In the Matter of the Title, Ballot Title and Submission Clause for 2013-2014 85 Mizraim Cordero and Scott Prestidge…

Summary

The court affirmed the Title Board’s approval of titles for three alternative initiatives requiring statewide setbacks for new oil and gas wells. It held that the initiatives contain a single subject because the setback requirement and the provision addressing takings are necessarily and properly connected, and that the titles fairly describe the measures without materially misleading voters. Chief Justice Rice, joined by Justice Hobbs, dissented, concluding that the initiatives combine disconnected setback and takings subjects and that the titles could mislead voters.