Initiative measures: withdrawal.

Existing law allows the proponents of a statewide initiative or referendum measure to withdraw the measure after filing the petition with the appropriate elections official at any time before the Secretary of State certifies that the measure has qualified for the ballot. Withdrawal of a statewide initiative or referendum measure is effective upon receipt by the Secretary of State of a written notice of withdrawal, signed by all proponents of the measure. This bill would prohibit a written notice of withdrawal submitted by the proponents of a statewide initiative or referendum measure from including any conditions that must be satisfied in order for the Secretary of State to deem the withdrawal to be effective, and would require the Secretary of State to reject any notice that purports to impose such a condition on the withdrawal of a measure. The bill would expressly state that these provisions will become operative on January 1, 2021.