The bill requires in part that backers of a ballot initiative gather signatures from at least 1,000 registered voters supporting the measure’s wording before they start gathering signatures in different congressional districts.

Critics of the bill say the requirement could make it harder for grass-roots campaigns to get questions on the ballot without raising large amounts of money to pay people to gather signatures.

But the sponsoring House member, Hartville Republican Tony Dugger, says the initiative process needs reform. Dugger says the number of submitted ballot initiatives has risen sharply in recent years, burdening state government agencies.

The House must approve Dugger’s legislation once more before it can go to the Senate.

Initiative petitions measure is HB1869

© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.