Bill: HB 3332, 85(R) - 2017
Committee
House Elections
Companion Bill
SB 488
Vote Recommendation
| Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
| Yes |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Positive |
Positive |
Author(s)
John Kuempel
Bill Caption
Relating to requirements for
certain petitions requesting an election and ballot propositions.
Fiscal Notes
From the LBB: No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
This bill would change the procedure for filing ballot propositions. These changes would include:
- Ballot propositions proposing an amendment to a home-rule city charter or a voter initiated initiative or referendum as requested by petition must submit their question with "definitiveness and certainty" in order to not mislead voters
- Allow religious organizations to make political contributions in connection with a recall election
- Secretary of state would review ballot propositions requested by petition to determine if they comply with the ballot language requirement
- Courts would be allowed to determine if ballot propositions comply with language requirement
- If the ballot language is found to not comply, the city would be required to submit to the Secretary of State any proposition for that city's elections for four years following the court's finding
- Would establish provisions for determining validity of signatures on petitions
- Would require the secretary of state to prescribe a petition form for cities to use
- City secretary would determine the validity of signatures not later than 30 days after they receive the petition
- Would establish procedure for municipal charter amendments as well
Vote Recommendation Notes
While largely procedural, this bill would have the substantive effect of implementing greater transparency and accountability in local propositions. We support SB 488 which upholds our principle of limited government and individual liberty.
