5124-S.E AMH HASE REIL 072

ESSB 5124 - H AMD 445

By Representative Hasegawa

WITHDRAWN 03/25/2011

    On page 6, after line 24, insert the following:

    "Sec. 10.  RCW 29A.04.420 and 2003 c 111 s 147 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) Whenever state officers or measures are voted upon at a state primary or general election held in an odd-numbered year under RCW ((29A.04.320)) 29A.04.321, the state of Washington shall assume a prorated share of the costs of that state primary or general election.

    (2) The state shall reimburse counties for the cost of return postage on mail and absentee ballots for primary and general elections.
    (3) Whenever a primary or vacancy election is held to fill a vacancy in the position of United States senator or United States representative under chapter 29A.28 RCW, the state of Washington shall assume a prorated share of the costs of that primary or vacancy election.

    (((3))) (4) The county auditor shall apportion the state's share of these expenses when prorating election costs under RCW 29A.04.410 and shall file such expense claims with the secretary of state.

    (((4))) (5) The secretary of state shall include in his or her biennial budget requests sufficient funds to carry out this section.  Reimbursements for election costs shall be from appropriations specifically provided by law for that purpose."

    Renumber the remaining sections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.

    On page 30, line 9, after "issued))." insert "Return envelopes for primary and general election ballots shall include prepaid postage."

    Correct the title.

EFFECT: Requires that return envelopes for primary and general election ballots include prepaid postage, and that the cost shall be paid by the state.  

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