Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government, Elections & Information Technology Committee |
HB 2647
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 Description: Applying campaign contribution limits to candidates for all special purpose districts authorized to provide freight and passenger transfer and terminal facilities.
Sponsors: Representatives Wylie, Stonier, Hudgins, Tarleton, Macri, Vick, Cody, Clibborn, Harris, Gregerson, Appleton, Fitzgibbon and Doglio.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/23/18
Staff: Desiree Omli (786-7105).
Background:
The Fair Campaign Practices Act was enacted following passage of Initiative 134 (I-134) in 1992. The initiative limited campaign contributions, further regulated independent expenditures, restricted the use of public funds for political purposes, and required public officials to report gifts received in excess of $50.
Campaign contribution limits apply to candidates for: state office, legislative office, and certain local elected offices including county office, mayoral office, city council, school board office, judicial office, certain public hospital district boards of commissioners, and special purpose district offices if the district is authorized to provide freight and passenger transfer and terminal facilities and the district has over 200,000 registered voters.
There are two port districts that have over 200,000 registered voters: Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma. As of 2016, state parties and caucus political parties may contribute an aggregate of up to $1.00 per registered voter to any one candidate for a port district. County central committees and legislative district committees combined may not contribute to any one candidate an amount more than $0.50 per registered voter. Contribution limits imposed on an individual, a union or business, or a political action committee are an aggregate of $2,000 per election to a candidate for a port district.
These limits are adjusted for inflation by the Public Disclosure Commission every two years.
Summary of Bill:
Campaign contribution limits apply to all special purpose district offices for districts authorized to provide freight and passenger transfer and terminal facilities regardless of the number of registered voters in the district.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.