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Senator Johnson—s SJR 9 would tighten initiative, referendum rules and raise amendment threshold to 60%
Summary
SJR 9 would change petition deadlines, require a majority of counties for signature distribution, limit ballot-content that singles out businesses or localities, and raise the statewide constitutional-amendment approval threshold to 60% (with a county ratification safety valve). Witnesses urged balancing protection from outside money with preserving citizen initiatives.
Senator Mark Johnson told the committee SJR 9 is designed to curb abuses of the initiative process, prevent outside special interests from enshrining business advantages or naming localities in the constitution, and give voters clearer, less confusing ballot choices.
Key provisions discussed include moving petition turn-in dates earlier (proposed March 1 of an election year), requiring a majority of counties to meet signature thresholds rather than a fixed…
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