WSR 99-16-044

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

PUBLIC DISCLOSURE COMMISSION


[ Filed July 30, 1999, 1:10 p.m. ]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Registration Statement for Political Committees--Form C-1pc.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 42.17.370(1).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Chapter 401, Laws of 1999 (E2SSB 5931), amended RCW 42.17.080(4), the provision that relates to public inspection of campaign books during the eight days before an election. As of July 25, 1999, candidates and political committees that receive contributions or make expenditures in an election need to have their campaign books open for inspection as follows: On the eighth day before the election, even if that Monday is a legal holiday, the books must be available for two consecutive hours between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. at the place and time indicated on their registration statement; on the other seven days, except on weekends and legal holidays, the books must be available by appointment.

The political committee registration form needs to be changed to implement this statutory amendment. The form also may be modified to include (1) space for reporting the committee's electronic mail address and facsimile number and (2) other changes that may be necessary to implement RCW 42.17.040, especially subsection (2)(f).

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Process for Developing New Rule: At its meeting on August 24, 1999, the commission is expected to discuss whether to move forward with amending WAC 390-16-011 and the C-1pc form. Public comment will be welcome at this meeting. Interested persons are invited to submit written comments by August 23, 1999, to Vicki Rippie, Public Disclosure Commission, P.O. Box 40908, Olympia, WA 98504-0908.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting the Public Disclosure Commission Assistant Director Vicki Rippie at Washington State Public Disclosure Commission, P.O. Box 40908, Olympia, WA 98504-0908, phone (360) 586-4838, fax (360) 753-1112, e-mail vrippie@pdc.wa.gov.

A public hearing on these matters may occur on October 26, 1999.

July 29, 1999

Melissa Warheit

Executive Director