S-3096.1 _______________________________________________
SENATE BILL 6080
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State of Washington 52nd Legislature 1992 Regular Session
By Senators L. Smith, McCaslin, Metcalf, Stratton, Saling, Oke, Thorsness, Sellar and Craswell
Read first time 01/15/92. Referred to Committee on Governmental Operations.
AN ACT Relating to explanatory statements regarding ballot measures; and amending RCW 29.81.020.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
Sec. 1. RCW 29.81.020 and 1973 1st ex.s. c 143 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) The attorney general shall prepare the explanatory statements required to be presented on the top portion of the two facing pages relating to each measure. Such statements shall be prepared in clear and concise language, shall include a summary of any sections of law to be repealed, and shall avoid the use of legal and other technical terms insofar as possible. Any person dissatisfied with the explanatory statement so prepared may at any time within ten days from the filing thereof in the office of the secretary of state appeal to the superior court of Thurston county by petition setting forth the measure, the explanatory statement prepared by the attorney general, and his objection thereto and praying for the amendment thereof. A copy of the petition and a notice of such appeal shall be served on the secretary of state and the attorney general. The court shall, upon filing of the petition, examine the measure, the explanatory statement, and the objections thereto and may hear argument thereon and shall, as soon as possible, render its decision and certify to and file with the secretary of state such explanatory statement as it determines will meet the requirements of this chapter. The decision of the superior court shall be final and its explanatory statement shall be the established explanatory statement. Such appeal shall be heard without costs to either party.
(2) Arguments and rebuttal statements advocating the voters' approval or rejection of any measure shall be prepared and submitted for printing by the committees created pursuant to RCW 29.81.030, 29.81.040, and 29.81.050. Such arguments and rebuttal statements shall be the arguments and rebuttal statements and no other arguments or rebuttal statements shall appear in the pamphlet as to such measure. Arguments may contain graphs and charts, supported by factual statistical data and pictures or other illustrations, but cartoons or caricatures shall not be permitted.