BILL REQ. #:  H-1936.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/25/03.   

     AN ACT Relating to voter accessibility; and adding a new section to chapter 29.33 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 29.33 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The secretary of state shall adopt rules and establish standards for voting technology and systems used by the state or any political subdivision to be accessible for individuals with disabilities, including nonvisual accessibility for the blind and visually impaired, in a manner that provides the same opportunity for access and participation, including privacy and independence, as other voters.
     (2) At each polling location, at least one voting unit certified by the secretary of state shall provide access to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
     (3) Compliance with this provision in regard to voting technology and systems purchased prior to the effective date of this section shall be achieved at the time of procurement of an upgrade of technology compatible with nonvisual voting methods or replacement of existing voting equipment or systems.
     (4) Compliance with subsections (2) and (3) of this section is contingent on available funds to implement this provision.
     (5) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
     (a) "Accessible" includes receiving, using, selecting, and manipulating voter data and controls.
     (b) "Nonvisual" includes synthesized speech, Braille, and other output methods.
     (c) "Blind and visually impaired" excludes persons who are both deaf and blind.
     (6) This section does not apply to voting by absentee ballot.