From the Bixby Bulletin:

Oklahomans for Initiative Rights, a statewide organization dedicated to the reform of Oklahoma’s initiative and referendum (I&R) process, is joining grassroots activists from across the state in applauding the State Legislature for passing HB 2246, legislation which extended the signature collection period for petitions from 90 days to 1 year.

The group is calling on Governor Brad Henry to sign HB 2246 along with another initiative bill that passed earlier this week. “The people of Oklahoma have spoken and the Legislature has listened” said Sapp, “Now it is up to Governor Henry to do his part in letting Oklahoma vote by signing both HB 2246 and SB 800 into law.”

SB 800, which got final passage Tuesday, streamlines the process for setting the “gist statement” and ballot title and prevents signatures from being thrown out on mere technicalities.

“This is another huge victory for ballot initiative rights in Oklahoma” said Norma Sapp, Executive Director of Oklahomans for Initiative Rights. “We now have two major reforms to the initiative process that have enjoyed bi-partisan support in the legislature on the governor’s desk. This is a major step forward for the citizens of this state”(…Read More)