PRINTER'S NO. 2559
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No.
2194
Session of
2021
INTRODUCED BY SCHLOSSBERG, CIRESI, FREEMAN, GUENST, HARRIS,
KINSEY, MADDEN, SAMUELSON AND SANCHEZ, DECEMBER 22, 2021
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, DECEMBER 22, 2021
AN ACT
Providing for interpretive statements for ballots questions.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the Local
Referendum Transparency Act.
Section 2. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Governing body." As defined under 53 Pa.C.S. § 2902
(relating to definitions).
"Interpretive statement." An interpretation of a ballot
question phrased in simple language such that the public clearly
and with sufficient notice understands the matter being voted
on. The term shall include, if applicable, a language
translation if a municipality falls under section 203 of the
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Voting Rights Act of 1965 (Public law 89-110, 52 U.S.C. § 10301
et seq.) as determined by the United States Census Bureau.
"Municipality." A county, city, borough, incorporated town,
township or home rule, optional plan or optional charter
municipality.
Section 3. Interpretive statements.
All absentee ballots and mail-in ballots in a municipality
used in accordance with the act of June 3, 1937 (P.L.1333,
No.320), known as the Pennsylvania Election Code, shall include
interpretive statements of any ballot questions presented by the
municipality. All interpretive statements, prior to inclusion in
an absentee or mail-in ballot, shall be approved by a majority
of the governing body of the municipality.
Section 4. Effective date.
This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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