HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No. HB 1538

Facilitating review of election procedures           Public Hrg:  2/11/97

Brief Title                                     1/15/98 - Not heard

Reps. D. Schmidt/Costa (Req. Sec. of State)     Staff:  John Carmichael

Sponsor                                    Comm. on Govt. Admin.

                                           Phone: 786-7093

BACKGROUND:

The elections review staff in the office of the Secretary of State is authorized to conduct periodic reviews of county election policies, procedures, and practices.  Until 1997, elections review staff were required to review each county at least every four years.  Since the adoption of ESB 5565 in 1997, there is currently no requirement for how frequently the Secretary of State should review county elections.

SUMMARY:

The frequency of the Secretary of State=s periodic review of county elections is specified.  The elections review staff will review each county=s elections at least twice every ten years.  One of these reviews must take place in an even year election cycle and the other in an odd year election cycle.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.