​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Pursuant to ORS 251.205-215​​, a five-member Explanatory Statement Committee (ESC) is appointed for each potential ballot measure to draft an impartial, simple, and understandable statement of 500 words or less that explains each ballot measure. Once completed, the explanatory statement will be printed in the Voters' Pamphlet if the measure qualifies for the ballot. The chief petitioners of the ballot measure (or legislative leaders for referrals) select two supporters of the measure to serve on the committee, and the Secretary of State selects two opponents of the measure to serve on the committee. Those four members then select a neutral fifth member, or if they cannot agree, the Secretary of State selects the fifth member. ​

Past Meetings

February 16, 2024, 8 a.m.

Legislative Referrals

Statutory explanatory statement process was supplanted by the Legislative Assembly's Enrolled Senate Bill 28 for the three Legislative Referrals (HJR 16, SJR 34 and HB 2004​). OAR 165-007-2024​ rule is adopted to establish timelines for HJR 16, SJR 34 and HB 2004, referred to the November 5, 2024, General Election by 82nd Legislative Assembly. The rule, as directed in SB 28, establishes timelines for filing ballot titles, explanatory statements and subsequent related timelines.

Explanatory Statements

Referral 401 (HJR 16)
Referral 402 (SJR 34)
​ Referral 403 (HB 2004)​

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