HB 1628 -- Summary Statement for Ballot Measures Sponsor: Barnes This bill prohibits the Secretary of State from preparing a ballot summary statement for any ballot measure in which a family member of the secretary within the second degree of consanguinity or a person married to a family member within the same degree has a financial interest in the outcome of the ballot measure in excess of $50,000. If the Secretary of State is required to recuse himself or herself, the Governor must assume responsibility for the summary statement. Proof of a violation of this recusal requirement will result in an irrebutable presumption that the summary statement of the official ballot is insufficient and unfair and requires the court to write sufficient and fair language. The court must also issue an order requiring the Secretary of State to forfeit his or her office and the vacancy to be filled by the Governor in accordance with Section 28.190, RSMo. The bill contains a referendum clause and will be submitted to qualified voters in November 2012.