SCS HJR 16 -- INITIATIVE PETITIONS

This proposed constitutional amendment changes the deadline for
filing initiative petitions with the Secretary of State.  The
deadline will be 6 months rather than 4 months before the
general election.

HJR 16 -- INITIATIVE PETITIONS (Farnen)

This proposed constitutional amendment changes the date for
filing initiative petitions with the Secretary of State from not
less than 4 months before the election to not later than the 2nd
Friday in April before the election.

FISCAL NOTE:  Cost to General Revenue Fund of $50,100 in FY 1999.

HJR 16 -- INITIATIVE PETITIONS

CO-SPONSORS:  Farnen, Long

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Elections
by a vote of 14 to 0.

This proposed constitutional amendment changes the date for
filing initiative petitions with the Secretary of State from not
less than 4 months before the election to not later than the 2nd
Friday in April before the election.

FISCAL NOTE:  Cost to General Revenue Fund of $50,100 in FY 1999.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that this constitutional amendment
will provide additional time to resolve legal challenges to
initiative petitions before a costly reprinting of ballots is
required.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Farnen and Long;
Office of the Secretary of State; Missouri Association of County
Clerks and Election Authorities; and Bekki Cook, Secretary of
State.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Martin Romitti, Research Analyst

HJR 16 -- Initiative Petitions

Co-Sponsors:  Farnen, Long

This proposed constitutional amendment changes the date for
filing initiative petitions with the Secretary of State from not
less than 4 months before the election to not later than the 2nd
Friday in April before the election.