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