I have been following the Free State Project(Hence forth FSP) for about five years now and have had this idea for even longer. I would like to volunteer it then to the FSP for consideration and I hope action.
I Theodore Bronson do hereby propose in an open letter to the FSP that they work to amend the the New Hampshire State Constitution, to the ends of creating a third legislative body. This body shall consist of 100 members, ten members coming from each county, each county to be divided for voting according to its population. This body shall have NO positive authority, it may not write, nor suggest any law. This body shall have the power to repeal any state law, with the exception of the constitution itself. The proposed name for this body is The House of Repeal. As a sweetener this modification should be proposed on a trial basis for five years, after which time the people of the state shall either confirm the body and its decisions or it will not and all repeals will automatically laps. Further as to operations this body shall only require 50% to repeal a law, and the law can be re-enacted by a 3/5ths vote in both houses independently, AND by signature of the governor.
Why 100 members? I understand that democracy is popular today but the 100 members and the way they are split up is based in republican (not party) principles. For reverse scale each county effectively becomes a state.
No positive Authority? Why would a Libertarian want to propose a body that could pass laws? Don't we have enough of those?
There is a Latin phrase which is escaping me which actually gave me the idea of doing this as a trial basis. This serves two functions. The first is to increase the chances of getting it passed, by allowing people an opt out if they do not like it and what it has done. The second is to set a precedent.
Why 50%? Notionally the Representative in The House of Repeal are there representing those that voted them into office, thus if 51% cannot support a law it is better that law not exist. Why the ability to reverse? Again this is to make it more appealing to the people who would have to vote for this change in the constitution, but think about the numbers I proposed. You 3/5 of the Senate must vote for the bill, 3/5 of the house of representatives, AND the governor must also sign it to keep the law on the books.
Come on Free Staters if you really want to make an impact send a shock wave throughout the nation, and prepare the way for a national house of repeal by having a state house of repeal.
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