HB 499 -- ELECTION AUTHORITIES (Hartzler, 123)

Currently election authorities are required to seize material
that would lead voters to believe a nonincumbent candidate is an
incumbent of the office sought.  This bill makes seizure of the
material permissive.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

HB 499 -- ELECTION AUTHORITIES

SPONSOR:  Hartzler (123)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee
on Elections by a vote of 18 to 0.

Currently election authorities are required to seize material
that would lead voters to believe a nonincumbent candidate is an
incumbent of the office sought.  This bill makes seizure of the
material permissive.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that current law is unworkable.  The
existing statute asks election authorities to act like
patrolling law enforcement officers, for instance, having to go
and tear down campaign signs on someone's property, or maybe
confiscating leaflets handed out on a corner.  These should not
be required duties for election authorities.

Testifying for the bill was Representative Hartzler (123).

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Marty Romitti, Legislative Analyst

HB 499 -- Election Authorities

Sponsor:  Hartzler (123)

This bill gives an election authority the option to seize
material that would lead voters to believe a nonincumbent
candidate is an incumbent of the office sought.