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Minutes for HB2053 - Committee on Federal and State Affairs
Short Title
Authorizing the secretary of state to adopt rules and regulations for the use of remote ballot boxes for the return of advance voting ballots.
Minutes Content for Wed, Mar 22, 2023
Jason Long, Office of Revisor of Statutes, gave an overview of the bill. SB2053 concerns regulation and use of remote ballot boxes, and directs that the Secretary of State adopt rules and regulations by January 1, 2024 for the use of such boxes. (Attachment 1)
The Chairman called for proponent testimony.
Proponent Oral Testimony
Clay Barker, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, spoke as a proponent of the bill. He stated it allows their office to regulate the use of such boxes, such as setting requirements for disability access, physical security, lighting, chain of custody, etc.. The statute currently allowing the use of such boxes has not given them the authority to regulate them. (Attachment 2)
The conferee stood for questions.
Cille King, League of Women Voters (LWV), spoke as a proponent of the bill. She stated the support the bill because the boxes need some basic regulation. She stated the LWV thinks counties ought to be able to choose whether or not to use the boxes, and believes they increase voter participation. (Attachment 3)
Proponent Written Only Testimony
Rick Piepho, Harvey County Clerk and Election Officer (Attachment 4)
Opponent Oral Testimony - none
Opponent Written Only Testimony
Jill O'Connor, private citizen (Attachment 5)
Aileen Berquist, American Civil Liberties Union (Attachment 6)
Kari Sue Vosburgh, private citizen (Attachment 7)
Jannel Munk, private citizen (Attachment 8)
After a period of questions and answers, the Chairman closed the hearing on HB2053.
