Date: 04/25/2006

Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB06-170

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE, VETERANS, & MILITARY AFFAIRS

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
L.023
L.026
Moved prepared amendment L.025 (Attachment C). Th
Moved to refer Senate Bill 06-170 to the Committee		FAIL
FAIL
FAIL
PASS



01:50 PM -- Senate Bill 06-170

Representative Buescher, prime sponsor, explained in detail each section of Senate Bill 06-170, concerning the conduct of elections. A discussion ensued regarding the fiscal impact of the bill. Representative Buescher responded to questions regarding the Secretary of State establishing rules for vote centers, the increase in reimbursement rates for ballot measure elections, and penalties for voter registration drive violations.


02:07 PM

The following people testified regarding Senate Bill 06-170:


02:07 PM -- Ms. Carol Snyder and Mr. Steve Moreno, representing the Colorado County Clerks Association, testified in favor of Senate Bill 06-170. Discussion ensued regarding the regulation of voter registration drives. Ms. Snyder explained what constitutes an electronic voting device and the use of personal numbers for voter identification under the bill. Ms. Snyder responded to questions regarding the number of absentee and early voters' ballots cast in an election and penalties for failing to turn in voter registration drive applications. Discussion ensued regarding the adequacy of regulation of voter registration drives. Ms. Snyder answered questions regarding the residency requirements for people engaged in voter registration drives. Discussion then returned to penalties associated with failing to turn in voter registration applications. Ms. Snyder explained the reason for the Secretary of State establishing rules for vote centers. Mr. Moreno explained how vote centers provide the infrastructure to meet voting demand. Ms. Snyder responded to questions regarding compensation for election staff. Discussion ensued regarding residency and voter registration requirements for those who conduct voter registration drives. Finally, Ms. Snyder spoke to the efficacy of new electronic voting systems.


02:35 PM -- Ms. Jenny Flanagan, representing Colorado Common Cause, testified in favor of Senate Bill 06-170. Ms. Flanagan stated that her organization supported the bill's provisions that increase funding for elections and increase voter participation through registration drives and the opening of vote centers. Ms. Flanagan expressed caution regarding the use of new electronic voting systems and the use of personal numbers for voter identification. Ms. Flanagan responded to questions regarding the use of provisional ballots. Discussion ensued regarding providing identification for provisional balloting.


02:49 PM -- Ms. Christine Watson, representing the Colorado League of Women Voters, testified in favor of the bill. Ms. Watson explained that the league feels the penalties in the bill for violating voter registration drive regulations is appropriate.


02:51 PM -- Ms. Faith Gross, representing the Legal Center for People with Disabilities, testified in favor of Senate Bill 06-170, but expressed concern regarding the ability of people with disabilities to cast a private provisional ballot using an electronic voting device.


02:55 PM

Representative Cadman moved prepared amendment L.023 (Attachment B), and responded to questions regarding requirements for those organizing a voter registration drive under the amendment. Discussion ensued regarding requiring proof of citizenship from business entities under amendment L.023.
BILL:SB06-170
TIME: 03:02:16 PM
MOVED:Cadman
MOTION:Moved prepared amendment L.023 (Attachment B). The motion lost on a 5-6 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Schultheis
VOTE
Cadman
Yes
Carroll T.
No
Coleman
No
Crane
Yes
Gallegos
No
Liston
Yes
Lundberg
Yes
Schultheis
Yes
Todd
No
Ragsdale
No
Weissmann
No
Not Final YES: 5 NO: 6 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL

Representative Cadman moved prepared amendment L.025 (Attachment C) and explained the basis of the amendment. Discussion ensued regarding the documentation required when registering to vote. Representative Buescher explained his opposition to the amendment. Discussion followed regarding the status of implementation of a federal voter identification act.
BILL:SB06-170
TIME: 03:08:42 PM
MOVED:Cadman
MOTION:Moved prepared amendment L.025 (Attachment C). The motion failed on a 5-6 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Liston
VOTE
Cadman
Yes
Carroll T.
No
Coleman
No
Crane
Yes
Gallegos
No
Liston
Yes
Lundberg
Yes
Schultheis
Yes
Todd
No
Ragsdale
No
Weissmann
No
Not Final YES: 5 NO: 6 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL

Representative Cadman moved prepared amendment L.026 (Attachment D). Discussion ensued regarding a law in Georgia similar to the amendment that was nullified in court.
BILL:SB06-170
TIME: 03:16:45 PM
MOVED:Cadman
MOTION:Moved prepared amendment L.026 (Attachment D). The motion failed on a 5-6 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Crane
VOTE
Cadman
Yes
Carroll T.
No
Coleman
No
Crane
Yes
Gallegos
No
Liston
Yes
Lundberg
Yes
Schultheis
Yes
Todd
No
Ragsdale
No
Weissmann
No
Not Final YES: 5 NO: 6 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL



03:16 PM

Representative Buescher provided closing remarks in favor of Senate Bill 06-170.


BILL:SB06-170
TIME: 03:17:32 PM
MOVED:Carroll T.
MOTION:Moved to refer Senate Bill 06-170 to the Committee on Appropriations with favorable recommendation. The motion passed on an 8-3 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Coleman
VOTE
Cadman
Yes
Carroll T.
Yes
Coleman
Yes
Crane
Yes
Gallegos
Yes
Liston
No
Lundberg
No
Schultheis
No
Todd
Yes
Ragsdale
Yes
Weissmann
Yes
Final YES: 8 NO: 3 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS