In re Title, Ballot Title & Submission Clause, & Summary for 2005-2006 73

135 P.3d 736, 2006 Colo. LEXIS 449, 2006 WL 1379611

• Court: Supreme Court of Colorado
• Decided: May 22, 2006
• Docket: No. 06SA42
• Status: Published

Opinions

RICE, Justice.

Petitioners Beverly Ausfahl and Nicole Kemp (Petitioners) brought this original proceeding under section 1-40-107(2), C.R.S. (2005), to review the action of the Title Board (Board) in fixing a title, ballot title and submission clause, and summary (titles and summary) for a ballot initiative (Initiative # 73) for the 2006 general election. The Petitioners contend that Initiative #73 addresses multiple subjects in violation of article V, section 1(5.5) of the Colorado Constitution. We affirm the action of the Title Board.

I. Facts

Initiative # 73 seeks to amend article X, section 20 of the Colorado Constitution (Amendment 1) by adding a new subsection primarily directed at eliminating what the Proponents describe as “pay-to-play” contributions — that is, contributions made to issue committees supporting Amendment 1 ballot measures by persons who might stand to gain any form of direct or indirect benefit from the passage of the measure.

The Title Board conducted its initial public meeting and set a title, ballot title, and submission for the proposed Initiative. Petitioners filed a Motion for Rehearing, objecting that the proposed initiative contained multiple subjects. The Motion for Rehearing was heard at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Title Board. At the rehearing, the Title Board overruled Petitioners’ objection. Petitioners then sought review in this court.

II. Law

A. The “Single-Subject” Provision

This case involves the application of the single-subject limitation to initiatives.¹ Despite our limited role,² we have been asked on numerous occasions to determine whether or not a proposed initiative contains a single subject. To this end, we have developed principles by which we review the decisions of the Title Board,³ with whom the responsibility resides to initially review all proposed initiatives.⁴ Primary among these principles is the axiomatic concept that, in order to pass constitutional muster, a proposed initiative must concern only one subject — that is to say it must effect or carry out only one general object or purpose.⁵

To evaluate whether or not an initiative effectuates or carries out only one general object or purpose, we look to the text of the proposed initiative. The single subject requirement is not violated if the “matters encompassed are necessarily or properly connected to each other rather than disconnected or incongruous.” In re Amend Tabor 25, 900 P.2d 121, 125 (Colo.1995); see In re “Public Rights in Waters II”, 898 P.2d 1076, 1078-79 (Colo.1995). Said another way, the single subject requirement is not violated unless the text of the measure “relates to more than one subject and has at least two distinct and separate purposes which are not dependent upon or connected with each other.” In re Petition Procedures, 900 P.2d 104, 109 (Colo.1995); see People v. Sours, 31 Colo. 369, 405, 74 P. 167, 178 (1903).

Mere implementation or enforcement details directly tied to the initiative’s single subject will not, in and of themselves, constitute a separate subject. Finally, in order to pass the single-subject test, the subject of the initiative should be capable of being clearly expressed in the initiative’s title.⁶

B. The Enforcement Provision is Not a Separate Subject

The proponents of this initiative assert, and the Title Board agrees, that the text of this initiative contains only one general subject — contributions made to Amendment 1 issue committee campaigns with the expectation of receiving a reward from a governmental entity. Petitioners claim, however, that instead of containing one unified, general subject, this initiative contains at least three distinct, unconnected topics, namely: (a) a restriction upon the ability of governmental districts to provide any form of economic or business benefit to persons who have contributed more than $500 to an issue committee that supported an Amendment 1 ballot measure for that district; (b) a prohibition of “pass-through” contributions to Amendment 1 committees generally; and (c) a retroactive invalidation of otherwise valid Amendment 1 elections and a mandatory refund of all collected revenues should the terms of the initiative be violated.

We must decide consistently with our prior case law whether Initiative #73 contains multiple subjects. Here, Petitioners’ primary claim concerns the retroactive invalidation of Amendment 1 elections along with the refund of revenues collected pursuant to the election should the terms of the provision be violated. Petitioners claim that, rather than being a mere enforcement or implementation mechanism, this provision is instead “a major and broad-sweeping undoing of the public will ... which would uniformly undermine the finality of all TABOR ballot elections for an indeterminate period of time.”

Based upon our review of prior case law, we determine that Initiative # 73 does not violate the single-subject prohibition.

As noted above, we have generally held that mere implementation or enforcement details directly tied to the initiative’s single subject will not, in and of themselves, constitute a separate subject. See In re Initiative for 1997-98 # 113, 962 P.2d 970, 971-72 (Colo.1998) (per curiam) (upholding the titles and summary for a proposed initiative to limit pollution from hog farms, including its implementation measures and provisions for reporting waste disposal information to the Health Department); In re Proposed Initiative “Petitions”, 907 P.2d 586, 591 (Colo.1995) (determining that a proposed initiative establishing comprehensive rules governing petitions did not violate the single-subject requirement in its inclusion of detailed procedures and its authorization for citizen lawsuits to ensure compliance).

Here, subsection (10)(D) of the proposed initiative states:

Enforcement. When a district is found to have violated pay-to-play stated in (2)(A), the subject election is considered void. Revenues collected prior to an upheld pay-to-play challenge, shall be refunded to taxpayers.

Thus, if a lawsuit challenging a district for violating the pay-to-play provisions is found to have merit, the election will be declared void and the revenues collected pursuant to that election will be refunded. This enforcement provision is directly tied to the initiative’s purpose of eliminating pay-to-play contributions and therefore is not a separate subject.

In addition, the remedy is not unlike other remedies contained within the Colorado Constitution. For example, in Bickel v. City of Boulder, 885 P.2d 215, 227 (Colo.1994), we analyzed article X, section 20(1) of the Colorado Constitution, which states:

Individual or class action enforcement suits may be filed and shall have the highest civil priority of resolution.... Revenue collected, kept, or spent illegally since four full fiscal years before a suit is filed shall be refunded with 10% annual simple interest from the initial conduct.

We referred to this part of Amendment 1 as “an enforcement clause.” Bickel, 885 P.2d at 228. This clause is substantially similar to that proposed in Initiative #73, and therefore Bickel lends support to the proponents’ argument that the clause in question should be interpreted as nothing more than an enforcement or implementation clause, consistent with our holdings in In re Initiative for 1997-98 # 113 and In re Proposed Initiative “Petitions".

Moreover, enforcement clauses such as that discussed in Bickel and in the instant case do nothing more than incorporate the inherent right of taxpayers to challenge tax, spending, or bond measures when they have standing to do so. Dodge v. Dep’t of Human Services, 198 Colo. 379, 600 P.2d 70 (1979); City of Denver v. Hayes, 28 Colo. 110, 63 P. 311 (1900). Although such lawsuits have rarely been successful, in City of Denver v. Hayes, we overturned an election in which Denver voters had approved a bond for eleven different construction projects. Hayes, 28 Colo. at 113-15, 63 P. at 312-13. As a result of the decision, the projects were cancelled, and the Court affirmed an order mandating that Denver return money to a contractor. Hayes, 28 Colo. at 119, 63 P. at 314. Likewise, in the Bickel case, we invalidated an election because it raised an ad valorem tax in violation of Amendment 1. Bickel, 885 P.2d at 237. Accordingly, the enforcement provision in this initiative, consistent with our prior law, is not a separate subject but rather is directly tied to the initiative’s single subject.

Petitioners also argue that the prohibition on pass-through contributions creates a second subject because it amends the “issue committee” provisions within article XXVIII of the Colorado Constitution. However, the language of the proposed initiative does not extend beyond ballot issue elections authorized by article X, section 20 of the Colorado Constitution, and therefore any effect on a provision within article XXVIII would be indirect. We have already determined:

The mere fact that a constitutional amendment may affect the powers exercised by the government under pre-existing constitutional provisions does not, taken alone, demonstrate that a proposal embraces more than one subject. All proposed constitutional amendments or laws would have the effect of changing the status quo in some respects if adopted by the voters.

In re Ballot Title 1999-2000 # 258(A), 4 P.3d 1094, 1098 (Colo.2000).

C. The Titles Fairly Express the True Meaning and Intent of the Measure

Petitioners also contend that the title, ballot title, and submission clause set by the Title Board do not “fairly express the true meaning and intent of the proposed ... constitutional amendment” as required by section 1-40-107(1), C.R.S. (2005). They assert that the titles fall short in four ways: first, the titles incorrectly state that the initiative applies only to tax and debt campaigns; second, the restrictions on “pass-through” contributions are not mentioned; third, the titles do not mention the “pooling” restrictions contained within the proposed initiative; and, fourth, the titles do not mention the potential refund obligation that the initiative places on government districts.

We have recently reviewed our case law with respect to fair, clear and accurate titles. In re Ballot Title for 2005-06 # 75, No. 06SA63, 138 P.3d 267, 270-71, 2006 WL 1379609 (Colo. May 22, 2006). In short, the titles must be fair, clear, accurate, and complete, but they need not set out every detail of the initiative. Id. In addition, we review the titles set by the Title Board with great deference, and will only reverse the Board’s decision if the titles are insufficient, unfair, or misleading. In re Ballot Title for 1999-2000 # 256, 12 P.3d 246, 254 (Colo.2000).

