HB0307 - Citizens Empowerment Act

• Establishes a referendum process allowing registered voters to petition for dissolution of any local government unit, with signatures required from 5% of voters from the preceding general election.

• Requires petitions to be filed at least 122 days before a general election and published in newspapers 122-152 days prior to the election, with dissolution occurring at least 90 days after the referendum vote.

• Dissolution referendum requires approval by three-fifths of those voting on the amendment OR a simple majority of those voting in the election from both the dissolving unit and the receiving unit of local government.

• Transfers all real and personal property, assets, personnel, contractual obligations, and liabilities from the dissolving local government to the receiving local government on the effective dissolution date.

• Amends the Election Code Section 28-7 to create an exception to standard referendum procedures for the Citizens Empowerment Act, with the act taking effect immediately upon passage.