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Minutes for SB389 - Committee on Federal and State Affairs
Short Title
Requiring all voting systems for elections to use individual voter-verified paper ballots with a distinctive watermark.
Minutes Content for Tue, Mar 1, 2022
The Chairman opened the hearing and called upon Jason Long for a revisor overview on the bill.
The Chairman called for testimony on the bill.
Proponent Senator Richard Hilderbrand explained why he is proposing a watermark ballot requirement.
Missy Leavitt emphasized that any additional elements that authenticate a ballot is a productive endeavor. Ms. Leavitt suggested that a serial number could be a helpful feature to protect and track ballots.
Committee discussion ensued.
Written-Only Proponent:
Stewart Whitson, Community Solutions
Hannah Mingucci, Self
Josh Aberle, Self
Opponent Mike Burgess suggested that the committee keep in mind the additional challenges of the disabled individual, especially the signature element.
Davis Hammet expressed concerns about how the proposed changes might be implemented from a practical perspective.
Committee discussion ensued.
Written-Only Opponent:
Larry Burks, NAACP
Senator Dynah Sykes, Kansas Senate
Nina Frick, Self
Neutral Clay Barker stated that his office is neutral on the bill because its regulations only affect the counties. Mr. Barker indicated that each county would need to acquire its own paper, but that the state could provide a standard watermark. Mr. Barker indicated that there would need to be some amendments to keep statutory requirements consistent.
Neutral Jay Hall indicated that his association is concerned about the implementation and costs of implementation to county election clerks. Mr. Hall suggested that most of his association member concerns might be addressed through a regulatory processes.
Written-Only Neutral:
Connie Wray, Self
Seeing no additional testimony the Chairman closed the hearing on the bill.
