House Bill Analysis

2SSJR 8205

Brief Description:  Requiring a geographic distribution of initiative petition signatures.

Sponsor:  Senator Hargrove.

Brief Summary

CIncreases requirements for a state initiative measure by limiting the number of valid signatures that may come from voters residing in any congressional district to no more than one-sixth of the total number of signatures required to validate the measure for submission to the legislature or people.

House State Government Committee

Staff: Steve Lundin  (786-7127)

Background:

The 7th Amendment to the state constitution was approved by state voters in November of 1912 providing state voters the powers of initiative and referendum on state legislation.

Initiative powers include action by state voters to submit an initiative measure either directly to the people or to the legislature for its consideration.  A state initiative petition must be signed by voters equal in number to at least eight percent of the number of votes cast for the office of governor at the last gubernatorial election prior to the submission of the petitions.

Referendum powers include both referendum bills submitted directly to the people by action of the legislature and referendum measures where state voters cause legislation enacted by the legislature to be submitted to the people.  A state referendum petition must be signed by voters equal in number to at least four percent of the number of votes cast for the office of governor at the last gubernatorial election prior to the submission of the petitions.

Summary:

An additional signature requirement is established for an initiative measure to be submitted directly to the people or to the legislature.  After January 1, 2001, the secretary of state shall not validate signatures on a state initiative petition from any congressional district exceeding one-sixth of the total number of signatures required for submission of the measure to the legislature or people.

Rule Making Authority: No express authority.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date of Bill:  January 1, 2001.