13-27-315. Statements by attorney general on issues referred by legislature. (1) Upon receipt of a copy of a ballot form under 13-27-310(2) for an issue proposed by the legislature, the attorney general shall order a fiscal note as provided in 13-27-312(1) if the issue has an effect on the revenues, expenditures, or the fiscal liability of the state. At the same time the explanatory statement is prepared under subsection (2), the attorney general shall prepare a fiscal statement of no more than 50 words to be forwarded to the secretary of state at the same time as the explanatory statement.
     (2) At the same time the attorney general, pursuant to 13-27-313, informs the secretary of state of the approval or rejection of a ballot form for an issue proposed by the legislature, the attorney general shall forward to the secretary of state a statement, not exceeding 100 words, expressing a true and impartial explanation of the purpose of the measure in plain, easily understood language. The statement may not be an argument and may not be written to create a prejudice for or against the issue. The statement prepared under this section is known as the attorney general's explanatory statement.
     (3) If statements of the implication of a vote for or against a ballot issue have not been provided by the legislature, the attorney general shall prepare the statements. Requirements for statements of implication for ballot issues referred by the legislature are the same as those provided in 13-27-312 for other ballot issues. Statements of implication prepared by the attorney general must be returned to the secretary of state no later than the time specified for approval of the ballot form.

     History: En. 37-127 by Sec. 13, Ch. 342, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 37-127(6); amd. Sec. 9, Ch. 400, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 336, L. 1981.