SENATE BILL REPORT

                  ESB 5565

               As Passed Senate, March 12, 1997

Title:  An act relating to review of county election procedures.

Brief Description:  Facilitating review of election procedures.

Sponsors:  Senators Winsley, Haugen and Hale; by request of Secretary of State.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  2/18/97, 2/25/97 [DP].

Passed Senate, 3/12/97, 47-1.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chair; Hale, Vice Chair; Anderson, Haugen, Horn, Patterson and Swanson.

Staff:  Eugene Green (786-7405)

Background:  The election review staff of the Office of Secretary of State must review election procedures in counties where a mandatory recount is likely in a primary or general election for a position in the state Legislature, or a mandatory recount is likely in a statewide election or an election for federal office. 

Periodically, at the direction of the Secretary of State or at the request of the county auditor, the election review staff of the Office of Secretary of State must conduct a review of election-related policies, procedures, and practices in the county after a county primary or special or general election.  Each county must periodically be reviewed not less than once every four years.

Summary of Bill:  The periodic review by the election review staff of the Office of Secretary of State must be conducted in conjunction with an election.  The requirement that each county must periodically be reviewed not less than once every four years is eliminated.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  This will assure a more timely and accurate review.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Ralph Munro, Secretary of State; Sheryl Moss, Secretary of State=s Office.