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.
Explanatory Statement Committee Process
Explanatory statements are prepared by the Explanatory Statement Committee and the Legislative Counsel Committee. If the Committee fails to adopt an explanatory statement the one drafted by the Legislative Counsel Committee is printed in the voters’ pamphlet. The initial explanatory statement must be filed by
July 27, 2026.
A public hearing is also held to accept public comments. Suggested changes or other relevant information may be submitted orally or in writing through the date of the public hearing. If public comments are submitted, the ESC will hold a reconsideration meeting prior to submitting an explanatory statement.
Committee Meetings
IP 28: Criminalizes breeding practices, injuring/killing animals, including for food, hunting, fishing. Creates transition fund. Exceptions.
The ESC will meet to draft an explanatory statement for IP 28 according to the following schedule:
Location: Remote
Tuesday, July 14, 9:30-10:00 AM
Agenda: IP 28: Meeting to Elect Fifth Member.
Wednesday, July 22, 1:00-3:00 PM
Agenda: IP 28: Drafting meeting.
Monday, August 3, 9:30-11:30 AM
Agenda: IP 28: Reconsideration meeting.
Public Participation
Interested parties may observe the ESC committee deliberations via the Oregon Legislative website. Public comment will not be taken at these meetings.
The public is invited to provide comments during the public hearing to be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Comments received during this hearing will be reviewed and considered by the ESC during the scheduled meeting on Monday, August 3.
Key Contacts
For questions on the ESC, please contact FEC.ECS@sos.oregon.gov.
For questions on the general ballot measure process, contact the Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division at 503-986-1518 or
elections.sos@sos.oregon.gov.