February 22, 2006

Lawmakers may review initiatives

"Secretary of State Bruce McPherson on Tuesday said he plans to propose an indirect initiative process in California enabling the state Legislature to review measures before they are placed on the ballot.

McPherson, who made the comments while giving a speech during a Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Hyatt downtown, said the details of his plan are still being hammered out and that he's unsure if he will introduce his bill to the Legislature this year or next.

State ballot measures can take the "worst form of special interest politics in the state," he said, adding, "I think people are just sick and tired of seeing all these initiatives on the ballot."

There are more than 60 initiatives currently in circulation for California's June and November ballots, he said.

All eight initiatives on the Nov. 8, 2005, special election ballot failed, four of which were supported by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Eight states currently offer some type of indirect initiative process, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures."

You can read the article here.

Posted by Randy Riddle at February 22, 2006 12:26 PM