Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Appropriations Committee |
HB 2033
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Reducing the costs and inefficiencies in elections by eliminating a requirement to include the full text of ballot measures in the printed version of voters' pamphlets.
Sponsors: Representatives Hawkins, Hunter, Alexander, Bergquist, Hunt and Buys; by request of Secretary of State.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 4/22/13
Staff: Wendy Polzin (786-7137) and Marsha Reilly (786-7135).
Background:
The Secretary of State (Secretary) is required to print and distribute a voters' pamphlet whenever at least one statewide measure or office is scheduled to appear on the general election ballot. Voters' pamphlets must be distributed to each household in the state, public libraries, and other locations deemed appropriate. The Secretary is also required to produce taped or Braille transcripts of the voters' pamphlet, publicize its availability, and mail copies upon request.
The following information must be included in the voters' pamphlet for each statewide issue:
The legal identification of the measure;
The official ballot title of the measure;
A statement prepared by the Attorney General explaining the law as it presently exists;
The fiscal impact statement of the measure;
If the measure was passed by the Legislature, the total number of votes cast for and against the measure in the Senate and the House of Representatives;
The argument advocating approval of the measure and a statement of rebuttal of the opposing argument;
The argument advocating rejection of the measure and a statement of rebuttal of the opposing argument;
The names of the committee members who submitted the arguments; and
The full text of the measure.
Summary of Bill:
The Secretary may include the full text of a statewide issue in the voters' pamphlet, or may include information about how to view or obtain a copy of the full text of the measure.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.