OK SB852

Amends initiative and referendum petition procedures to require submission of a "gist statement" to the Secretary of State, with a five-day appeal window for dissatisfied parties to challenge the wording before the Supreme Court.

Modifies petition filing requirements to allow signatures to be gathered on either 8.5" x 14" or 8.5" x 11" pages, and establishes procedures for Secretary of State to bind and receipt petitions within specified timeframes.

Restructures the ballot title review process so the Attorney General reviews proposed titles prior to signature gathering (rather than after filing), with defined timelines for notification and correction of defects.

Creates a new offense of "petition blocking," making it unlawful for any person to prevent initiative or referendum petitions through harassment, frivolous legal challenges, fraud, or interference with petition circulation rights.

Becomes effective November 1, 2009, and clarifies that initiative and referendum petitions must be resolved before the Governor sets an election date on the next General Election.