas Department of Education and shall establish statewide policies and standards governing the management, curriculum, accountability, and operation of all public schools within the State. The Board shall have such additional powers and duties as may be prescribed by this Constitution or by law.

Article X: Revenue

Sec. 1 Authority to Tax – The Legislature shall have the power to levy and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises for public purposes. All taxes shall be uniform upon the same class of subjects within the territorial limits of the authority levying the tax.

Sec. 2 Public Funds – All money received by the State shall be paid into the State Treasury and shall not be drawn except in consequence of appropriations made by law. An accurate statement of the receipts and expenditures of all public money shall be published from time to time, as shall be prescribed by law.

Sec. 3 State Debt – The State shall not contract any debt, except to meet casual deficits or failures in revenues, or for expenses not otherwise provided for; and the aggregate amount of such indebtedness shall not at any time exceed a certain amount, as shall be prescribed by law. The State may, however, contract debt for a public purpose, with the approval of a majority of the qualified voters of the State in a general election.

Sec. 4 Budget – The State of San Andreas shall operate on a fiscal year. The Legislature shall have the responsibility to adopt a balanced budget for each fiscal year, ensuring that projected revenues are sufficient to cover planned expenditures. The State Treasurer shall be responsible for keeping an accurate record of all revenues and expenditures, which shall be subject to audit. All public funds must be used exclusively for the public good and for the purposes for which they were appropriated by law. No public funds shall be used for private benefit, except as provided for by law.

Sec. 5 Exemptions – The Legislature shall have the power to enact laws exempting property from taxation for public, religious, charitable, or educational purposes. Any such exemptions shall be strictly construed and shall not be granted for the private gain of any person or corporation.

Sec. 6 Regulation – The State of San Andreas shall provide for citizen oversight of all State financial matters. The Legislature shall establish an independent body, to review all State and local budgets, expenditures, and fiscal reports. This body shall have the power to subpoena records and to publish its findings, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of all public funds.

Article XI: Counties

Sec. 1 Purpose – The State of San Andreas shall be divided into counties for the purpose of local government. Each county shall be a body corporate and politic, with such powers and duties as shall be prescribed by law. The Legislature shall establish a uniform system of county governments throughout the State.

Sec. 2 County Officers – Each county shall elect a Board of Commissioners, who shall be the legislative and executive body of the county government. Each county shall also elect a County Assessor, a County Clerk, a County Sheriff, a County Surveyor, and a County Treasurer, whose duties shall be prescribed by law. The following elected officials shall be responsible for the administration of their respective offices within each county. All county officials must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age, a resident of the county (or district if serving on the Board) for at least two (2) years immediately preceding the election, and are subject to a four (4) year term with a maximum of two (2) terms.

(a) COUNTY ASSESSOR: The County Assessor shall be responsible for the valuation and assessment of all real and taxable personal property within the county. The Assessor shall maintain a comprehensive inventory of all such property and shall establish its fair market value for the purpose of taxation. This duty is fundamental to ensuring that all property owners contribute equitably to the support of county government and public services.

(b) COUNTY CLERK: The County Clerk shall serve as the chief elections officer for all county-level elections, with the duty to ensure the integrity, fairness, and transparency of the electoral process. The Clerk is also the custodian of all public records and documents for the county, including but not limited to, vital records, property deeds, marriage licenses, and court filings. This role is essential for maintaining a permanent record of the county's official acts and the legal rights of its citizens.

(c) COUNTY SHERIFF: The County Sheriff shall be the chief law enforcement officer of the county. The Sheriff shall have the power and the duty to enforce all state and county laws, to preserve the peace, and to suppress all riots, insurrections, and breaches of the peace. The Sheriff shall also be responsible for the security and protection of the courts and for the operation and maintenance of the county jail. This office is critical for the safety and order of the community.

(d) COUNTY SURVEYOR: The County Surveyor shall be responsible for all official surveying and mapping activities within the county. This includes the establishment and verification of all public and private land boundaries, the review of all subdivision plats, and the maintenance of all related records. The Surveyor's role is crucial for ensuring the accurate and legal description of all land within the county.

