Legislature(2005 - 2006)HOUSE FINANCE 519
03/08/2006 01:30 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB278 | |
| SB210 | |
| SB172 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 278 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 172 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 210 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
SENATE BILL NO. 172
An Act relating to the presentation of initiatives and
referenda on the ballot.
3:24:42 PM
JOE BALASH, STAFF, SENATOR GENE THERRIAULT, addressed the
bill. He noted that current law provides direction to the
lieutenant governor to prepare both a ballot title and a
summary for the election ballot. The summary must be "true
and impartial" and is limited by the number of words
allowed. There is a separate limitation for a ballot title.
SB 172 began as a measure to increase the number of words in
the title. As laws become more complex, more than six words
are often needed to describe them. It became apparent that
more words to describe the summary were also needed. He
stated that the fiscal note was generated by the maximum
allowable words per section, as set forth in the bill.
Representative Hawker expressed a desire to discuss the
fiscal note.
WITNEY BREWSTER, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ELECTIONS, commented
on the fiscal impact of the bill. She explained that the
bill would make it likely that the Division of Elections
would have to move to two ballots. She stated that the
fiscal note reflects anticipated expenses for upcoming
elections. She also noted that two initiatives would likely
appear on the 2006 general election and primary ballots.
3:28:31 PM
She noted that the division conducted a special election for
the Municipality of Anchorage in 2004, which generated the
figure to determine the cost for forty districts to have two
ballots. She added that this could potentially increase to
three ballots.
Ms. Brewster pointed out that costs included hiring
additional temporary employees, ballot shipping, postage,
ballot translation into indigenous language, additional
information in the election pamphlet, advertisement in the
newspaper, and an increase in costs for archiving ballots
after the election. She also noted that additional language
on a ballot increases the time used in a voting booth to
read the language.
3:31:22 PM
Co-Chair Meyer opened the floor for public testimony.
JOHN SHIVELY, HOLLAND AMERICA, ANCHORAGE, testified in
support of the bill. He pointed out that initiatives
pertaining to his industry could not be captured in 100
words. He suggested that as initiatives are becoming more
complicated, more words are required on ballots.
3:33:08 PM
Co-Chair Meyer CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY. He stated his
intention to hold the bill until conversations could be held
with the Division of Elections, and to hold any amendments
until that time.
Representative Hawker raised questions regarding the fiscal
note. He conceded that the trend of more complicated
initiatives required some action, but expressed surprise at
the extent of the fiscal note.
Representative Hawker asked whether the fiscal note was
generally correct. Mr. Balash noted that the sponsor's
focus had been on the number of ballots required.
Representative Hawker followed up by commenting on the size
of the fiscal note. Mr. Balash stated that the sponsor did
not question the assumptions of the fiscal note.
3:39:06 PM
Representative Hawker asked whether a maximum of 500 words
would be sufficient to describe even something as
complicated as the cruise ship tax initiative. Mr. Balash
recalled the previous year and the sponsor's concern about a
very large bill with 129 words in the title. He speculated
what would have happened if that bill was taken through a
referendum process. He continued that it was difficult to
describe the scope of such a large bill in few words.
Representative Kerttula expressed concern that two pages on
a ballot might make initiatives even more confusing. She
also noted that it was more difficult to abridge than to
expand a description. She suggested that it is a difficult
issue.
Representative Hawker asked for the sponsor's intentions on
proceeding with the bill.
Mr. Balash noted that his work with the bill had ended after
leaving the Judiciary Committee, but he expressed openness
to further suggestions. He referred to discussion with the
Lieutenant Governor's office regarding the number of words
per page. He referred to past ballots, such as those
contained in the 2004 general election. He expressed
concern from the sponsor that the type font not be reduced
in order to accommodate the number of pages.
3:44:34 PM
Representative Kerttula explained that Amendment #1 would
allow for an attachment to a petition or referendum. She
proposed that information be made available at the polling
location, as opposed to having it contained on the actual
ballot.
Mr. Balash stated that the motivation of the sponsor is that
the voters have the information. He asked how absentee
ballots would be addressed.
Representative Hawker recommended that for absentee ballots
a check box could be included, or it could be printed in the
official election pamphlet.
3:47:59 PM
Mr. Balash thought those would be reasonable ideas for
consideration.
Representative Kelly asked about the $237,000 assumption.
Mr. Balash said he understood the direction of the
assumption, but preferred not to speak for the division. He
asked if the division would speak to that. He noted that
the sponsor accepted the assumption.
Representative Kelly voiced concern about that.
3:50:07 PM
ANNETTE KREITZER, CHIEF OF STAFF, OFFICE OF THE LIEUTENANT
GOVERNOR, stated that there is no pamphlet during a primary
election. She said that her office welcomes scrutiny on the
fiscal note. She asked the director to not use the worse
case scenario.
Ms. Brewster commented on posting the language at the
polling place. She said it is currently required by law and
is posted in three locations in the polling place. She
offered to answer questions associated with the note.
3:52:27 PM
Co-Chair Chenault asked about the printing cost of $237,000.
Ms. Brewster replied that it is a hard cost at .37 cents per
ballot. The number of ballots printed in the 2004 general
election was 642,000.
Co-Chair Chenault asked why 642,000 ballots were printed.
Ms. Brewster responded that the number included test
ballots. The number is based on what was printed in the
2004 election.
Co-Chair Chenault inquired how many people voted in that
election. Ms. Brewster offered to provide that information.
Co-Chair Chenault stated his intent to hold the bill to
discuss the fiscal note costs. Ms. Brewster addressed
solutions. She offered to provide an official election
pamphlet, which would include all of the language and would
provide a smaller note.
3:55:24 PM
Co-Chair Chenault stated that would be discussed at the
meeting.
Representative Kerttula pointed out that the pamphlet would
allow both sides to present their information.
SB 210 was HELD in Committee for further consideration.
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