FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 1553

                         C 185 L 95

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Concerning the proper form of certain ballot titles.

Sponsors:  Representative L. Thomas; by request of Attorney General.

House Committee on Government Operations

Senate Committee on Government Operations

Background:  When a proposed constitutional amendment or other measure is submitted to a vote of the people, the Attorney General is required to prepare a concise statement of not more than 20 words, posed as a question, containing the essential features of the measure.  This concise statement constitutes the ballot title.

Referendum bills are bills enacted and sent to the people by the Legislature.  When a petition has been filed against a state legislative enactment, it is called a referendum measure.  In 1993, legislation was enacted that increased the number of words allowed in the concise statement to 25 for referendum measures filed against state legislative enactments.

Summary:  The number of words allowed in the Attorney General's concise statement for constitutional amendments, initiatives, and referendum bills is increased from 20 to 25.

Votes on Final Passage:

House     97 0

Senate    47 0

Effective:  July 23, 1995