Initiative petition reform
Oklahomans for Initiative Rights, a statewide organization dedicated to the reform of Oklahoma’s initiative and referendum (I&R) process, is joining grassroots activists from across the state in applauding the State Legislature for passing HB 2246, legislation which extended the signature collection period for petitions from 90 days to 1 year.
The group called on Governor Brad Henry to sign HB 2246 along with another initiative bill that passed the Legislature.
“The people of Oklahoma have spoken and the Legislature has listened” said Sapp, “Now it is up to Governor Henry to do his part in letting Oklahoma vote by signing both HB 2246 and SB 800 into law.”
SB 800 streamlines the process for setting the “gist statement” and ballot title and prevents signatures from being thrown out on mere technicalities.
“This is another huge victory for ballot initiative rights in Oklahoma” said Norma Sapp, Executive Director of Oklahomans for Initiative Rights. “We now have two major reforms to the initiative process that have enjoyed bi-partisan support in the legislature on the governor’s desk. This is a major step forward for the citizens of this state”
Oklahomans for Initiative Rights has been engaged in a month long, 70-city statewide tour to promote I&R rights and educate the public.
“I’ve traveled all over the state to build grassroots support to open up the state’s initiative process, and one thing is sure, Oklahomans from all walks of life in all parts of the state want a better I&R process” said Sapp,
“Now the Governor’s has a chance to give it to them.”
HB 2246 passed 87-1 in favor in the House and 41-0 in favor in the Senate on its final reading.
Oklahoma currently has the toughest ballot initiative process in the country.
“In fact, only 3 initiatives made it to the ballot in the past 10 years. Our state forefathers wrote the power of I&R into the constitution to be accessible to all Oklahomans, not to be restricted to just a few.” said Sapp, “With the Governor’s signature on both of these bills, we can bring the initiative and referendum laws back in line with our state founders’ original intentions.”