SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5616

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

State & Local Government, February 21, 2001

Title:  An act relating to the state voters' pamphlet.

Brief Description:  Directing a state voters' pamphlet for primaries.

Sponsors:  Senators Patterson, Horn and Kohl‑Welles; by request of Secretary of State.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government:  2/8/01, 2/21/01 [DP‑WM].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

Signed by Senators Patterson, Chair; Fairley, Vice Chair; Haugen, Horn, Kline, Roach, T. Sheldon and Swecker.

Staff:  Eugene Green (786‑7405)

Background:  The Secretary of State must, whenever at least one statewide measure or office is scheduled to appear on the general election ballot, print and distribute a voters= pamphlet.  The voters= pamphlet is distributed to each household in the state, to public libraries, and to any other locations the Secretary deems appropriate.

Summary of Bill:  Whenever at least one statewide measure or office is scheduled to appear on the primary ballot, the Secretary of State must print and distribute a voters= pamphlet.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  Although it is an added expense, the information value to the voter is important.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Bob Terwilliger, Washington State Association of County Auditors; Robert Bruce, Washington State Association of County Auditors, King County; Sam Reed, Secretary of State.