Bills propose shift on ballot initiatives

A pair of bills filed in the House and Senate on Monday would take away the attorney general’s authority to review wording of proposed ballot initiatives and amendments and move that responsibility to the state Board of Election Commissioners.

The legislation comes after Attorney General Leslie Rutledge’s review of initiatives became an issue in her successful re-election campaign. Her Democratic opponent criticized her rejection of more than 70 ballot proposals.

She later approved several measures to gather petitions but said she wanted to change the process.

Rutledge’s office said Monday that the attorney general is supportive of the measures. In a statement, she said she’d worked with legislators and others in drafting the bills.

Under current law, citizens who propose initiated acts and constitutional amendments must submit the wording of their proposals to the attorney general for review, to make sure they are described clearly and accurately for voters. If the attorney general approves the wording, proponents can begin soliciting signatures to get their measure on the ballot.

House Bill 1489, by Rep. DeAnn Vaught, R-Horatio, and Senate Bill 346, by Sen. Matthew Pitsch, R-Fort Smith, would shift review authority to the election commission.

If the Board of Election Commissioners denies a measure, its decision can be appealed directly to the Supreme Court.