SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6321

As Passed Senate, February 14, 2002

Title:  An act relating to electronically filing declarations of candidacy.

Brief Description:  Allowing candidates to file electronically.

Sponsors:  Senators Gardner, McCaslin, Roach, T. Sheldon, Keiser, McAuliffe, Hale and Oke; by request of Secretary of State.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government:  1/17/02, 1/23/02 [DP].

Passed Senate:  2/14/02, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Gardner, Chair; Fairley, Vice Chair; Hale, Haugen, Keiser, Kline, McCaslin, T. Sheldon and Swecker.

Staff:  Mac Nicholson (786‑7445)

Background:  Candidates for office cannot electronically file declarations of candidacy.

Summary of Bill:  Candidates for office are allowed to electronically file a declaration of candidacy.  Submission of the electronic declaration of candidacy constitutes agreement that the information provided with the filing is true,  that the candidate will support the Constitutions and laws of the United States and the state of Washington, and that the candidate agrees to electronic payment of the filing fee.  The Secretary of State, as chief election officer, may adopt rules, in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, to facilitate electronic filing and establish which jurisdictions are eligible to accept electronic filing.  The Secretary of State may take the necessary steps to implement this act on its effective date.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  This just brings candidate filing into the 21st century.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Sam Reed, Dean Logan, Dave Elliot, Secretary of State's Office.