HB 1320: Accessible Language Statutory Ballot Title Requirements

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Under current law, the title board must set a ballot title for an initiative petition that is brief, does not conflict with another title for an initiative petition filed for the same election, and is in the form of a question that may be answered 'yes/for' or 'no/against' and that unambiguously states the principle of the provision sought to be added, amended, or repealed by the initiative. The act adds a requirement that the title board write a ballot title using accessible language, which means plain language that is understood by the widest possible audience. In determining whether a ballot title is written using accessible language, the title board may consider whether the title:Avoids using legal, technical, or specialized terminology when possible;Clearly identifies the principal change in law or policy proposed by the proposed statutory or constitutional amendment;Avoids unnecessary qualifiers, double negatives, and overly complex phrasing;Organizes clauses so that the effect of a 'yes/for' or 'no/against' vote is readily understood; andPresents necessary information within the ballot title in a logical and readable order.     In addition, current law requires that specific language appear in the ballot title for certain initiatives that increase or reduce tax revenue. For initiatives that reduce state tax revenue or local district property tax revenue through a tax change, this required language must appear at the beginning of the ballot title. For initiatives that increase tax revenue for any district through a tax change, this required language must appear directly after language required by the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights. The act modifies these statutory provisions so that the required ballot title language must only be substantially similar to the specific statutory language and may appear anywhere in the ballot title.     The act applies to initiative petitions submitted to the secretary of state for title setting on or after the effective date of the act.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 32

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. May 29, 2026Governor Signed
2. May 21, 2026Signed by the Speaker of the House
3. May 21, 2026Signed by the President of the Senate
4. May 21, 2026Sent to the Governor
5. May 4, 2026House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
6. April 28, 2026House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Laid Over Daily
7. April 27, 2026Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
8. April 24, 2026Senate Second Reading Passed with Amendments - Committee
9. April 21, 2026Senate Committee on State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Refer Amended to Senate Committee of the Whole
10. March 31, 2026Introduced In Senate - Assigned to State, Veterans, & Military Affairs
11. March 27, 2026House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
12. March 26, 2026House Third Reading Laid Over Daily - No Amendments

Showing 12 most recent of 15 actions. Full history