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RS 32395 introduced to update ballot language, including guidance on unique identifiers; lawmaker asks for cost estimate on holograms
Summary
Representative Steve Tanner introduced RS 32395, a draft updating ballot-language statutes and offering parameters for unique ballot identifiers; a committee member asked the sponsor to provide cost estimates for an apparent hologram requirement.
Representative Steve Tanner, R-Nampa, asked the House State Affairs Committee to introduce RS 32395, a draft that seeks to clarify language in Idaho election law about ballot handling and to provide parameters for the use of “unique identifiers” on ballots.
Tanner said the draft removes references to optical scanners that are no longer used in Idaho and offers guidance for counties and jurisdictions considering new technologies. He described a staggered approach that would not compel counties to buy new equipment: state agencies would go first and local governments could opt in later. Tanner told the committee he believed the Secretary of State’s office and clerks had seen the draft and were “pretty comfortable with it,” and characterized the draft as bipartisan with no fiscal impact.
Representative Mickelson asked specifically about a provision on page 2 that would require a hologram printed on each ballot and asked the sponsor to provide a price estimate if the draft proceeds, noting that holograms can substantially increase printing costs.
Representative Alfieri moved to introduce RS 32395; the committee approved the introduction. The sponsor and committee members said additional details and fiscal information could be developed before a full bill hearing and numbered bill stage.
Sources: Committee transcript; Representative Steve Tanner; Representative Mickelson.
