1984 Constitutional Convention Referendum

May 21, 1983

Joint Resolution To Form Bi-Partisan Preparatory Commission

Preparatory Commission report originally due on February 15, 1984.  Later extended to April 6, 1984 and then to July 2, 1984.

February 24, 1984

After the February 15, 1984 deadline passed without a report, Joint Resolution Extending The Reporting Date Of A Bi-Partisan Preparatory Commission extends the deadline to April 6, 1984.

April 18, 1984

After the April 6, 1984 deadline passed without a report, Joint Resolution Extending The Reporting Date Of A Bi-Partisan Preparatory Commission extends the deadline to July 2, 1984.

November 6, 1984

Date of referendum on whether to convene a state constitutional convention.  For ballot text, see Secretary of State’s Voter Information Handbook.

June 27, 1985

An Act Calling For A Constitutional Convention Of The People Of The State Of Rhode Island.  This is the most recent enabling act in U.S. history to call a state constitutional convention or any constitutional convention for that matter. Since Rhode Island in 1984, no state has convened a state constitutional convention.

July 5, 1984

Bi-Partisan Preparatory Commission Report mandated by Rhode Island’s Constitution

January 6, 1986

First day of proceedings of the constitutional convention