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House approves raises and new removal process for registrars of voters; measure contingent on funding
Summary
Lawmakers passed a bill that would authorize multi‑year pay increases for registrars of voters, expand grounds for removal and allow the Secretary of State greater oversight, but sponsors said the raises are contingent on availability of funds in the Senate finance process.
The House passed HB 502, a measure that would increase pay for registrars of voters and put in place new accountability mechanisms and removal procedures, but sponsors stressed the salary increases depend on future appropriations.
Representative Ray Butler, sponsor of the bill, told colleagues the bill would phase in a 5% raise over five years for registrars who reach the top step of a twelve-step pay plan and their chief deputies and assistants. The measure also adds causes for removal — including incompetence, consistent underperformance and violation of leave policies — and gives the Secretary of State authority to bring allegations to the State Board of Election Supervisors when local governing authorities do not act.
During extended floor questioning, members pressed Butler on cost and funding. He said the provision for raises would be funded from the Secretary of State’s budget and that Senate Finance would need to allocate the money; if funds are not available the increases would not be implemented. He said the bill was intended to balance compensation with newly specified accountability measures.
Supporters said registrars have taken on substantially more responsibilities since 2007 and have not had systematic raises, while critics raised concerns about the state shouldering the full cost and whether the proposed enforcement mechanics might create new administrative burdens.
The bill passed on a recorded vote; sponsors said it will move to the Senate where finance committee review will determine whether the raises are funded.
Why it matters: The measure alters compensation, governance and removal procedures for an important local election office. If funded, it would change payroll obligations and could shift responsibilities for initiating removal proceedings from local governing bodies to the Secretary of State in some circumstances.
What’s next: HB 502 goes to the Senate for committee review; funding is not automatic and must be appropriated before raises take effect.
