BILL REQ. #:  H-4729.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/05/04.   

     AN ACT Relating to enhancing voting programs for young people; creating new sections; and providing an expiration date.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   It is the intent of the legislature to enhance and promote the educational opportunities for young people to learn the rights and responsibilities of voting. Studies indicate that voter participation decreases in populations that have not been exposed to educational opportunities emphasizing the significance and impact of voting.
     The legislature recognizes and appreciates the ongoing efforts and programs of the office of the secretary of state, the county auditors of the state, and other organizations that promote voting education programs for students.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   (1) The secretary of state shall convene a task force to explore opportunities for enhancing voter education programs for persons under the age of eighteen.
     (2) The task force shall be composed of sixteen members. Staff support for the task force shall be provided by the office of the secretary of state.
     (a) Four members shall be members of the legislature, one from each major caucus of the house of representatives, to be appointed by the speaker of the house, and one from each major caucus of the senate, to be appointed by the president of the senate;
     (b) At least two members shall represent the office of the secretary of state;
     (c) At least two members shall represent county auditors' offices;
     (d) At least two members shall represent the office of the superintendent of public instruction, at least one of whom shall represent the office of private education within the office of the superintendent of public instruction;
     (e) The remaining members shall be appointed by the office of the secretary of state from organizations that participate in voting, civics, or educational programs for youth.
     (3) The task force shall:
     (a) Research existing opportunities in Washington for high school students to learn the rights and responsibilities of voting;
     (b) Share information regarding those programs and events in Washington or elsewhere that have been successful or effective;
     (c) Research opportunities for organizations to collaborate when providing opportunities to expose high school students to the impacts of voting;
     (d) Develop realistic and effective strategies to expose all high school students to voting education programs and events; and
     (e) Research costs and explore possible funding opportunities.
     (4) The task force shall make recommendations and report those recommendations back to the legislature during the 2006 legislative session. Written reports shall be in electronic form only, provided to all county auditors of the state, and posted on the web site of the office of the secretary of state.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   Sections 1 and 2 of this act expire July 1, 2006.