(e) COUNTY TREASURER: The County Treasurer shall be the custodian of all public funds belonging to the county. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the receipt, safekeeping, and disbursement of all county moneys in accordance with the law and the appropriations made by the Board of County Commissioners. The Treasurer's duties are vital for the fiscal health and stability of the county government.

Sec. 3 Board of County Commissioners – The Board of Supervisors, as provided for in Section 2 of this Article, shall be known as the Board of County Commissioners. The composition of the Board shall be determined by the population of the respective county, as follows: For counties with a population of less than ten thousand (10,000) people, the Board shall have three (3) members. For counties with a population of ten thousand (10,000) or more, the Board shall have five (5) members. For counties with a population of eighteen thousand (18,000) or more, the Board shall have seven (7) members. All County Commissioners shall be elected for a term of four (4) years and may serve for a maximum of two (2) terms.

Sec. 4 Home Rule – The Legislature may, by law, grant counties the power of Home Rule, enabling them to draft and adopt their own charters. Such charters shall provide for the governance of county affairs and shall not be in conflict with the laws or Constitution of the State of San Andreas.

Sec. 5 County Finances – Counties shall have the power to levy and collect taxes, fees, and assessments for public purposes as may be prescribed by law. They may incur debt, but only in a manner and amount authorized by the Legislature. All county funds shall be managed and accounted for in a transparent manner, and a public report of all receipts and expenditures shall be published annually.

Sec. 6 General Powers – The counties of the State shall exercise such powers as are necessary to provide for the peace, safety, and general welfare of their inhabitants. These powers may include, but are not limited to, law enforcement, public health and sanitation, the maintenance of roads and public works, and the provision of social services.

Sec. 7 Ethics – No county officer or employee shall have a direct or indirect financial interest in any contract, transaction, or business with the county in which they serve. The Legislature shall enact laws to prevent and punish all forms of conflicts of interest and to ensure the ethical conduct of all county officers.

Sec. 8 County Budgets – The Board of County Commissioners shall be responsible for adopting a budget for the subsequent fiscal year. The annual budget shall be adopted no later than October 1st of the year immediately preceding the fiscal year to which it applies. All public records of county receipts and expenditures for a given calendar year shall be made public on the last Thursday of December of that same year.

Article XII: Municipalities

Sec. 1 General Provisions – The Legislature shall provide by general law for the incorporation, organization, and powers of municipalities. Municipalities shall be bodies corporate and politic, with such powers as are necessary to provide for the peace, safety, and general welfare of their inhabitants.

Sec. 2 Authority to Tax – Municipalities shall have the power to levy and collect taxes, fees, and assessments for municipal purposes, as shall be prescribed by law. All municipal funds shall be managed and accounted for in a transparent manner, with all expenditures being made for the public good.

Sec. 3 Municipal Officers – Each municipality shall have a governing body, such as a city council or board of aldermen, and such other officers as shall be necessary for the administration of its affairs. The manner of election, terms of office, and duties of all municipal officers shall be prescribed by law.

(a) MAYOR: Each municipality shall have a chief executive officer, to be known as the Mayor. The Mayor shall be the head of the municipal government and shall be responsible for the administration of its affairs. The Mayor shall have the power to veto ordinances passed by the municipal governing body, and such other duties as may be prescribed by law. To be eligible to serve as Mayor, a person must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age and a registered voter within the jurisdiction or municipality they represent for at least two (2) years immediately preceding the election. The members shall be subject to a four (4) year term and may serve a maximum of two (2) terms.

(b) CITY COUNCIL: Each municipality shall have a legislative body, to be known as the City Council, Board of Aldermen, or other such name as prescribed by law. The City Council shall be responsible for enacting all ordinances, resolutions, and local laws necessary for the governance of the municipality. The members of the City Council shall be elected by the qualified voters of the municipality. To be eligible to serve on the City Council, a person must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age and a registered voter within the jurisdiction or district they represent for at least two (2) years immediately preceding the election. The members shall be subject to a four (4) year term and may serve a maximum of two (2) terms.

