SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 1553

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

             Government Operations, March 22, 1995

Title:  An act relating to elections.

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

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

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  3/22/95 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Sheldon, Vice Chair; Hale, McCaslin and Winsley.

Staff:  Rod McAulay (786-7754)

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, the Legislature passed a measure that increased the number of words allowed in the concise statement to 25 for referendum measures filed on state legislative enactments.

Summary of Bill:  The number of words allowed in the concise statement for constitutional amendments, initiatives, and referendum bills is increased to 25.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  No one.