Chris Stearns — Addressed by the speaker in thanks.
Chris Stearns — Called on by title as Vice Chair Stearns.
Chris Stearns — Spoke in support of the bill and said elections should be as inclusive as possible.
Chris Stearns — Cited low Native American turnout and said the bill would amplify existing state and county work.
Chris Stearns — Was asked whether Native American voters on reservations have lower turnout rates.
Chris Stearns — The discussion is directed to Stearns in his role on the committee.
Chris Stearns — Explains that reservation voting turnout is low and that concentrating Native American voters does not increase turnout the way it can for other groups.
Chris Stearns — Thanked for answering questions before the committee moves to testimony.
Chris Stearns — Commended for his work on the bill.
Chris Stearns — Merchant says he would like to work with Stearns to ensure the bill covers needed issues.
Chris Stearns — Thanked for ensuring accountability in the bill.
Chris Stearns — Moved that proposed substitute House Bill 2333 be reported out of committee with a due pass recommendation.
Chris Stearns — Votes aye on the motion.
Chris Stearns — Moves to take up House Bill 2462.
Chris Stearns — Moves House Bill 2462 and explains support for the bill.
Chris Stearns — Votes aye.
Chris Stearns — Moves to take up House Bill 2419.
Chris Stearns — Moves House Bill 2419 and the amendment.
Chris Stearns — Voted aye.
Chris Stearns — Moved that House Bill 2176 be reported out of committee with a due pass recommendation.
Chris Stearns — Voted aye.
Chris Stearns — Moved that House Bill 2491 be reported out of committee with a due pass recommendation.
Chris Stearns — Voted aye.
HB2574 — House Bill 2574 is introduced as the next bill for hearing, and staff begins explaining the bill’s procedures for handling a deceased candidate in election administration.
HB2574 — The chair closes testimony on the bill concerning deceased candidates and ballot procedures.
Peter Abbarno — Peter Abbarno explains the bill’s origin and purpose: it would allow an auditor to remove a deceased candidate from the ballot or not count votes if a certified death certificate is provided, avoiding the need for a court hearing and reducing costs for local governments. He says the proposal mirrors existing law, was developed after consulting the Secretary of State’s office and auditors, and is intended to work whether ballots have already been printed. He also clarifies that it does not change write-in candidate rules and emphasizes that the bill is meant to streamline the process and prevent unnecessary recount and court expenses.
Laurie Jinkins — The transcript twice refers to the committee chair as 'Chair Menna' / 'Chairman Menna,' which appears to be a transcription error for Laurie Jinkins. Both mentions are simply forms of address to the chair and do not introduce separate topics.
Laurie Jinkins — The bill would remove a provision encouraging the Speaker to hold a security briefing every biennium.
Kevin Waters — Ranking Member Waters is thanked at the start of the sponsor's remarks.
Connor — Connor is thanked for the bill analysis; likely committee counsel or staff.
Tom Krauson — Described as a candidate in Lewis County who passed away after running for office; his ballot status led to the recount issue.
Rachel Marotta — Rachel Marotta is introduced as the next witness on HB 2631 and identified as Jesse Jones’s deputy. The chair then clarifies whether she intends to testify or is present only to answer questions, indicating her role in the hearing.
Brian Hatfield — Brian Hatfield is called to testify and introduces himself as the legislative director for Secretary of State Steve Hobbs. He explains that the Secretary supports efficiency measures but is concerned about independently elected officials answering to voters rather than the governor, suggesting participation should be permissive. He also reports fiscal estimates from OIC, DFW, and the Secretary of State’s office in the range of $1.5 million to $2.5 million.
Office of the Governor — Jesse Jones says he works within the governor's office.
Michael Keaton — The transcript discusses Mr. Hatfield as a witness rather than a legislator and identifies Secretary of State Steve Hobbs as Hatfield's principal, linking Hatfield to Hobbs in the same exchange.
Adison Richards — The speaker referenced Representative Richards while explaining that they had relayed that the funding would be useful for the civic engagement program, indicating a brief continuation of the same discussion.
David Stuebe — Representative Chase followed the testimony with a question to Mr. Hatfield asking whether any of the voting machines were manufactured in Venezuela.
Mr. Hatfield — Said he did not think so and offered to check with the Director of Elections.
Jordan C. — Jordan C. testified online on behalf of Qualtrix, introducing himself as the company’s head of government relations and advocacy. He stated that he and more than 900 Qualtrix employees and families in Washington strongly support the bill.
HB2572 — The committee opened the final public hearing of the day on House Bill 2572. Staff described the bill as focused on voting access and outreach to tribal nations, and then outlined its three implementation requirements, all of which must be completed by January 1, 2029.
HB2572 — The bill is introduced in testimony as a measure the witness supports.
Desiree Olin — Identified herself as OPR staff and began the staff report on House Bill 2572.
Darya Farivar — Representative Farivar asked a follow-up question about whether the portal or ballot-access accommodations could be broadened to include other populations, specifically mentioning incarcerated people, people in state hospitals, and people in residential treatment facilities.
Darya Farivar — Representative Darya Farivar is recorded three times during consecutive roll-call voting as voting aye.
Linda Farmer — Linda Farmer is introduced as a witness and then testifies as the elected auditor for Pierce County and a representative of the Washington State Association of County Auditors, expressing support for House Bill 2572.
Sean Merchant — Named as one of the next witnesses to testify.
Sean Merchant — Policy director for Secretary Hobbs; says the office is mostly in favor of the bill, especially tribal outreach provisions.
Julie Wise — Named as a later online witness.
Julie Wise — Julie Wise, the elected King County Director of Elections, testifies online in support of House Bill 2572.
Paul Harris — The witness addresses the ranking member as 'Ranking Member Waters,' which appears to be a transcription error; likely intended to be a committee member, but no exact match is certain from context.