Elections finance bill amended and laid over; committee adopts bipartisan clarifications

The House Ways and Means Committee adopted the A1 amendment to House File 1943, the elections finance bill, and laid the bill over for later consideration.

Chair Freiberg and Chair Quam described the amendment as incorporating the policy bill passed previously by the Elections Committee and several additional policy items negotiated during budget discussions. Chair Freiberg said the amendment "includes the policy bill that we passed out of the elections committee a few weeks ago, plus a few additional policy items that were negotiated as part of this budget discussion." Chair Quam described the changes as clarifications intended to reduce repetitive litigation and to provide more consistent statewide procedures for local election administrators.

The amendment adds clarifications to the process for the secretary of state to receive election judge lists from political parties, includes Representative Engen's provision related to political expenditures by organizations that receive state funding, changes the in-person absentee ballot drop-off cutoff from 8 p.m. to 5 p.m., includes Representative Jones' bill related to apartment access by campaigns and census workers, and creates a phone line enabling election administrators to contact the secretary of state in specific circumstances.

Representative Rearick asked about the 24-hour notice requirement for apartment access; Chair Freiberg said the provision originated with Representative Jones and that the language does not require on-site staff to be present, noting practical arrangements such as building access codes. Chair Freiberg said he would check whether the bill specifies penalties for noncompliance and report back.

The committee adopted the A1 amendment by voice vote and laid House File 1943 over.