ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-fifth Legislature First Regular Session
	House: GE DPA 7-6-0-0

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HB 2302: election lawsuits; settlements; approvals

Sponsor:  Representative Blackman, LD 6

Caucus & COW

Overview

Prohibits the Secretary of State (SOS) from settling an elections-related lawsuit without consulting the county recorders of the state.

History

The SOS is the chief state election officer responsible for the coordination of state responsibilities under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act and the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.  Additionally, the SOS is required to establish a toll free telephone number for the use of the public to report incidents of voter fraud (A.R.S. § 16-142).

A county recorder, among other statutorily prescribed duties, is responsible for providing, without charge, a registration form to any qualified person who is requesting voter registration information and to distribute state mail in registration forms at public locations throughout the county (A.R.S. § 16-131).

Provisions

1. Stipulates that the SOS may not settle or otherwise compromise a civil action without consulting the county recorders of this state if a proposed settlement of an election-related civil action materially affects a county recorder. (Sec. 1)

2. Authorizes a county recorder to object to the settlement based on the impracticability or difficulty of the settlement requirements and to demonstrate or otherwise provide evidence of such. (Sec. 1)

3. Prohibits the settlement of the SOS from being approved without the consent of the county recorder if the evidence of the county recorder is sufficient. (Sec. 1)

4. Allows a county recorder to join in any elections-related civil action. (Sec. 1)

Amendments

Committee on Government & Elections

1.  Adds references to other officer in charge of elections in this section of statute.

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                  HB 2302

Initials SJ  Page 0 Caucus & COW

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