SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6557

                    As of January 24, 1996

Title:  An act relating to cancellation of voter registration of persons convicted of infamous crimes.

Brief Description:  Cancelling voter registration of felons.

Sponsors:  Senators Roach, Haugen and Oke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  1/31/96.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Staff:  Eugene Green (786-7405)

Background:  Article 6, Section 3 of the Washington State Constitution excludes from the elective franchise all persons convicted of infamous crime unless restored to their civil rights.  An "infamous crime" is defined in statute as a crime punishable by death in the state penitentiary or imprisonment in a state correctional facility.

Summary of Bill:  Within 14 days of entry of judgment of conviction for an infamous crime, the clerk of the court must send a notice of the conviction, including the full name and residential address, to the county auditor or custodian of voting records.  Upon receiving the notice, the county auditor or custodian of voting records must strike the name of the defendant from the roll of registered voters.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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