Speaker Batchelder Releases Statement Regarding Passage of Ballot Initiative, Referendum Legislation

Following the passage of Amended Senate Bill 47 from the Ohio House of Representatives today, House Speaker William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) released this statement:

“It is the responsibility of the Legislature to ensure that the will of Ohioans is carried out fairly and equally to all people and issue groups throughout the state. As such, Senate Bill 47 takes politics out of the initiative and referendum petition-verification process so that the collection of signatures is uniform from group to group and issue to issue. Because of this legislation, we can provide better opportunity for all Ohioans to have their voices heard without fear of a system that benefits some more than others.

“I fully support the right to the ballot initiative and referendum found in the Ohio Constitution, and I believe that these should remain worthwhile options for keeping state government accountable to the people it serves. Senate Bill 47, with fairness and consistency, will further guarantee the protection of that right.”