Bill Text: IL HB0348 | 2017-2018 | 100th General Assembly | Veto Message
Bill Title: Amends the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act. Provides that when the Secretary of State first publishes a proposed constitutional amendment in a newspaper or newspapers, he or she shall also cause the existing form of the constitutional provision proposed to be amended, the proposed amendment, the explanation of the amendment, the arguments for and against the amendment, and the form in which the amendment will appear on the separate ballot, to be published on a publicly accessible Internet website controlled by the Office of the Secretary of State. Provides that the newspaper or newspapers containing the published amendment shall also provide a link to the amendment information published on the Secretary's Internet website. Removes language requiring the Secretary to issue a pamphlet concerning a proposed constitutional amendment. Amends the Election Code to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 12-5)
Status: (Vetoed) 2017-10-27 - Bill Dead - No Positive Action Taken - Amendatory Veto [HB0348 Detail]
Download: Illinois-2017-HB0348-Veto_Message.html
August 25, 2017
To the Honorable Members of
The Illinois House of Representatives,
100th General Assembly:
Today, I return House Bill 348 with specific recommendations for change.
This legislation modernizes the process by which constitutional amendments submitted by the General Assembly are communicated to taxpayers. This bill requires the Secretary of State to publish a proposed amendment and arguments for and against the measure online, giving voters better access to information about significant legal changes that will appear on an upcoming ballot.
I applaud the sponsor on his efforts to save taxpayer money through modernization. However, this legislation currently achieves significant cost-saving and modernization efforts for only one type of constitutional amendment. Where it is deemed feasible to save money while providing sufficient access to information online without printed materials, we should maximize the opportunity and do so across all types of amendments.
Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(e) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return House Bill 348, entitled AN ACT concerning government, with the following specific recommendations for change:
On page 4, by replacing line 8 with: amendment, nor
On page 4, by replacing lines 10 and 11 with: for such a pamphlet explaining a proposed amendment that is proposed on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the General Assembly.
With these changes, House Bill 348 will have my approval. I respectfully request your concurrence.
Sincerely,
Bruce Rauner
GOVERNOR
