Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Initiative Process topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House raises initiative distribution threshold from 15 to 20 counties in HB304
Summary
The House passed HB304 to require citizen initiatives to secure support from 20 counties (rather than 15) before becoming statewide ballot measures. Supporters said it ensures statewide scope; opponents argued it raises the barrier to citizen initiatives. Final vote: 44–26.
The House adopted House Bill 304, which increases the county-distribution threshold for citizen initiatives from 15 counties to 20 counties as a condition for placing an initiative on a statewide ballot.
Rep. Jones, floor manager for the measure, said the bill ensures an initiative is truly a statewide issue: "If it's gonna go on a statewide ballot, it ought to be a statewide issue," Jones told colleagues. Opponents objected that raising the threshold makes it harder for grassroots groups to qualify initiatives and amounts to a higher barrier to direct democracy. Representative Frank Tanner and others urged a 'no' vote, arguing the change weakens voters' ability to challenge legislative decisions.
After floor discussion and brief summations, the House uncircled and passed HB304; the clerk announced 44 yes votes and 26 no votes. The bill advances to the Senate.
