August 25, 2017

To the Honorable Members of

The Illinois House of Representatives,

100th General Assembly:

Today, I return House Bill 348 with specific recommendations for change.

This legislation modernizes the process by which constitutional amendments submitted by the General Assembly are communicated to taxpayers. This bill requires the Secretary of State to publish a proposed amendment and arguments for and against the measure online, giving voters better access to information about significant legal changes that will appear on an upcoming ballot.

I applaud the sponsor on his efforts to save taxpayer money through modernization. However, this legislation currently achieves significant cost-saving and modernization efforts for only one type of constitutional amendment. Where it is deemed feasible to save money while providing sufficient access to information online without printed materials, we should maximize the opportunity and do so across all types of amendments.

Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(e) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return House Bill 348, entitled “AN ACT concerning government,” with the following specific recommendations for change:

On page 4, by replacing line 8 with: “amendment, nor”

On page 4, by replacing lines 10 and 11 with: “for such a pamphlet explaining a proposed amendment that is proposed on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the General Assembly.”

With these changes, House Bill 348 will have my approval. I respectfully request your concurrence.

Sincerely,

Bruce Rauner

GOVERNOR