The proposed bill would amend current statutes regarding the referendum process in Arizona by allowing the Secretary of State (SOS) to enforce strict compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements for referendums. This includes the insertion of language that specifies the SOS's authority to ensure that applications for initiatives and referendums are complete and correct before acceptance. The bill also clarifies that the SOS must assign a serial number to petitions only upon receipt of a complete and correct application, rather than simply upon receipt of the application itself.

Additionally, the bill introduces a requirement that if the SOS rejects an application for a petition serial number, they must provide a written statement of the reasons for the rejection within two business days. It defines a "complete and correct application" as one that contains all required information, includes a description of no more than 200 words, and is in the most recent form prescribed by the SOS. The bill also makes technical and conforming changes to existing statutes, ensuring that the process for filing initiatives and referendums is more clearly defined and regulated.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 19-101.01, 19-111
Senate Engrossed Version: 19-101.01, 19-111