Proposed State Constitutional Amendments - Digest of Bills

Digest of Bills - 1994

PROPOSED STATE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

S.C.R. 94-5 Information about statewide ballot issues - ballot information booklet - publication of measures. Requires the nonpartisan research staff of the general assembly, prior to any election at which the voters of the entire state will vote on any initiated or referred constitutional amendment or legislation, to prepare and make available to the public a ballot information booklet that includes the text, the title, and a fair and impartial analysis of each measure to be voted on. Requires that the analysis include a summary of each measure and the major arguments both for and against the measure, and provides that the analysis may include any other information that would assist understanding the purpose and effect of the measure. Allows any person to file written comments for consideration during the preparation of the analysis.

Requires that the ballot information booklet be distributed to active registered voters statewide at least 30 days before the election. If any measure to be voted on includes matters arising under section 20 of article X of the state constitution ("Amendment No. 1"), requires that the booklet include the information and the titled notice required by section 20 of article X. Provides that the mailing of such information pursuant to section 20 of article X is not required. Requires the general assembly to provide sufficient appropriations for the preparation and distribution of the ballot information booklet at no charge to recipients.

Transfers from the secretary of state to the nonpartisan research staff of the general assembly the duty to publish the text and title of every proposed initiated or referred constitutional amendment or legislation. Requires that such publication be made at least one time in at least one legal publication of general circulation in each county of the state, rather than in two issues of two newspapers of opposite political faith in each county in the state. Requires that such publication be made at least 15 days before the final date of voter registration for the election, rather than between 3 and 5 weeks before the election.

EFFECTIVE upon the Governor's proclamation or thirty days after a canvas of the votes is completed, whichever occurs earlier.
NOTE: For provisions implementing this resolution, see S.B. 94-223 on page 65.

H.C.R. 94-1003 Bail - right to postconviction bail - exceptions. Authorizes the court to set bail when a person is convicted and awaiting sentencing or when an appeal is pending, but sets forth exceptions when the conviction is based on a serious felony or crime of violence. Prohibits the court from setting bail for a convicted person unless the court specifically finds that the person is unlikely to flee and does not pose a danger and that the convicted person's appeal is not frivolous or pursued for the purpose of delay.

EFFECTIVE upon the Governor's proclamation or thirty days after a canvas of the votes is completed, whichever occurs earlier.