HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1211
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Government Operations & Elections
Title: An act relating to primary election voters' pamphlets.
Brief Description: Concerning primary election voters' pamphlets.
Sponsors: Representatives Alexander, Hunt, Jinkins, Fitzgibbon, Kagi, Haler, Haigh, Bergquist, Ryu and Upthegrove; by request of Secretary of State.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Government Operations & Elections: 1/29/13, 2/5/13 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Hunt, Chair; Bergquist, Vice Chair; Buys, Ranking Minority Member; Taylor, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Carlyle, Fitzgibbon, Kristiansen, Manweller, Orwall and Van De Wege.
Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).
Background:
The Secretary of State is required to print and distribute a voters' pamphlet for the general election whenever at least one statewide measure or office will appear on the ballot. There is no requirement to print and distribute a voters' pamphlet for a primary. A voters' pamphlet must be distributed to each household in the state, to public libraries, or to other locations deemed appropriate. The pamphlet may also be made available in electronic form.
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Summary of Bill:
Voters' pamphlets must be printed and distributed for the primary in each even-numbered year and for the general election every year.
Provisions relating to the contents of a primary voters' pamphlet related to the pick-a-party primary are repealed.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) It is very important to print a primary pamphlet in a primary election. Citizens depend on the voters' pamphlet for information regarding candidates and issues. Currently voters are not receiving voters' pamphlets in a primary in even-numbered years. A primary voters' pamphlet was available in 2004 and 2008. A bill will be introduced in the near future that will provide $600,000 in savings.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Alexander, prime sponsor; and Lori Augino, Office of the Secretary of State.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.