SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2336

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

State & Local Government, February 28, 2002

Title:  An act relating to the administration of elections.

Brief Description:  Modifying the administration of elections.

Sponsors:  Representatives McMorris, Rockefeller, Romero and Schmidt; by request of Secretary of State.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government:  2/25/02, 2/28/02 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

Signed by Senators Gardner, Chair; Fairley, Vice Chair; Hale, Haugen, Horn, Keiser, McCaslin, T. Sheldon and Swecker.

Staff:  Mac Nicholson (786‑7445)

Background:  Election review staff must conduct periodic reviews of county election procedures.  Political party elections observers are required to attend general and specific election procedures training.  The election assistance and clearinghouse program must provide regular communication between the Secretary of State and major and minor political parties.

Summary of Amended Bill:  The election review staff must conduct reviews of county election procedures at least once every five years.  Membership on the State Election Administration and Certification Board is expanded.  Mandatory general and specific election training for political party elections observers is eliminated.

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The amended bill eliminates the provision allowing the election assistance and clearinghouse program to stop providing regular communication between the Secretary of State and the major and minor political parties.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  Regular review of county election procedures will ensure accurate elections.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Dave Elliot, Secretary of State's Office (pro).