Accessible Language Statutory Ballot Title Requirements

Under current law, the title board must set a ballot title for an initiative petition that is brief, does not conflict with another title for an initiative petition filed for the same election, and is in the form of a question that may be answered "yes/for" or "no/against" and that unambiguously states the principle of the provision sought to be added, amended, or repealed by the initiative. The bill adds a requirement that the title board write a ballot title using accessible language, which means plain language that is understood by the widest possible audience.

In addition, current law requires that specific language appear in the ballot title for certain initiatives that increase or reduce tax revenue. For initiatives that reduce state tax revenue or local district property tax revenue through a tax change, this required language must appear at the beginning of the ballot title. For initiatives that increase tax revenue for any district through a tax change, this required language must appear directly after language required by the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights. The bill modifies these statutory provisions so that the required ballot title language must only be substantially similar to the specific statutory language and may appear anywhere in the ballot title.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)