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Committee approves bill allowing electronic public voting if individual votes are displayed
Summary
HB73 would let local public bodies use electronic voting systems that publicly display how each member voted, preserving the traditional 'viva voce' public vote requirement; representatives asked whether members and the public would see votes simultaneously.
The committee reported House Bill 73 favorable after Representative Baccala described the measure as allowing electronic voting in public meetings so long as the system publicly displays how each member votes.
Baccala said the bill preserves the intent of 'viva voce' (voice vote) but recognizes that modern electronic systems can accomplish the same public transparency. "This just adds to voice vote or electronic voting, if a local government entity is capable of doing so," Baccala said.
Representative Thomas asked whether simultaneous electronic votes or alphabetized voting create differences; Baccala said he intends no distinction between methods. Representative Thorne asked whether electronic systems must make votes visible to members as well as the public; Baccala pointed to language in the bill that requires public display showing how each member voted.
The committee reported HB73 favorable by voice vote with no objection. Supporters included the Police Jury Association and municipal groups that turned in support cards or offered to provide information.
No roll-call vote was taken in committee; the measure moves forward as reported.
