HOUSE BILL NO. 21 "An Act relating to voter preregistration for minors at least 16 years of age; and relating to confidentiality of voter registration and preregistration records of minors at least 16 years of age." REPRESENTATIVE ANDI STORY, SPONSOR, gave an overview of the bill. She thought the legislature had a responsibility to protect democracy and take intentional steps to prepare the next generation for civic participation. She explained that HB 21 would allow 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds to preregister to vote with the goal of improving registration rates once individuals became eligible voters. The bill was similar to policies adopted in approximately 20 other states. Representative Story explained that the bill required the Division of Elections (DOE) to send a prepaid confirmation card to preregistered applicants three months prior to their eighteenth birthday. Once the address was confirmed, individuals would be automatically registered to vote upon turning 18. She emphasized that the bill included privacy protections by keeping minors' addresses and phone numbers confidential until they reached adulthood. Representative Allard asked Co-Chair Foster if it was his intent to move the bill from committee that day. Co-Chair Foster responded that the bill would be moved only if it was the will of the committee. He noted that the bill could be held if additional information was needed. 1:58:08 PM Co-Chair Schrage MOVED to REPORT HB 21 out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. Representative Allard OBJECTED. Representative Stapp OBJECTED. Representative Stapp asserted that data supporting preregistration benefits was limited. He noted that the bill had a fiscal impact and questioned whether the bill was necessary. Representative Allard expressed concern regarding the cost of the bill and election system security. She emphasized that the bill applied to minors and expressed a lack of confidence in current systems to protect their information. Representative Hannan relayed that she was in support of the bill. She explained that minors could already register to vote within 90 days of turning 18 and emphasized the importance of civic engagement at a young age. She stated that preregistration could encourage long-term voting habits and help young people develop the knowledge and skills necessary for participation in a representative democracy. Representative Bynum stated that he was not in support of the bill. He acknowledged that the intent was to increase youth engagement but thought that existing efforts already addressed civic education and participation. Co-Chair Josephson spoke in support of the bill. He noted that two teenagers had recently provided testimony before the committee, which demonstrated to him that young people were engaging meaningfully with public issues. The testimony reminded him that there was wisdom in young people. He stated that preregistration could encourage earlier involvement in civic life, including following current events, discussing issues, and participating in community activities. He indicated that he would vote in favor of the bill. Representative Galvin agreed with Co-Chair Josephson's comments. She added that research out of the University of Chicago and Mississippi State University suggested that preregistration had a measurable impact on voter turnout. She emphasized that increased voter participation strengthened democracy and expressed support for the bill. Representative Stapp MAINTAINED the OBJECTION. 2:02:16 PM A roll call vote was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Hannan, Galvin, Jimmie, Schrage, Josephson, Foster OPPOSED: Tomaszewski, Bynum, Moore, Allard, Stapp The MOTION PASSED (6/5). There being NO further OBJECTION, CSHB 21(STA) was REPORTED out of committee with five "do pass" recommendations, one "do not pass" recommendation, and five "no recommendation" recommendations, and with one new fiscal impact note from the Department of Administration, and one new fiscal impact note from the Office of the Governor. 2:03:33 PM Co-Chair Foster invited the sponsor to make any closing comments. Representative Story thanked the committee and expressed appreciation for the questions raised during the process. She stated that she hoped the conversation regarding the bill would continue. 2:03:46 PM Co-Chair Foster reviewed the agenda for the following day.