SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6325

As Passed Senate, February 14, 2002

Title:  An act relating to the administration of elections.

Brief Description:  Modifying the administration of elections.

Sponsors:  Senators Gardner, Horn, T. Sheldon, Roach, McCaslin, Winsley 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, 47-0.

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:  Election review staff must conduct periodic reviews of county election procedures.  Political party elections observers are required to attend general and specific election procedures training.  The election assistance and clearinghouse program must provide regular communication between the Secretary of State and major and minor political parties.

Summary of Bill:  The election review staff must conduct reviews of county election procedures at least once every five years.  Membership on the State Election Administration and Certification Board is expanded.  Mandatory general and specific election training for political party elections observers is eliminated.  The requirement that the election assistance and clearinghouse program provide regular communication between the Secretary of State and major and minor political parties is eliminated.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  Review of county elections helps insure accuracy and quality of elections.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Sam Reed, Dean Logan, David Elliot, Secretary of State's Office; Suzanne Sinclair, Island County Auditor.