This bill amends Sections 34-1811 and 34-1813 of the Idaho Code to revise the voting thresholds for statewide initiative petitions and to make technical corrections. Specifically, it changes the requirement for a measure to be adopted from an "affirmative majority" to "at least sixty percent (60%)" of the aggregate number of votes cast for initiatives, while maintaining the requirement for an affirmative majority for referendums. Additionally, the bill clarifies the procedures for counting and canvassing votes for initiatives and referendums, ensuring that the results are reported separately and that the governor issues a proclamation regarding the approval of these measures.

The bill also removes obsolete language and makes adjustments to the effective dates of initiatives and referendums. It specifies that if no effective date is provided in the initiative or referendum, it will take effect from the date of the governor's proclamation. Furthermore, it allows for city or county initiatives to have an effective date that may be earlier than July 1 of the following year, contingent upon the mayor's or county commissioners' proclamations. The bill declares an emergency, allowing it to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 34-1811, 34-1813