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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fourth Legislature, First Regular Session
AMENDED
initiative; referendum; signatures; legislative districts.
Purpose
Subject to voter approval, constitutionally requires signatures from a percentage of qualified electors in each legislative district, rather than a percentage of qualified electors from Arizona as a whole, to propose an amendment to the Arizona Constitution or statewide initiative measure.
Background
An initiative is the method by which voters may propose new laws or amend existing laws by gathering signatures from registered voters to place the issue on the ballot. Signatures for an initiative must be filed with the Secretary of State at least four months prior to the next general election (SOS Initiative and Referendum Guide).
The Arizona Constitution states that a petitioner must obtain signatures from a minimum percentage of qualified electors in Arizona for an initiative or referendum to appear on the ballot. The sum of qualified electors is based on the total number of votes cast for all candidates for governor at the most recent general election. To appear on the ballot, the following amount of signatures are needed: 1) 15 percent of qualified electors for an amendment to the Arizona Constitution; and 2) 10 percent of qualified electors for any initiative measure that amends statute (Ariz. Const. art. 4 § 1).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires signatures from 10 percent of qualified electors in each legislative district to propose a statewide initiative measure and 15 percent from each legislative district to propose an amendment to the Arizona Constitution.
2. Makes technical and conforming changes.
3. Requires the Secretary of State to submit this proposition to the voters at the next general election.
4. Becomes effective if approved by the voters and on proclamation of the Governor.
Amendments Adopted by Committee
1. Removes the requirement for signatures from 5 percent of qualified electors from each legislative district to submit a referendum to the ballot.
2. Makes conforming changes.
Senate Action
JUD 2/21/19 DPA 4-2-1
Prepared by Senate Research
February 21, 2019
JA/RC/gs