Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Business & Financial Services Committee

HB 2286

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.

Brief Summary of Bill

Allows fees to be increased through rulemaking if necessary to defray costs of administering the securities act.
Requires all money attributable to the increase in fees implemented by rule to be deposited into the account used for the administration of the securities act.

Background:

The Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), through its Securities Division, is responsible for the regulation of the securities market in this state. The Securities Division collects various fees for activities such as registration of securities, licensing fees for securities broker-dealers, advisors, and salespersons, filing fees, and other administrative fees. The fees range from five dollars for a duplicate license, to calculated fees based upon the securities initial issue price.

The Securities Division must deposit thirteen percent of all money received, except as otherwise required to be deposited into the securities prosecution fund, into an account in the custody of the State Treasurer. Money deposited shall be used for costs associated with the proper regulation of individuals and entities as required by the securities act including:

supplies and equipment;
salaries, wages, and utilities;
reserve funds; and
other incidental costs as necessary.

Summary of Bill:

The DFI, through rulemaking, may increase fees specified in RCW 21.20.340 upward no more than fifteen dollars after a finding that the increase in the fee is necessary to defray the cost of administering the securities act.

All money collected that is attributable to the increase in fees implemented by rule must be deposited into the account held in the custody of the State Treasurer for the purpose of administering the securities act.