Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government & Tribal Relations Committee |
ESB 6238
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Requiring local ballot measure statement committee members to be registered voters in the jurisdiction voting on the measure.
Sponsors: Senators Hunt, Kuderer, Wilson, C. and Sheldon.
Brief Summary of Engrossed Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/25/20
Staff: Carrington Skinner (786-7192).
Background:
Counties and first class or code cities are authorized to publish a local voters' pamphlet before a primary, general, or special election containing information on election measures and candidates within that jurisdiction. The local voters' pamphlet may include candidate statements and must contain explanatory statements on ballot measures and arguments for and against each measure. First class cities, certain code cities, and charter counties have the authority to establish powers of initiative and referendum; all cities and counties may submit an issue to voters on an advisory basis.
The county auditor or city clerk must adopt rules related to a local voters' pamphlet, which must include limits on the length and deadlines for submission of arguments for and against each measure. For each measure, the legislative authority of a jurisdiction must formally appoint separate committees to prepare arguments advocating voters' approval and rejection of the measure. Those appointed to serve on each committee must be known to favor or oppose the measure, as appropriate. Each committee may not have more than three members but may seek the advice of any other person. If the legislative authority of a local government does not make appointments to the committees by the specified deadline, the county auditor must make the appointments whenever possible.
Summary of Bill:
All members of local voters' pamphlet committees created to provide arguments for and against ballot measures must be registered voters in the jurisdiction voting on the measure.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.