Bill limiting complexity of ballot titles advances in Arkansas Legislature

KUAR | By Daniel Breen

Arkansas Lawmakers have advanced another bill changing the state’s direct democracy process.

Members of a Senate committee on Thursday advanced House Bill 1713, which requires all titles of citizen-led ballot initiatives and constitutional amendments to be written at or below an eighth-grade reading level. The bill’s Senate co-sponsor, Sen. Mark Johnson, R-Little Rock, said it’s an effort to make the process more accessible to voters.

“People have points to argue, but if they’re clear that if you believe this way you’re for it and if you believe the opposite then you’re against it, that’s the way the process is supposed to work. We’re not trying to confuse people,” he said.

Bill limiting complexity of ballot titles advances in Arkansas Legislature