HB 7-MARKED BALLOT PHOTOS; PERSUASION AT POLLS  4:41:11 PM CHAIR BISHOP announced consideration of HB 7, sponsored by Representative Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins. 4:42:04 PM ALICIA NORTON, Intern for Representative Jonathan Kreiss- Tomkins, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, introduced herself. REID MAGDANZ, staff to Representative Kreiss-Tomkins, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, introduced himself and said he was here to backup Alicia on the introduction of HB 7. MS. NORTON said currently it's illegal to take a photo or a photo with yourself with your marked ballot. These are commonly known as "ballot selfies." HB 7 just aims to legalize the ability to take and share a photo of your marked ballot. Section 1 was adopted in the House Community and Regional Affairs Committee, after members raised concerns were raised about sharing a ballot photo in the polling place or within 200 feet of the polling place. Taking a photo of your marked ballot with a phone and then physically displaying the photo to someone within that line is illegal and section 1 confirms that. She explained that historically, ballot photo sharing has been prohibited to prevent voter intimidation, but as times have changed - with social media and the internet - sharing photos is just a way to communicate or share what you like or enjoy. Taking a photo of your marked ballot or with your marked ballot is just another way to communicate support for a candidate or a cause, or simply asking others to vote. MS. NORTON said this law is not heavily enforced in Alaska and there haven't been any court cases. Courts in Indiana and New Hampshire have ruled that banning ballot selfie use violates the first amendment. She said HB 7 would also provide the Division of Elections some relief as they receive many phone calls every election asking if ballot selfies are legal, and HB 7 would give them the ability to actually say "yes." She related that a House member proposed a floor amendment that tightened the language on prohibiting someone from forcing someone else to show a photo of their marked ballot, and it was voted down. The sponsor was indifferent to it, because it just closed some loopholes, but they are more than happy to have it explored further in the Senate. SENATOR MACKINNON asked where the bill allows a selfie. 4:46:28 PM MS. NORTON said it was referenced in Section 3 (b)(2). 4:46:56 PM At ease 4:47:26 PM CHAIR BISHOP called the meeting back to order. He found no questions or public testimony. He closed public testimony on HB 7 and held the bill for further consideration.