Article XIII: Charter Cities

Sec. 1 Provisions – The Legislature shall provide by general law for the incorporation of cities and towns. The Legislature may also provide by law for the adoption of a charter by any municipality, thereby making it a Charter City. A Charter City shall have the power to govern itself in municipal affairs, subject only to the limitations of this Constitution and the general laws of the State.

Sec. 2 Adoption – A municipality may propose to adopt a charter. A charter shall be proposed by a Charter Commission, whose members are elected by the qualified voters of the municipality. The proposed charter must then be approved by a majority vote of the qualified voters of the municipality in a special or general election.

Sec. 3 Powers of the Charter – A Charter City shall have all powers of municipal government and shall have the right to organize its own government and to enact and enforce local ordinances. The powers of a Charter City shall be liberally construed in favor of its autonomy in municipal affairs. A Charter City shall not have the power to enact any ordinance that is in conflict with the laws or Constitution of the State of San Andreas.

Sec. 4 Definitions – A Charter City is distinguished from a general law municipality by its possession of the power of home rule concerning matters of local concern. A general law municipality's authority is strictly limited to powers expressly granted by the State Legislature or this Constitution, whereas a Charter City may organize its own government and legislate on local affairs as it deems appropriate, provided such actions do not conflict with the Constitution of this State or with general laws of statewide concern. This provision grants Charter Cities a superior degree of autonomy in matters of local governance, including municipal finance, elections, and the regulation of local public works.

Article XIV: Additional Amendments

Sec. 1 No Compensation for Public Office – No elected official in the State of San Andreas, at the state, county, or municipal level, shall receive compensation, salary, or stipend for holding public office. This provision is intended to ensure that public service is undertaken for the benefit of the citizenry and not for personal financial gain. The Legislature may, however, provide for the reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred by officials in the performance of their duties.  Section 1 has been Repealed

Sec. 2 The Right to Propose an Amendment – (a) The people of the State of San Andreas reserve to themselves the power to propose amendments to this Constitution through the process of initiative petition, independent of the General Assembly.

(b) An initiative petition to propose a constitutional amendment shall contain the full text of the proposed amendment and shall be signed by a number of qualified electors equal to at least ten percent (10%) of the total electorate in the State of San Andreas, or thirty percent (30%) of the total electorate within a defined legislative district.

(c) Petitions shall be filed with the Secretary of State no later than two (2) months prior to the next general or coordinated election. The Secretary of State shall prescribe by law the form, verification, and submission of such petitions and shall certify valid petitions for placement on the ballot.

(d) Upon certification, the proposed amendment shall be submitted to the people at the next general or coordinated election. The amendment shall become part of this Constitution if approved by at least fifty-five percent (55%) of the qualified electors voting thereon, as prescribed by Article VII, Section 4.

(e) No initiative amendment shall contain more than one subject, and the subject of the amendment shall be clearly expressed in its title. The Supreme Court of San Andreas shall have original jurisdiction to determine compliance with this provision prior to the referendum date of the first day of October before the general or coordinated election in November.

(f) An amendment proposed by citizen initiative shall not be subject to gubernatorial veto and shall take effect immediately upon proclamation of the vote by the Governor, unless the amendment provides otherwise.    Section 2 has been Repealed

Sec. 3 Vacancies in Elected Offices – (a) This section shall govern all vacancies in elected offices throughout the State, including state, county, municipal, and other local offices, regardless of the manner of election.

(b) A vacancy shall be deemed to occur in any elected office upon the resignation, impeachment and removal, conviction resulting in incarceration, or other permanent incapacity of the officeholder.

(c) Except as otherwise provided herein, any vacancy shall be filled at the next regularly scheduled election held in November. Candidates seeking to fill a vacancy shall file a letter of intent with the Secretary of State, or, in the case of a local office, with the appropriate local election authority. The office shall remain vacant until such election, unless otherwise provided by this section.

(d) In the event of a vacancy in either house of the State Legislature, the chamber may temporarily designate a sitting member of the same chamber to represent the affected district until a successor is sworn in in January pursuant to subsection (f).  

(e) If the deadline for inclusion on the ballot of the next general election has already passed at the time a vacancy occurs, a special election shall be held no later than January 6 following the vacancy.

(f) All elected officials statewide, whether filling an unexpired term or beginning a new full term, shall be sworn into office on the second Tuesday of January, at which time their official duties shall commence.

