Chapter 448

2008 -- S 2029 AS AMENDED

Enacted 07/08/08

A N A C T

RELATING TO ELECTIONS - LOCAL REFERENDA AND BOARDS

Introduced By: Senators Issa, and Connors

Date Introduced: January 02, 2008

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 17-8 of the General Laws entitled "Local Canvassing Authorities"

is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

17-8-10. Publication of local questions to be submitted to voters.. -- (a) Prior to each

local election at which public questions are to be submitted, the local board shall cause to be

prominently posted in at least three (3) local public locations and advertised at least once in a

newspaper of local circulation prior to the election the full text of each legislative act to be acted

upon and the election date, or the local board may substitute a description of the text of each act

in lieu of the full text, together with the following information:

(1) The designated number of the question;

(2) A brief caption of the question;

(3) A brief explanation of the measure that is the subject matter of the question; and

(4) A notice that voter fraud is a felony and the penalty for voter fraud. This notice shall

be in conspicuous lettering and shall contain the following language: "You must be registered to

vote from your actual place of residence."

(b) If the public question involves the issuance of bonds or other evidence of

indebtedness or any other long-term financial obligation such as a lease, the notice required by

subsection (a) of this section shall also include at least the following information to be provided:

(1) The estimated total cost of the project or program, including financing (using a

reasonable assumed rate of interest), legal, and other costs.

(2) The estimated useful life of the project, and the term of the bonds, other

indebtedness, or other obligation.

(3) A reasonably detailed description of the project or program, its purposes, and a

project timetable.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect January 1, 2009.

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LC00049

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