HJR 7: USE OF INITIATIVE TO AMEND CONSTITUTION CHAIRMAN AL VEZEY read the title of HJR 7, and invited the sponsor, Representative Joe Sitton, to testify. Number 011 REPRESENTATIVE JOE SITTON, PRIME SPONSOR of HJR 7, compared HJR 7 to HJR 1 and HJR 8. Number 094 CHAIRMAN VEZEY summarized HJR 1 and HJR 8 from prior committee meetings with regard to majority vote and super majority. Number 105 REPRESENTATIVE BETTYE DAVIS requested a subcommittee be appointed to discuss amendment of the constitution and all the bills related to this topic. Number 108 CHAIRMAN VEZEY stated the differences in the bills were minor and a subcommittee would not be necessary. Number 130 REPRESENTATIVE JERRY SANDERS asked about the difference each bill had with regard to the numbers of voters. Number 138 REPRESENTATIVE SITTON stated the requirements were tighter in HJR 7. A simple majority was too easy and two thirds was too much. The 60% in HJR 7 was a middle ground, he believed. Number 159 REPRESENTATIVE HARLEY OLBERG discussed a committee substitute. Number 169 CHAIRMAN VEZEY stated a committee substitute might be considered, but was not necessary. Number 180 REPRESENTATIVE FRAN ULMER stated any changes by the committee would be in the form of a committee substitute. Number 185 CHAIRMAN VEZEY stated amendments may be attached. Number 192 REPRESENTATIVE SITTON discussed the handouts given to the committee. He also thanked the committee for hearing HJR 7, which was then held in committee for further consideration.