SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2529

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 of February 20, 2018

Title: An act relating to the costs of election administration.

Brief Description: Concerning the costs of election administration.

Sponsors: Representatives Kraft, Hudgins and McBride.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/09/18, 98-0.

Committee Activity: State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections: 2/19/18.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Creates a task force to examine the costs associated with election administration.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS

Staff: Samuel Brown (786-7470)

Background: The Secretary of State is the chief election officer for all federal, state, county, city, town, and district elections in Washington. By virtue of their positions, county auditors are the supervisors of elections in their respective jurisdictions, and have a duty to provide the supplies and materials necessary to conduct elections. County auditors apportion to each city, town, or district within their respective jurisdictions, and to the state, their share of the expenses associated with elections within each county.

Summary of Bill: A task force is created to examine the costs associated with the administration of elections throughout Washington, consisting of the following 12 members:

The Secretary of State will initiate the first meeting of the task force and provide staff support to the task force. The task force will collect data and analyze the following:

By December 1, 2018, the task force will submit a report to the Governor and to the appropriate committees of the Legislature that includes the following:

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: Yes.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Counties pick election costs on an ongoing basis, and while the state reimburses costs for state measures in odd-numbered years, there typically aren't as many items on the ballot. This is almost an unfunded mandate for the counties, and we need to look at it.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Vicki Kraft, Prime Sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.