Citizen Initiative Types by State
Statutory Initiatives
Statutory initiatives are initiatives that affect state statutes. Twenty-one states that allow citizens to bring forward statutory initiatives.
Constitutional Initiatives
Constitutional initiatives, or initiated constitutional amendments, allow citizens to propose additions or changes to the state’s constitution. Eighteen states allow their citizens to propose constitutional initiatives. Signature requirements for constitutional initiatives are often more than for statutory initiatives.
Veto Referendums
A veto referendum is brought forward by citizens to veto a bill enacted by the Legislature. Twenty-three states allow their citizens to circulate veto referendums. Veto referendums often have a much shorter period of circulation than statutory and constitutional initiatives – the average amount of time amongst the twenty-three states is 90 days after the adjournment of the legislative session.