HB 3280

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act. Provides that at least 2 months before the next election of members of the General Assembly, following the passage of a proposed amendment, the Secretary of State shall publish the amendment in a specified number of newspapers of general circulation in every county in the State in which a newspaper is published and its digital equivalent (instead of only newspapers of general circulation in every county in the State in which a newspaper is published). Provides that at the election, a proposed amendment and explanation shall be printed on the top of the ballot preceding all nominations of any political party (instead of upon a separate ballot). Amends the Election Code. Provides that whenever one or more proposals for amendment of the constitution or the calling of a constitutional convention or any combination thereof is or are to be voted upon by the people, the proposition or propositions for the adoption or rejection of such amendment or amendments or convention shall be submitted upon the same, single "Official Ballot" containing the names of candidates for State and other offices to be voted at such election (instead of a ballot separate from the "Official Ballot"). Provides that a proposal for amendment of the constitution or the calling of a constitutional amendment or any combination thereof shall be printed at the top of the "Official Ballot" preceding the names of candidates for State and other offices to be voted at such election; and that the proposition or propositions shall be printed upon plain white paper with no shading, highlighting, or other distinct markings and shall include the official title of the section so named to be added or amended in the Constitution. Provides that included with the ballot (instead of on the back or outside of the ballot so as to appear when folded) there shall be a printed notice with the words "CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT" (instead of "CONSTITUTION BALLOT"). Removes language concerning a separate ballot. Makes other changes.