Rhode Island House Bill H7476

Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/24
• Refer: 2/2/24
• Report Pass: 5/7/24
• Engrossed: 5/14/24
• Refer: 5/17/24
• Report Pass: 5/23/24
• Enrolled: 5/28/24
• Passed: 6/4/24

Caption

Amends certain election statutes to require ballot questions be written in plain language reasonably calculated to be understood by persons with an eighth-grade reading level.

Impact

This legislation will amend Sections 17-5-1.1, 17-5-3, and 17-5-5 of the General Laws related to statewide referenda elections, enforcing a consistent standard for how ballot questions are constructed. By mandating that questions present clear summaries and explanations before elections, the bill is expected to improve the accessibility of information for voters. The proposed modifications also include provisions for voters to receive concise descriptions along with the designated question numbers and captions on ballots, thereby streamlining the voting process and reinforcing transparency in electoral communications.

Summary

House Bill 7476 introduces amendments to certain election statutes within the state of Rhode Island, specifically focusing on the language used in ballot questions for statewide referenda elections. The primary objective is to ensure that all ballot questions are articulated in plain language that can be readily understood by individuals with an eighth-grade reading proficiency. This is a significant move aimed at enhancing voter comprehension and participation, addressing concerns that many voters may struggle with the complex language often found in legal texts.

Contention

While the intention behind House Bill 7476 is generally received positively, particularly by advocates of voter education and accessibility, there may be discussions surrounding the balance between simplifying language and ensuring that essential information on the implications of each question is preserved. Critics may argue that overly simplified language could lead to misunderstandings about the implications of voting one way or another, risking informed decision-making. Nevertheless, the overall sentiment appears to favor the improved clarity that this legislation seeks to provide.