summary
Introduced
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
In Committee
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act To Amend Section 23-17-17, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Remove The Requirement That A Petition For An Initiative Measure Be Printed On A Sheet Of Paper Not Less Than Eight And One-half Inches In Width And Not Less Than Fourteen Inches In Length; To Amend Section 23-17-19, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Require The Secretary Of State To Provide The Form For The Petition For An Initiative Measure On The Secretary Of State's Website; To Amend Section 23-17-21, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Require The Circuit Clerks Of The Various Counties To Submit The Petition, Along With The Signatures That Have Been Certified, To The Secretary Of State For Filing When The Person Proposing An Initiative Measure Has Secured Upon The Petition The Number Of Signatures Of Qualified Electors Equal To Or Exceeding The Minimum Number Of Signatures Required; To Bring Forward Section 23-17-23, Mississippi Code Of 1972, For Purpose Of Possible Amendment; And For Related Purposes.
AI Summary
This bill modifies the process for initiating new laws in Mississippi by removing the requirement that initiative petitions be printed on paper of a specific size, making it easier for citizens to circulate them. It also mandates that the Secretary of State will provide the official petition form on their website, streamlining access to the correct format. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that once circuit clerks have certified the signatures of qualified electors (meaning registered voters eligible to vote) on a petition, and the required number of signatures has been met, the circuit clerks themselves are responsible for submitting the certified petition to the Secretary of State for official filing, rather than the person proposing the initiative. The bill also brings forward an existing section that outlines the grounds on which the Secretary of State can refuse to file an initiative petition, such as incorrect form or insufficient signatures.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Died In Committee (on 02/03/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB0438.xml |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2026/html/HB/0400-0499/HB0438IN.htm |
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