Legislative Update

The House Elections Committee hearing was held yesterday (2/21/2007) at 2pm in the Texas Capitol. HB 384, a Voter Verified Paper Trail (VVPT) bill, was laid out by Rep Kolkhorst, and can be seen, with all the testimony here: http://www.house.state.tx.us/fx/av/committee80/70221p13.ram about 51:55 minutes into the video.

Testimony by members of VoteRescue, is towards the end of 42 people who signed up to testify for or against this bill. From the onset, it was apparent that this Committee (and even the author) might just be looking to solve the voting problem. In the beginning it was all about the $50,000,000 it would take to retrofit to VVPT's. At the end of the meeting (after all the great testimony), it turned into a Hand Counted Paper Ballot (HCPB) debate. Chairman Berman said he would be asking the SOS if we could go back to paper ballots and comply with HAVA. The Committee asked VoteRescue to come back with experts and a demonstration of a live hack.

Also, they wanted a cost/reliablilty study of paper vs. machines. This is a VERY important point to note with the Texas Legislature and this Committee. The Chair has said that his committee would not pass out an unfunded mandate on the Counties. Note that the Counties oppose this bill ONLY because it is an unfunded mandate. Show this committee (with expert testimony) that paper is more reliable and cheaper, and Rep Kolkhorst would probably turn HB 384 into a Paper Ballot Bill!!! Committee member Rep. Lon Burnam looks to be onboard with that idea!

It looks very promising, and I know with the continued work of citizens, we'll get this done.

I was scheduled to testify, but had to leave b4 I came up. I was at the Capitol yesterday as part of "Hill County Day", and the bus was leaving at 4pm. :-( I will be walking and talking this bill (and the others), and the next time I won't be taking the bus!


Greg
--
First they came for the Communists,
and I didnt speak up,
because I wasnt a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didnt speak up,
because I wasnt a Jew.
Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didnt speak up,
because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me,
and by that time there was no one
left to speak up for me.
Rev. Martin Niemoller, 1945