GA HB702

Establishes procedures for citizens to propose statutory changes or constitutional amendments through direct initiative petitions and referendums, requiring signatures from registered voters across congressional districts

Creates a 12-member Direct Initiative and Referendum Committee (6 legislators from each party) to review and approve petition forms before circulation, with the Secretary of State making final determinations on disputed petitions

Requires a $1,000 filing fee, one-year signature collection window, public hearings in each congressional district once 50% of signatures are obtained, and notification mailed to all registered voter households

Mandates circulators be registered Georgia voters with no fraud misdemeanors or felony convictions, prohibits per-signature payments, and allows both paper and digital petition formats

Takes effect January 1, 2027, contingent upon voter ratification of a related constitutional amendment; automatically repeals if the constitutional amendment is not ratified