Statewide Referenda Modifications

HB 498 extends the deadline for gathering signatures on statewide referendum petitions from 40 to 60 days after the legislative session ends. This change directly affects citizen groups and organizations sponsoring referendums who must collect voter signatures to qualify proposals for the ballot. The bill also adjusts related deadlines to align with the longer signature period and modifies provisions about when legislation subject to a referendum takes effect. These procedural updates are made without fiscal impact or new requirements.