Sec. 4 Citizen Legislative Proposals – (a) Any citizen of the State of San Andreas, qualified to vote under this Constitution, shall possess the right to propose legislation to the General Assembly.

(b) A proposal submitted by a citizen shall be introduced in writing, in a form consistent with the rules of legislative drafting, and transmitted to the presiding officer of the General Assembly. Such proposal shall thereupon be referred to the appropriate committee or body as determined by the rules of the Assembly.  

(c) Citizens exercising this right shall not be deemed members of the General Assembly and shall not participate in debate upon the floor, nor cast any vote upon legislation. Their power shall be limited to the introduction of bills, resolutions, or amendments for the consideration of the Assembly.

(d) The General Assembly shall, by law, prescribe procedures for the submission, review, and consideration of citizen-proposed legislation, ensuring that such procedures are fair, accessible, and consistent with the orderly conduct of legislative business.

(e) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to diminish the rights of the people to propose laws or constitutional amendments through initiative or referendum, as may otherwise be provided by this Constitution.

Sec. 5 Acts of War – (a) No act of war, nor any measure amounting to a declaration of war, the commencement of hostilities, or the authorization of armed conflict by the forces of this State, shall be undertaken except by the express approval of not less than two-thirds of the duly elected members of each chamber of the General Assembly.

(b) The Governor shall not, in the absence of such approval, commit the State to military action, nor deploy the organized militia or other forces of the State for offensive purposes, save in cases of invasion, insurrection, or imminent danger requiring immediate defensive action.

(c) Any defensive measures undertaken by the Governor without prior approval shall be reported forthwith to the General Assembly, which shall determine by a vote of no less than two-thirds of each chamber whether such measures shall be continued, modified, or terminated.

(d) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to limit the authority of the United States, under the Constitution thereof, to declare war or to command the armed forces of the nation, nor to diminish the duty of this State to render aid when lawfully called forth in the service of the Union.

Sec. 6 Disqualification from Office – (a) No person convicted of a felony under the laws of this State, the United States, or any other state or territory shall be eligible to hold any statewide office, including all executive officers, members of the Legislature, and all judicial offices. Eligibility may be restored only upon the granting of a pardon or judicial restoration of civil rights. Counties and municipalities may establish their own rules for eligibility to hold local office.

(b) Any person convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of engaging in, aiding, or providing material support for violent rebellion, insurrection, or armed resistance against the State of San Andreas or its constitutional institutions shall be permanently disqualified from holding any public office of this State. This disqualification is absolute and shall not be subject to pardon, commutation, or restoration.

(c) The qualifications and disqualifications set forth in this Article for statewide office shall be exclusive, and may not be altered except by constitutional amendment.

Sec. 7 Corporate Contributions – (a) The rights protected by the Constitution of the State of San Andreas are the rights of natural persons and do not extend to for-profit corporations, limited liability companies, or other private entities established for business purposes or to promote business interests under the laws of this state.

(b) Such corporate and other private entities established under law are subject to regulation by the people through the legislative process so long as such regulations are consistent with the powers of the General Assembly of this state, and do not limit the freedom of the press.

(c) Such corporate and other private entities shall be prohibited from making contributions or expenditures in any election of any candidate for public office or the vote upon any ballot measure submitted to the people.

(d) The General Assembly shall have the power to regulate and set limits on all election contributions and expenditures, including a candidate’s own spending, and to authorize the establishment  of political committees to receive, spend, and publicly disclose the sources of those contributions and expenditures.

Sec. 8 Cap on Increase of Spending – (a) Except as otherwise provided in this Section, total appropriations and expenditures of the State of San Andreas for any fiscal year shall not increase by more than the combined rate of inflation and population growth for the State during the preceding calendar year.

(b) For purposes of this Section: Inflation shall be measured by a generally recognized consumer price index or other index as provided by law, Population growth shall be determined by the most recent official population estimates published by the State or the United States Census Bureau.

(c) The limitation established by this Section shall apply to all funds expended by the State, including general funds, special funds, and enterprise funds, except as expressly exempted herein.