Petitioner’s primary argument is that the Titles misstate the scope of the initiative. The Titles suggest that the initiative is limited to “tax or debt campaigns,” while Petitioners claim that the initiative actually covers contributions to issue committees that advocate for issues other than “tax and debt,” such as mill levies, property valuation adjustment, tax policy changes, and revenue and spending limits. This argument has no merit. The Titles track the language of the proposed initiative, which refers in section (10)(1) to “tax or debt election campaign(s).” By using this general language, the titles fairly put the public on notice that this provision applies to any election which affects taxes or the creation of public debt. As such, the Titles are fair, sufficient, and clear.

Second, while it is correct that the Titles do not mention the “pass-through” or “pooling” provisions of the proposed initiative, these provisions are not central features of the measure but rather are intended to block circumvention of the primary provision of the measure. Finally, although the Titles do not disclose that a district must refund moneys collected in violation of the initiative, the Titles do state that any election which violates the provisions of the initiative is void. As such, the Titles are not confusing and voters would not be misled.

III. Conclusion

Accordingly, we affirm the action by the Title Board.

Justice HOBBS dissents and Justice BENDER joins in the dissent. Justice EID does not participate.

Ballot Title Setting Board Proposed Initiative 2005-2006 # 73¹

The title as designated and fixed by the Board is as follows:

An amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning contributions made to a tax or debt campaign with the expectation of receiving a reward from a governmental entity, and, in connection therewith, prohibiting individuals and entities that make contributions in excess of five hundred dollars to issue committees that advocate a tax or debt increase from receiving employment, an award of a contract, or any transfer of taxpayer assets or funds from that governmental entity, and providing for enforcement of the measure by voiding the subject election when a governmental entity is found to have violated the prohibition.

The ballot title and submission clause as designated and fixed by the Board is as follows:

Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning contributions made to a tax or debt campaign with the expectation of receiving a reward from a governmental entity, and, in connection therewith, prohibiting individuals and entities that make contributions in excess of five hundred dollars to issue committees that advocate a tax or debt increase from receiving employment, an award of a contract, or any transfer of taxpayer assets or funds from that governmental entity, and providing for enforcement of the measure by voiding the subject election when a governmental entity is found to have violated the prohibition?

Hearing January 18, 2006:

Single subject approved; staff draft amended; titles set.

Hearing adjourned 2:2j p.m.

Hearing February 1, 2006:

Motion for Rehearing denied

Hearing adjourned 2:51 p.m.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO:

ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 (TAXPAYER’S BILL OF RIGHTS) OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AMENDED BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW SUBSECTION TO READ:

(10) SYSTEM TO END PAY-TO-PLAY. (1) THIS SECTION TAKES EFFECT DECEMBER 31, 2006. THE PREFERRED INTERPRETATION SHALL REASONABLY DISCOURAGE THE PRACTICE KNOWN AS PAY-TO-PLAY, WHERE INDIVIDUALS AND ENTITIES CONTRIBUTE TO A TAX OR DEBT ELECTION CAMPAIGN WITH THE EXPECTATION OF OR PREREQUISITE OF RECEIVING; A REWARD, EITHER FINANCIAL OR OTHERWISE.

(2)(A) ANY INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY THAT CONTRIBUTES MORE THAN FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS, WHETHER CASH OR TEE EQUIVALENT, EITHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, TO ANY ISSUE COMMITTEE AS DEFINED IN SECTION 2(10)(A) OF ARTICLE XXVIII, OR ANY COMBINATION OF ISSUE COMM 1 THAT ADVOCATES IN FAVOR OF A BALLOT ISSUE THAT RAISES A TAX RATE, CONTINUES A TAX THAT WOULD OTHERWISE EXPIRE, CREATES A NEW TAX, OR INCREASES PUBLIC INDEBTEDNESS, OR ANY OTHER BALLOT ISSUE THAT MUST ADHERE TO THIS SECTION, SHALL NOT PROFIT BY RECEIVING A GIFT, BY RECEIVING EMPLOYMENT, BY BEING AWARDED A CONTRACT, OR BY RECEIVING ANY TRANSFER OF TAXPAYER ASSETS OR FUNDS IN EXCHANGE FOR GOODS OR SERVICES FROM THAT DISTRICT FOR WHICH THIS SECTION APPLIES FOR THE PERIOD THE SUBJECT TAX OR PUBLIC INDEBTEDNESS IS IN PLACE.

