SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5738
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of February 9, 2015
Title: An act relating to creating equality in contribution limits for state-level, county-level, and district-level party political committees.
Brief Description: Creating equality in contribution limits for state-level, county-level, and district-level party political committees.
Sponsors: Senator Chase.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Security: 2/10/15.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & SECURITY |
Staff: Samuel Brown (786-7470)
Background: In 1992 Initiative 134 was passed, establishing campaign contribution limits in elections for statewide and legislative office. The stated purposes of the initiative were to: (1) give individuals and interest groups equal opportunities to influence elective and governmental processes; (2) reduce the influence of large organizational contributors; and (3) restore public trust in governmental institutions and the electoral process.
Campaign contribution limits, which apply to political parties, are adjusted for inflation by the Public Disclosure Commission by rule every even-numbered calendar year. Political party committees and legislative caucus committees may contribute an aggregate of up to $0.95 per registered voter in the candidate's jurisdiction for an election cycle. County central committees and legislative district committees may contribute an aggregate of up to $0.50 per registered voter in the candidate's district. Contributions received from county central committees and legislative district committees combined may not exceed an amount more than $0.50 times the number of registered voters in the jurisdiction from which the candidate is elected.
Those limits do not apply to judicial races. Political party committees and legislative caucus committees may each contribute up to $1,900 to a judicial candidate. County central committees, and legislative district committees may jointly contribute up to $1,900 to a judicial candidate.
Summary of Bill: The limit on contributions from county central committees and legislative district committees to all candidates, other than judicial candidates, is raised. County central committees and legislative district committees may jointly contribute up to $0.95 per registered voter in the jurisdiction in which the candidate is seeking office. Contributions received from county central committees and legislative district committees combined may not exceed an amount more than $0.95 times the number of registered voters in the jurisdiction from which the candidate is elected.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.