Modifies provisions for ballot summary language adopted by the general assembly
Impact
If enacted, HB414 would restrict the official summary statements to a maximum of fifty words, ensuring that the titles reflect an accurate and unbiased representation of the proposed measures. The bill emphasizes that the summary should not be intentionally argumentative or likely to bias the voter either for or against the question posed, thus promoting transparency and informed decision-making among voters. Additionally, should a court find a summary legally flawed, the General Assembly is given the authority to amend it, effectively placing control on this mechanism within the legislative chamber during its session.
Summary
House Bill 414 seeks to amend the procedures regarding how ballot summaries for constitutional amendments and statutory measures are formulated by the Missouri General Assembly. The primary objective of the bill is to ensure that voters receive a clear, concise, and impartial summary of any proposed measure that is put forth for their approval. This involves repealing the existing Section 116.160 and enacting new provisions to improve the clarity of the ballot summary language that will accompany any proposals.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB414 could stem from concerns about whether the new limitations on summary length and content may restrict meaningful discourse on various proposals. Critics may argue that overly concise summaries could oversimplify complex issues, thereby hindering voters' understanding of the implications of what they are voting on. Furthermore, the challenge of ensuring true impartiality in summary statements could lead to debates among lawmakers on what constitutes a 'true and impartial statement' under the new provisions.