2021 Senate Bill 280

Put time limits on initiated law petition signature counting

Introduced in the Senate

March 24, 2021

Introduced by Sen. Ruth Johnson (R-14)

To require the board of state canvassers to complete the canvass of signatures collected on an initiated law petition within 100 days after it is filed with the Secretary of State. If canvassers declare there are enough valid signatures then the proposed law must be immediately forwarded to the legislature for consideration. Under the state constitution, unless the legislature enacts the law proposed by an initiative that gains the required number of signatures, it goes on the next general election ballot for a vote of the people. This is part of a Republican election integrity package comprised of Senate Bills 273 to 311.

Referred to the Committee on Elections

Sept. 30, 2021

Passed in the Senate 20 to 16 (details)

To require the board of state canvassers to complete the canvass of signatures collected on an initiated law petition within 100 days after it is filed with the Secretary of State. If canvassers declare there are enough valid signatures then the proposed law must be immediately forwarded to the legislature for consideration. If the petition is filed 160 or more days before the November general election, the board must complete its work at least 100 days before the election. Under the state constitution, unless the legislature enacts the law proposed by an initiative that gains the required number of signatures, it goes on the next general election ballot for a vote of the people.

Received in the House

Sept. 30, 2021

Oct. 6, 2021

Passed in the House 55 to 48 (details)

To require the board of state canvassers to complete the canvass of signatures collected on an initiated law petition within 100 days after it is filed with the Secretary of State. If canvassers declare there are enough valid signatures then the proposed law must be immediately forwarded to the legislature for consideration. Under the state constitution, unless the legislature enacts the law proposed by an initiative that gains the required number of signatures, it goes on the next general election ballot for a vote of the people.