Senate Bill No. 862 aims to improve the clarity and simplicity of municipal referendum questions by amending Sections 9-369a and 9-369 of the general statutes. The bill mandates that referendum questions be written in straightforward language, address only one subject matter per question, and provide a clear explanation of the proposed legal changes. It also requires municipal clerks to file a statement with the Secretary of the State detailing the question's designation, submission date, and legal reference at least 45 days before the election. The bill eliminates the requirement for clerks to create the question's wording if not already prescribed by law.

The bill further requires the Secretary of the State to review and either approve or disapprove the question's designation within three days of receipt. If disapproved, the clerk must revise and resubmit the designation within three days. The full text of the question and its ballot designation must be made available for public inspection from the time of submission until the election day. SB 862 is effective upon passage and does not anticipate any fiscal impact on the state or municipalities.

Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 9-369a, 9-369
GAE Joint Favorable: 9-369a, 9-369
File No. 464: 9-369a, 9-369