HB 3276 - DIGEST

Finds that: (1) The system for determining how, when, and where former felons have their right to vote restored is contributing to uncertainty about the validity of the election process, and local county clerks and auditors find it impossible to access clear information about this determination;

(2) Washington currently denies the right to vote to all persons who have been convicted of an infamous crime and who have not fully completed all conditions of their sentence, including full payment of their legal financial obligations;

(3) Responsibility for monitoring compliance with the various conditions of the sentence is placed at various times with the department of corrections, the county clerk, and the sentencing judge; and

(4) The current system for determining when the right to vote has been restored takes away time from the other important duties of the county clerks, county auditors, and secretary of state's staff.

Declares an intent to study the issue of establishing a standard for restricting and restoring the voting rights of felons that will provide clear information about the status of former felon voting rights to all state and local election officials.

Directs the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the appropriate committees of the legislature by October 30, 2006.