Subcommittee approves flexibility to hold local referendums on additional statewide special election dates

The Election Subcommittee voted to advance House Bill 481, which permits local governments to place referendums on the ballot in conjunction with a statewide special primary or special election held in the same year.

Representative Kelly, the bill sponsor, said the measure gives municipalities and counties an additional, high-turnout date for local referendums in years when an unscheduled statewide election occurs. "If we're having a statewide constitutional officer's election in June of this year, then why would we not allow local referendums to happen on that date as well?" Kelly asked.

Sponsors and members described the bill as a flexibility and local-control measure: proponents said it helps local officials place timely referendums on a date likely to produce stronger participation and could reduce costs by aligning elections. Members asked whether existing notice requirements—such as the timing of the official call—would remain; the sponsor said the bill relies on the standard 29-day notice for special elections rather than a 90-day call that would otherwise apply.

Representative Dreier, Adesanya and others voiced support noting local officials had requested the option. The subcommittee took a voice vote; the chair called for ayes and recorded the bill as approved by the committee. No roll-call tally was provided in the transcript.