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Bill

Bill

SB 116

Initiative and referendum; modifying requirements for certain signatures. Effective date.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by David Bullard

SB 116 modifies Oklahoma's initiative and referendum signature requirements, affecting how citizens can place measures on the ballot through direct democracy.

Coauthored by Senator McIntosh
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 116

Legislative bill overview

SB 116 modifies the signature requirements for initiative and referendum petitions in Oklahoma. The bill adjusts thresholds or procedures that citizens must follow when attempting to place measures on the ballot through direct democracy mechanisms. Specific details of which requirements are being changed are not provided in the available action summary.

Why is this important

Initiative and referendum processes are fundamental direct democracy tools that allow citizens to bypass the legislature and propose or challenge laws directly. Any changes to signature requirements directly affect how accessible these processes are—stricter requirements make citizen-led ballot measures harder to achieve, while looser requirements make them easier to organize.

Potential points of contention

  • Accessibility vs. legitimacy trade-off: Changes that raise signature thresholds may protect against frivolous measures but could suppress genuine grassroots initiatives, while lowered thresholds might increase ballot clutter
  • Partisan implications: Different groups benefit depending on which direction requirements move; Republicans and Democrats may have competing interests based on which types of measures they typically sponsor
  • Implementation complexity: New signature verification procedures could create administrative burdens on election officials or create disputes over petition validity

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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