AR SJR5

Changes the initiative petition filing deadline from "not less than four months before" the election to a specific date of January 15 of the election year.

Establishes a March 1 deadline for filing challenges to state-wide initiative petitions and requires courts to resolve sufficiency challenges by July 1 of the election year.

Adds an extension of time provision that moves any deadline falling on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday to the next business day.

Allows the General Assembly to amend the initiative section through the same process required for amending or repealing voter-approved measures, provided amendments remain germane and consistent with the section's purposes.

Applies similar sufficiency challenge procedures and court resolution timelines to constitutional amendments proposed by the General Assembly, giving the Supreme Court original and exclusive jurisdiction.

Takes effect January 1, 2021.