AJR 85

This proposed constitutional amendment, proposed to the 2015 legislature on

first consideration, gives counties the option to combine the offices of county clerk,

register of deeds, and treasurer.

The constitutional amendment requires that a statewide referendum take

place after this constitutional amendment is ratified

that puts the following question

to the voters: "Shall the offices of register of deeds and treasurer in this county be

eliminated and the duties, powers, and functions of those offices be assumed by the

office of county clerk of this county?" In each county in which the question is

approved by a majority of the votes cast in the county, and beginning with the first

general election at which county clerks, registers of deeds, and treasurers are

normally elected that occurs after the question is approved, the constitutional

amendment provides that the offices of register of deeds and treasurer in such a

county are eliminated and the office of county clerk of the county assumes all duties,

powers, and functions assigned by law to county registers of deeds and treasurers.

The constitutional amendment further provides that any county that does not

approve the above question in the statewide referendum may still place the question

on the ballot in a subsequent election by a majority vote of the county board or if a

petition to place the question on the ballot is filed with the county clerk that is signed

by electors of the county equalling at least 10 percent of the votes cast for the office

of county clerk, register of deeds, or treasurer, whichever is fewer, in the last

preceding election at which those offices were on the ballot.

A proposed constitutional amendment requires adoption by two successive

legislatures, and ratification by the people, before it becomes effective.