Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
State Government Committee

SB 5870

Brief Description:  Clarifying the deadline for primary contributions to candidates who do not advance to the general election.

Sponsors:  By Senators Spanel, Horn, McCaslin, Snyder, Patterson and Kohl‑Welles.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Prohibits primary election contributions after the primary for candidates who will appear on the general election ballot.

$Allows primary election contributions up to 30 days after the primary for candidates who will not appear on the general election ballot.

Hearing Date:  3/19/01

Staff:  Catherine Blinn (786‑7114).

Background: 

For each election that a candidate appears on a ballot, individual contributions to a state legislative candidate cannot exceed $600, and individual contributions to other state office candidates cannot exceed $1,200.  Contributions from political parties and caucus committees have other contribution limits.  Primary election contributions may not be made after the date of the primary.  However, general election contributions may be made until November 30th, the final day of the election cycle.

Summary of Bill: 

Primary election contributions may not be made after the date of the primary to any candidate who will appear on the general election ballot.  Primary election contributions may be made for thirty days following the date of the primary for candidates who will not appear on the general election ballot.  There is no limitation on the purpose for which post‑primary contributions may be used.

Rulemaking Authority:  No express authority.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.