Oklahoma ballots with state questions will be a bit longer in the future because Senate Bill 947, signed into law on Tuesday, requires a financial impact statement. That information will include cost estimates and sources for funding.
“We’ve worked diligently to increase fiscal transparency and accountability in state government. This really is an extension of this effort,” said Sen. Paul Rosino, who is the Senate author of the bill. “This will simply make sure that if a state question has a cost, it has to say so on the ballot description as well as how it could be paid for. This is basic information citizens should have in order to make informed decisions when they cast their ballots.”
The financial impact statement will be required whether the state question got on the ballot because of an initiative petition or a legislative referendum.
Representative Tammy West is the House author of SB 947.
“Before Oklahomans vote on a question that could result in new state law, they should be aware if there will be a potential cost and possible sources of funding. This bill ensures they have that information,” West said. “I’m thankful to Senator Rosino and the governor for helping pass this common-sense legislation.”
The new law takes effect on November 1, 2021.
