HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 ESB 5565

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                  Government Administration

Title:  An act relating to review of county election procedures.

Brief Description:  Facilitating review of election procedures.

Sponsors:  Senators Winsley, Haugen and Hale; by request of Secretary of State.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Government Administration:  4/16/97 [DP].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 10 members:  Representatives D. Schmidt, Chairman; D. Sommers, Vice Chairman; Scott, Ranking Minority Member; Doumit; Dunn; Dunshee; Reams; Smith; L. Thomas and Wolfe.

Staff:  Steve Lundin (786-7127).

Background:  Legislation was enacted in 1992 requiring the Office of the Secretary of State to conduct a periodic review of election-related policies, procedures, and practices of each county as time and staffing permit.  In addition, the Office of the Secretary of State must also conduct a periodic review of each county after a county primary, special election, or general election, at the direction of the secretary of state or the request of the county auditor.

Each county is to be reviewed not less than once every four years.

Summary of Bill:  The requirement is eliminated for the Office of the Secretary of State to review elections in each county at least once every four years.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  None.