HB9 Summary

• Creates the Fair Ballot Commission with 18 members including the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, Speaker of the House, and Secretary of State, plus appointed attorneys and private citizens from each congressional district.

• Requires the commission to post "Ballot Statements" on the Legislature's website no later than 60 calendar days before any statewide ballot measure vote, including the measure text, implementing legislation, and plain language summaries.

• Mandates Ballot Statements explain the effects of voting for or against a measure, including cost, funding sources, and tax impacts, written in clear, nontechnical language that is true and impartial without argumentative language.

• Allows individual legislators to post personal statements supporting or opposing measures (maximum 300 words) on the website within 7 to 10 calendar days before the election.

• Requires Ballot Statements to be printed and distributed like sample ballots, with printed copies available at the Secretary of State's office and judges of probate at cost to requestors.