SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 6182

      AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS,

                        JANUARY 28, 1994

Brief Description:  Requiring a warning on initiative and referendum petitions that names may be used or sold for solicitation purposes.

SPONSORS: Senators Winsley, Haugen and M. Rasmussen; by request of Secretary of State

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6182 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Haugen, Chairman; Drew, Vice Chairman; Loveland, McCaslin, Oke, Owen and Winsley.

Staff:  Rod McAulay (786‑7754)

Hearing Dates: January 26, 1994; January 28, 1994

BACKGROUND:

The names and addresses of persons signing initiative and referendum petitions may be copied, used, or transferred to any person or organization for any purpose, including solicitation of funds or support.  Some citizens who have signed petitions and then been subsequently contacted by other organizations have expressed concern that they were not aware that their names and addresses would be disclosed and used by other private organizations.

SUMMARY:

Initiative and referendum petitions must include a statement in the heading in at least 12 point type which reads: "YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS ON THIS PETITION MAY BE COPIED, USED, OR SOLD TO ANY PERSON OR ORGANIZATION FOR SOLICITATION PURPOSES."

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The language of the warning is changed from "sold" to "transferred" and the transfer may be made by the sponsors of the initiative or referendum.  The minimum size of the warning is increased from 12 point to 15 point type.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

Names are being placed into computer files and used for other political campaigns.  People may falsely believe that their signatures are confidential.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Senator Winsley, prime sponsor; Ralph Munro, Secretary of State