House of Representatives

HB 2420

referendum; required signatures

Sponsors: Representatives Jarrett, Voss

DPA	Committee on Judiciary
DPA	Caucus and COW
X	As Passed the House

HB 242 allows cities and towns to create and utilize alternative means for computing the number of signatures necessary in the referendum petition process.

History

Currently in cities and towns, persons or organizations that wish to file a referendum petition against an ordinance, resolution or franchise must gather a number of valid voter signatures equal to ten per cent of the whole number of voters in the last mayoral or council election. The rezoning of a parcel of property is also subject to these same requirements.

Provisions

· Allows cities and towns to provide an alternative means to compute the number of signatures that are needed to place a referendum on the ballot.

HB 2420 was amended in the Judiciary Committee as follows:

· Specifies that cities and towns may not change the number of required signatures for an initiative or referendum after the required application has been filed with the elections officer.

· Specifies that cities and towns may choose the basis to compute the number of required signatures for a referendum: either the number of persons who voted in the last election or the number of qualified electors in the city or town at the time of the last election.

The Judiciary Committee amendment was adopted in the Committee of the Whole.

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45th Legislature

First Regular Session 2 March 12, 2001

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