SB72 Summary

• Amends Article II, Section 1 of the Delaware Constitution to establish the legislative authority of the state and reserve power for the people to propose laws and constitutional amendments through initiative

• Allows registered electors to propose legislation to the General Assembly through written petition (Initiative) signed by at least 5% of voters from the preceding general election, filed no later than 5 months before a general election

• Requires the State Election Commissioner to verify Initiative signatures within two weeks and forward valid petitions to the appropriate legislative chamber for introduction and consideration

• If the General Assembly fails to enact an Initiative into law without changes, the proposal is placed on the next general election ballot and becomes law if it receives a majority of votes cast

• Allows the General Assembly to amend, reject, or enact separate legislation in response to an Initiative, with voter ratification required if the enacted legislation differs from the Initiative petition