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 votes are returned on separate abstract sheets and that the governor issues a proclamation regarding the results.

Furthermore, the bill removes obsolete language and updates the effective date provisions for initiatives and referendums. It specifies that if no effective date is provided, the initiative or referendum will take effect from the date of the governor's proclamation. The bill also 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. An emergency clause is included, making the act effective immediately upon passage and approval.

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