SENATE 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

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 29, 1989; February 15, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Thorsness, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, Patrick, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Barbara Howard (786-7410)

                  February 19, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, FEBRUARY 15, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Public Disclosure Act requires that state and local government agencies make records available for public inspection and copying, unless a record is within a category exempt from disclosure.  It is unclear whether names and addresses on state and local initiative, referendum, and recall petitions are exempt.

SUMMARY:

The names and addresses on state and local initiative, referendum, and recall petitions are not available for public inspection and copying.  These provisions do not apply to individuals who officially observe the process of verifying the validity of the petitions.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: John Pearson, Secretary of State's Office (pro)