With the threat of a referral looming on House Bill 3427 A, the education tax package, the Legislature is preparing for a special election in January.
On June 12, the Senate passed Senate Bill 116 A out of the committee on rules. The bill, originally a placeholder, was ‘gut n’ stuffed’ with an amendment that authorizes a legislative committee to create ballot titles and explanatory statements if HB 3427 A were referred to the ballot, and mandates a special election to be held on January 21, 2020. The newly modified bill also sets up a review process for the title and statement through the Oregon Supreme Court allowing the court to modify the title or refer it to the Attorney General.
Special elections are particularly costly for counties, the legislative fiscal office released a fiscal impact statement signaling if this special election were to occur, counties and the Secretary of State’s office would be see a bill $3.5 million for implementation. AOC Legal Counsel, Rob Bovett is continuing to advocate for an allocation to counties for implementation of the special election.
Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate