Creates new provisions relating to the treatment of summary statements prepared by the General Assembly for ballot measures
The new bill stipulates that when a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment or legislative measure is adopted without a fiscal note summary, the Secretary of State is mandated to quickly forward it to the state auditor. The secretary, within twenty days, must then prepare a summary statement that will be assessed by the attorney general for its legal content and form. This process is designed to ensure voters receive an unbiased and concise conversion of the legislative intent, potentially improving the quality of information voters have when making decisions on ballot measures.
Senate Bill 1076 seeks to revise existing provisions related to the treatment of summary statements prepared by the General Assembly for ballot measures. The bill proposes to repeal the current section 116.160 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri and enact a new version that clarifies the process by which summary statements are prepared and approved. This change aims to enhance the clarity and accuracy of what appears on ballots, which is critical for voter understanding and participation in elections.
One notable point of contention surrounding SB1076 is the stipulation that summary statements, once judged, cannot be altered or revised by the courts, which some critics may view as limiting judicial oversight. However, the bill does allow for the original legislative body to propose new summary language before a set deadline prior to elections, providing a legal pathway for revisions. This creates a balance aimed at upholding the integrity of the ballot while also recognizing the need for accuracy in the public presentation of measures.