Brief Description: Allowing initiative and referendum petitions on 8 ½ by 11 paper.

Sponsors: Representatives Nixon, Anderson and Mielke.

Hearing Date: 1/17/03

Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).

Background:

The state constitution guarantees to the people the power to propose, enact, or reject bills and laws through the initiative and referendum process. Two types of initiative measures are provided. First, an initiative may be submitted directly to state voters for their approval or rejection. This is referred to as an Initiative to the People. Second, an initiative may be submitted to the Legislature for its consideration. This is referred to as an Initiative to the Legislature. Any person who wishes to submit a proposed initiative measure to the people, or order that a referendum of all or part of any act, bill or law passed by the Legislature be submitted to the people, must file the measure with the Office of the Secretary of State, along with a filing fee and an affidavit that the proposer is a legal voter.

The number of valid signatures necessary for either type of initiative to qualify for the ballot is 8 percent of the votes cast for Governor at the last gubernatorial election. The number of signatures required for a referendum to qualify for the ballot is 4 percent of the votes cast for Governor at the last gubernatorial election. The format for petitions, including type of paper, size, and content, is stipulated by state law.

Summary of Bill:

The size of paper for petitions is changed from not less than 11 inches wide by 14 inches long to not less than 8-1/2 inches wide by 11 inches long. The Secretary of State is required to establish readability standards including, but not limited to, the minimum font size for text.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not Requested.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.