This bill proposes several updates to the current statutes regarding the referendum process in Arizona. It allows the Secretary of State (SOS) to enforce strict compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements for referendums, which is a new provision (The secretary of state MAY enforce strict compliance with the constitutional and statutory requirements for a referendum.). Additionally, it specifies that an application for an initiative or referendum must be both complete and correct for the SOS to accept it, which adds clarity to the application process (and a complete and correct application). The bill also mandates that the SOS assign a serial number to petitions only upon receipt of a complete and correct application, rather than just any application (a COMPLETE and correct application with an ACCOMPANYING statement of ORGANIZATION as PRESCRIBED by this section). Furthermore, if the SOS rejects an application for a petition serial number, the bill requires that the applicant be provided with a written statement detailing the reason for the rejection within two business days (If the secretary of state rejects an application for a petition serial number, the secretary of state shall provide the applicant with a written statement of the reason for the rejection within two business days after the rejection of the application for the petition serial number.). The bill also defines what constitutes a "complete and correct application," including the requirement for all necessary information, a description not exceeding 200 words, and adherence to the most recent form prescribed by the SOS (For the purposes of this section, "complete and correct application" means an application that:). Overall, these changes aim to enhance the integrity and efficiency of the referendum process in Arizona.

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