(B) PASS-THROUGH CONTRIBUTIONS TO ISSUE COMMITTEES THROUGH OTHER INDIVIDUALS OR ENTITIES ARE EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED AND ARE INCLUDED IN THE LIMITATIONS OF (2)(A). THE ORIGINATOR OF THE CONTRIBUTION AS WELL AS ALL INDIVIDUALS OR ENTITIES THAT HANDLED A PASSED-THROUGH CONTRIBUTION ARE SUBJECT TO THE LIMITATIONS STATED IN (2).(A).

(C) IF A CONTRIBUTION OF MORE THAN FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS COMES FROM ANY INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY THAT POOLS FUNDING FROM OTHER INDIVIDUALS OR ENTITIES, THEN ALL THE INDIVIDUALS AND ENTITIES THAT HAVE CONTRIBUTED MORE THAN FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS INTO THAT ENTITY THAT POOLS SUCH FUNDING ARE SUBJECT TO THE LIMITATIONS STATED IN (2)(A).

(D) ENFORCEMENT. WHEN A DISTRICT IS FOUND TO HAVE VIOLATED PAY-TO-PLAY STATED IN (2)(A), THE SUBJECT ELECTION IS CONSIDERED VOID. REVENUES COLLECTED PRIOR TO AN UPHELD PAY-TO-PLAY. CHALLENGE, SHALL BE REFUNDED TO TAXPAYERS.

1 . The General Assembly sought to extend the singie-subject/clear title ¡imitation applicable to bills to proposed initiatives by way of a referred constitutional amendment. The language of the proposed amendment mirrored the language of article V, section 21 of the Colorado Constitution insofar as it sought to prohibit initiatives from containing more than a single subject, which must be expressed clearly. The General Assembly referred this constitutional amendment to the voters as "Referendum A" on the 1994 general election ballot. It was approved and became effective upon proclamation by the Governor on January 19, 1995. In re "Public Rights in Waters II", 898 P.2d 1076, 1078 (Colo.1995).

2 . We may not address the merits of a proposed initiative or suggest how an initiative might be applied if enacted; however, we must sufficiently examine an initiative to determine whether or not the constitutional prohibition against initiative proposals containing multiple subjects has been violated. In re Proposed Initiative for 1999-2000 # 29, 972 P.2d 257, 260 (Colo.1999).

3 . In reviewing the Board's actions setting the title, ballot title and submission clause, and summary, "we will engage in all legitimate presumptions in favor of the propriety of the Board's actions.” In re Petition Procedures, 900 P.2d 104, 108 (Colo.1995). At the same time, "we must sufficiently examine an initiative to determine whether or not the constitutional prohibition against initiative proposals containing multiple subjects has been violated.” In re 1997-98 # 84, 961 P.2d 456, 458 (Colo.1998); In re 1997-98 # 30, 959 P.2d 822, 825 (Colo.1998).

4 . In order to facilitate the initiative process, the General Assembly assigned duties to the Title Board which include: (1) "designatpng] and fix[ing] a proper fair title for each proposed law or constitutional amendment, together with a submission clause,” § 1-40-106(1), C.R.S. (2005); (2) "considering] the public confusion that might be caused by misleading titles and ... whenever practicable, avoiding] titles for which the general understanding of the effect of a 'yes' or 'no' vote will be unclear,” § 1 — 40—106(3)(b); (3) not permitting "the treatment of incongruous subjects in the same measure,” § 1-40-106.5(l)(e)(I); and (4) acting to "prevent surreptitious measures and apprising] the people of the subject of each measure by the title” in order to "prevent surprise and fraud from being practiced upon voters,” § 1-40-106.5(l)(e)(II). Section 1-40-106.5(3) provides that "the initiative title setting review board created in section 1-40-106 should apply judicial decisions construing the constitutional single-subject requirement for bills and should follow the same rules employed by the general assembly in considering titles for bills." See In re Proposed Initiative 1996-4, 916 P.2d 528, 532 (Colo.1996).

5 . See In re Amend Tabor 25, 900 P.2d 121, 125 (Colo.1995); In re Petition Procedures, 900 P.2d 104, 109 (Colo.1995); In re "Public Rights in Waters II", 898 P.2d 1076, 1079 (Colo.1995).

6 . See Colo. Const, art. V, § 1(5.5); see also § 1-40-106.5, C.R.S. (2005) ("No measure shall be proposed by petition containing more than one subject, which shall be clearly expressed in its title.... If a measure contains more than one subject, such that a ballot title cannot be fixed that clearly expresses a single subject, no title shall be set and the measure shall not be submitted to the people for adoption or rejection at the polls.”).

1 . Unofficially captioned “Issue Committee Contributions” by legislative staff for tracking purposes. Such caption is not part of the titles set by the Board.