Brief Description: Modifying provisions on voters' pamphlets.

Sponsors: Representatives Green, Shabro, Hunt, McDermott, Haigh, Moeller, Simpson, Schual-Berke and Linville; by request of Secretary of State.

Hearing Date: 2/18/05

Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

The Secretary of State (Secretary) is required to publish a voters' pamphlet whenever at least one statewide measure or office is scheduled to appear on the general election ballot. The Secretary must distribute the pamphlet to each household in the state, to public libraries, or to any other locations he or she deems appropriate. The pamphlet may also be made available in electronic form.

Arguments in the pamphlet advocating the approval or rejection of statewide ballot issues are written by committees. The initial two members of the committees are appointed by the Secretary and the presiding officers of the House of Representatives and the Senate, who must consider as initial members legislators, sponsors of initiatives and referenda, and other interested groups. The initial two members may then select up to four additional members.

Summary of Bill:

The Secretary must publish a voters' pamphlet whenever at least one statewide measure or office is scheduled to appear on the primary election ballot.

The appointment process for committees writing arguments for or against statewide ballot measures is changed. The Secretary and the presiding officers of the House of Representatives and the Senate must appoint at least one, but no more than two, initial members of the committees. The initial member or members may then appoint the remaining four or five members.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.