The Appropriations Committee voted to give a due pass as amended to Senate Bill 2,230, a one‑biennium $600,000 appropriation to the Secretary of State to create and mail simple, objective summaries of statewide ballot measures to active voters.

The bill carrier, Senator Urban Lee, told the committee the measure is designed to help voters understand statewide constitutional measures and initiated measures that appear on the ballot. "If you vote yes, it'll do this. If you vote no, it'll do that," Lee said, describing the intended format for the two‑sided sheet. The mailing would be sent about 45 days before an election and would be limited to primary and general elections in the biennium.

Supporters said the model mirrors an existing program in Montana and that the committee received a cost estimate from the Secretary of State. The department estimated the program would reach about 450,000 active voters; postage was estimated at about $400,000 using bulk rates and printing and materials about $200,000. The appropriation covers a single biennium to allow a judgment on whether the mailer improves voter understanding before any longer‑term funding is considered.

Committee members added amendment language clarifying the one‑time funding and then voted to adopt the amendment. The amendment passed on a recorded voice roll call and the bill carried a due pass as amended out of the committee.

Action on SB 2,230 now moves forward with the committee recommendation and the Secretary of State will be the implementing agency if the appropriation becomes law.