It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 17-5-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 17-5 entitled "Statewide Referenda Elections" is hereby amended to read as follows:

17-5-1. Referenda elections -- Constitutional and public questions. -- Any proposition of amendment of the Constitution or any public question of statewide impact submitted to the electors of this state at a general election pursuant to section 17-1-2(b) held subsequent to 1995 {ADD 1997 ADD} shall be held in conformity with this chapter.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.