PHOENIX (AP) - The Arizona House and Senate scrapped planned debate on a contentious plan to enact major changes in how citizen initiatives qualify for the ballot amid opposition from some majority Republicans.
In related action Wednesday, the Senate rejected tougher voter registration drive rules, but the House gave the attorney general the ability to rewrite initiative ballot language.
The twin proposals that were pulled would have required initiative proponents to collect signatures from 10% of recent voters in each legislative district. The Arizona Constitution now requires signatures from 10% of voters statewide.
Some GOP lawmakers thought that was a step too far, and with no Democratic support the measures were pulled.
Proponents argue rural areas are ignored by initiative backers. Initiative backers say they would allow any single district to block initiatives.
