SB 40 - This act changes the petition and filing requirements for independent parties and candidates.

A new statewide party must submit petitions signed by 20% of those voting in the most recent gubernatorial election and by at least 5% of the voters in each of the 9 congressional districts. Current law requires 10,000 registered voters to begin a new committee. A new district or county party could be created upon the petition of 20% or 10,000 registered voters, whichever is less. The current law allows the creation of new district parties upon the petition of two percent of the district or 10,000, whichever is less.

Independent candidates must file during the same periods specified for other candidates: between the last Tuesday in February and the Last Tuesday in March of the election year.

MARGARET J. TOALSON