HOUSE BILL REPORT

SHB 1669

BYHouse Committee on State Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Anderson, R. Fisher, Winsley, Jacobsen, Haugen, Schoon, Bristow, Wineberry, Beck, Horn and D. Sommers; by request of  Secretary of State)

Protecting the confidentiality of initiative, referendum, or recall petitioners.

House Committe on State Government

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  (8)

      Signed by Representatives R. Fisher, Chair; Anderson, Vice Chair; McLean, Ranking Republican Member; Hankins, R. King, Morris, O'Brien and Silver.

House Staff:Barbara McLain (786-7135)

AS PASSED HOUSE JANUARY 19, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Public Disclosure Law requires that all state and local agencies make public records available for inspection and copying, unless the record is specifically exempt from disclosure.  The names and addresses on state and local initiative, referendum, and recall petitions are not exempt.

SUMMARY:

The names and addresses on state and local initiative, referendum, and recall petitions are not available for public inspection and copying.

Fiscal Note:      No Impact.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    John Pearson, Office of the Secretary of State.

House Committee - Testified Against:      No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Historically, access has not been allowed to initiative, referendum and recall petitions, as such access could potentially dissuade the public from signing these petitions.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None.