SENATE BILL REPORT

                            HB 2577

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

Brief Description:  Extending late campaign contribution limitations to all state‑wide elections.

SPONSORS: Representatives L. Thomas, Anderson, Reams, Horn and Dyer

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Hargrove, Nelson, Niemi, Quigley, Roach and Schow.

Staff:  Marty Lovinger (786‑7443)

Hearing Dates:  February 23, 1994; February 25, 1994

BACKGROUND:

A provision of the state's public disclosure law that pre-dates Initiative 134 restricts the size of the contributions that may be made within 21 days of a general election.  No person, other than a state major political party, may make a contribution or group of contributions during this period which total more than $50,000 to a campaign for statewide office or more than $5,000 for any other campaign.

SUMMARY:

The provisions of the disclosure law that limit the size of the contributions which may be made within 21 days of a general election now apply to primaries and special elections as well.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

TESTIMONY FOR:

This bill levels the playing field for all elections with regard to late campaign contributions.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Representative Les Thomas, prime sponsor