(d) The General Assembly may, by an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the elected membership of each chamber, authorize expenditures in excess of the limitation established by this Section for a single fiscal year, provided that such authorization shall state the specific purpose and duration of the excess spending.

(e) Expenditures made in response to a declared state of emergency, natural disaster, public health crisis, or armed conflict shall not be subject to the limitation imposed by this Section, but any such expenditures shall be reported publicly and separately accounted for.

(f) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to prohibit the reduction, reallocation, or reprioritization of existing appropriations within the total expenditure limit.

(g) Any appropriation or expenditure enacted in violation of this Section is void to the extent of the excess. Any resident of the State shall have standing to bring an action to enforce this Section.

Sec. 9 Preservation of Forests – The general assembly shall enact laws in order to prevent the destruction of, and to keep in good preservation, the forests upon the lands of the state, or upon lands of the public domain, the control of which shall be conferred by congress upon the state.

Sec. 10 Influence of Public Officers – (a) No public officer, employee, legislator, or person acting under color of state authority shall solicit, accept, offer, or agree to receive anything of value, benefit, promise, favor, or consideration in exchange for the performance, nonperformance, or influence of any official act, duty, decision, or vote.

(b) No member of the General Assembly shall trade, offer, or condition any vote, sponsorship, amendment, procedural action, or legislative support upon the promise, commitment, or action of another member, officer, or person for private, political, or personal advantage.

(c) For purposes of this Section, anything of value includes but is not limited to money, gifts, services, employment, contracts, campaign contributions, future compensation, political favors, appointments, votes on legislation, or any other tangible or intangible benefit.

Sec. 11 Power of Initiative Reserved to the People – (a) The people of the State of San Andreas reserve to themselves the power to propose laws and to propose amendments or revisions to this Constitution through the initiative process, independent of the General Assembly and the Governor. This power is an exercise of popular sovereignty and shall be liberally construed to effectuate the will of the people.

(b) A statutory initiative shall be proposed by petition signed by qualified electors of the State equal in number to at least ten percent (10%) of the votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election. An initiative proposing an amendment or revision to this Constitution shall be proposed by petition signed by qualified electors equal in number to at least fifteen percent (15%) of the votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election. The General Assembly may by law require reasonable geographic distribution of signatures and reasonable time limits for circulation, provided that such requirements do not unduly burden the exercise of the initiative power.

(c) All initiative petitions shall be submitted to the Secretary of State, who shall verify the sufficiency and validity of the signatures and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements. The Secretary of State shall perform only ministerial and administrative functions and shall not review, approve, reject, delay, or otherwise interfere with an initiative based upon its substance, merits, or policy objectives.

(d) Any initiative that qualifies pursuant to this Section shall be placed on the ballot at the next general election, unless otherwise provided by law. The ballot title and summary shall fairly and impartially describe the proposed measure in plain and easily understandable language, sufficient to inform voters of its purpose and effect.

(e) A statutory initiative approved by a majority of the votes cast shall become law upon certification of the election results and shall have the same force and effect as an Act of the General Assembly. An initiative proposing an amendment or revision to this Constitution shall become effective upon approval by the voters in accordance with the requirements of this Constitution.

(f) No initiative enacted by the people shall be subject to veto, suspension, or alteration by the Governor. The General Assembly shall not repeal, amend, or supersede a voter-approved statutory initiative except by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the elected membership of each chamber, unless the initiative itself provides otherwise.

(g) The initiative process shall not be used to enact measures that impair the fundamental rights guaranteed by this Constitution, that conflict with the Constitution of the United States, or that exercise powers reserved exclusively to the judicial branch.

(h) The General Assembly shall enact laws to carry this Section into effect, including laws governing petition form, signature verification, campaign disclosure, and enforcement, provided that no such law shall abridge, impair, or nullify the rights reserved to the people by this Section.

(i) This Section shall replace and supersede Sections 2 and 4 of Article XIV in their entirety and shall be self-executing.

(j) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to repeal, modify, limit, or impair the right of any citizen to propose legislation or amendments directly to the General Assembly pursuant to Section 4 of this Article, nor shall the exercise of the initiative power be required as a prerequisite to citizen legislative proposals.