SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SHB 2448

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

           Government Operations, February 23, 1996

Title:  An act relating to independent candidates.

Brief Description:  Allowing independent candidates to withdraw from the general election.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Government Operations (originally sponsored by Representatives D. Sommers, Hargrove, Sheahan, McMahan, Sterk, Silver, Crouse and Mulliken).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  2/21/96, 2/23/96 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

  Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Sheldon, Vice Chair; Goings, Hale, Heavey, McCaslin and Winsley.

Staff:  Rod McAulay (786-7754)

Background:  Candidates for partisan office may withdraw their declaration of candidacy by filing a signed request no later than the close of business on the first Thursday following the last day for filing.  If such withdrawal results in there being no candidate representing the withdrawing candidate's party, the party may select and certify a replacement candidate no later than the first Friday following the last day for filing. In the case of an independent candidate for a partisan office, there is no need for such an abbreviated withdrawal period and it is believed that the time for withdrawal should be extended.

Summary of Amended Bill:  An independent candidate for a partisan position may withdraw his or her declaration of candidacy at any time before a primary if the primary ballots for that office have not been ordered by filing a signed report with the filing officer.  An independent candidate who is qualified to appear on the general election ballot for a partisan office may withdraw his or her candidacy by filing a signed request by the close of business on the second Friday after the primary.

Amended Bill Compared to Substitute Bill:  The amended bill provides for withdrawal before the primary and places the provision in the correct chapter of the election code.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This will allow "independents" to withdraw after they have had a "reality check" in the primary.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representative Sommers, prime sponsor.