H.B. No. 3668 proposes a statewide referendum for voters to express their preference regarding the repeal of any additional restrictions on abortion access that may be enacted by the 89th Legislature during its Regular Session in 2025. If such legislation is passed, the referendum will take place during the general election on November 4, 2025. The ballot will include a proposition stating, "The legislature should repeal each additional restriction on access to abortion enacted by the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, 2025," and will clarify that the referendum is an expression of public opinion only and does not have binding legal effect.
The bill outlines the election procedures, including the requirement for notice of the referendum to be included in the governor's proclamation for any proposed constitutional amendments. It mandates that the voting returns be canvassed similarly to those for constitutional amendments and that the results be certified by the governor and transmitted to key legislative leaders. The bill emphasizes the legislature's intent to consider the public's will on this significant issue, despite the rarity of conducting referendums on statewide matters. The act will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.