Sec. 1. 21-A MRSA §906, sub-§6-B is enacted to read:

6-B.__Cost impact of initiative referenda.__A ballot for a statewide vote on a direct initiative of legislation pursuant to the Constitution of Maine, Article IV, Part Third, Section 18 must include a statement of the fiscal impact of that measure on state revenues, appropriations or allocations.__The Secretary of State may request assistance from the Office of Fiscal and Program Review in preparing the fiscal analysis.

SUMMARY

The Constitution of Maine authorizes the direct initiative of legislation by the people of the State. This bill requires that ballots on such legislation include a statement of the fiscal impact of the legislation on state revenues, appropriations or allocations. The bill authorizes the Secretary of State to request assistance from the Office of Fiscal and Program Review.