HB 1158-S.E - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 3/13/03)

Revises provisions to enhance voting systems certification.

Declares that a person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW who knowingly: (1) Tampers with or impedes the use of any form of electronic voting or vote recording system; or

(2) Tampers with or impedes access to a vote reporting or election results reporting system.

Provides that, beginning January 1, 2006, no voting device or machine that uses punched holes to record the voter's choices may be used to conduct a primary or general or special election in this state.

Takes effect once the state receives funding from the federal government to replace voting systems and vote tallying equipment as required in Public Law 107-252 (October 29, 2002), known as the "Help America Vote Act of 2002," including any amounts received under subsequent amendments to the act. If federal funding is not provided by January 1, 2005, this provision is void in its entirety.