Senate Joint Resolution No. 37 proposes an amendment to the Connecticut State Constitution that would establish an individual right for every person to have access to clean and healthy air, water, soil, ecosystems, and a safe and stable climate. This amendment aims to benefit public health, safety, and general welfare, ensuring that these rights are protected equitably for all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic status. The state would be mandated to conserve, manage, and protect its natural resources, and it would be prohibited from allowing any avoidable degradation of the environment that could lead to significant harm or an unsustainable environment. Additionally, the resolution asserts that these rights are inalienable and can be directly invoked and enforced by residents.

The resolution outlines the process for the proposed amendment to be placed on the ballot for the general election, which will occur on November 3, 2026, or potentially in 2028, depending on the legislative approval process. If the amendment receives at least three-fourths support from the General Assembly, it will be included in the 2026 ballot; otherwise, it may be referred to the next legislative session for further consideration. The ballot will ask voters whether they support the constitutional amendment that guarantees these environmental rights and imposes obligations on the state to protect natural resources. The estimated cost for placing this amendment on the ballot is $25,000, which will be incurred by the Secretary of the State's office.