SB 6706-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Provides that, after the secretary of state certifies an initiative measure as qualified for the general election ballot, the secretary of state, or the secretary's designee, shall hold a public hearing on the measure in each congressional district in the state.

     Requires the public hearings to include opportunity for the following persons, or their designees, to present to attendees arguments for and against each initiative measure, including fiscal and policy impacts of the measure: (1) Members of the committees appointed under RCW 29.81.240 to prepare statements for the voters' pamphlet;

     (2) State, county, and municipal officers and agencies thereof who determine that the measure affects their constitutional or statutory responsibilities;

     (3) Registered voters in the congressional district.

     Declares an intent for the secretary to be a facilitator in this process and as such should maintain a neutral or nonbiased course of action throughout the public hearing process.