HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2116

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                           Revenue

Title:  An act relating to voter registration tapes for political parties.

Brief Description:  Requiring the secretary of state to provide a copy of the state‑wide computer file of registered voters to persons requesting a copy.

Sponsors:  Representative G. Fisher; by request of Office of Financial Management.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Revenue, April 13, 1993, DP.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON REVENUE

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 13 members:  Representatives G. Fisher, Chair; Holm, Vice Chair; Foreman, Ranking Minority Member; Anderson; Brown; Cothern; Leonard; Morris; Romero; Rust; Talcott; Thibaudeau; and Wang.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  Signed by 2 members:  Representatives Fuhrman, Assistant Ranking Minority Member and Van Luven.

Staff:  Rick Peterson (786-7150).

Background:  Twice each year, county auditors provide computer files containing registered voter information to the Secretary of State.  The Secretary of State compiles the county records into a statewide master data file.  This statewide master data file is duplicated and furnished to the State Central Committee of each major political party.  The Secretary of State reimburses each county for the actual cost of reproduction and mailing.  The Secretary of State recovers computer tape duplication costs from the political parties.

Summary of Bill:  The Secretary of State will only compile a statewide master data file of registered voter information if requested by political parties or other interested persons.  The political parties and interested persons will share in the full costs of assembling, compiling and distributing the statewide master data file.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on July 1, 1993.

Testimony For:  This bill would save the state money by requiring that political parties or other interested persons share in the costs related to obtaining the statewide master data file of registered voter information.  

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  David Elliott, Office of the Secretary of State.