SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5524

                    AS OF FEBRUARY 9, 1993

Brief Description:  Changing reporting requirements for candidates, elected officials, and agencies in political subdivisions with one thousand to two thousand five hundred registered voters.

SPONSORS: Senators Barr, Snyder and Prince

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Dick Armstrong (786‑7460)

Hearing Dates: February 12, 1993

BACKGROUND:

The public disclosure statute generally provides for the disclosure of personal and business finances of candidates and elected officials.  The purpose of the statute is to assure the public that officials are acting in the public interest and not for their personal gain.

In 1982, the Legislature established an exemption from reporting for candidates, elected officials, and agencies of jurisdictions of less than 1,000 registered voters.  The exemption was established because small cities, towns and special purpose districts had a difficult time finding qualified candidates who would be willing to comply with the PDC reporting requirements.

It is suggested that the exemption should be increased from 1,000 to 2,500 because of increases in the number of registered voters.

SUMMARY:

Candidates, elected officials and agencies from jurisdictions with less than 2,500 registered voters are exempt from the reporting requirements of the public disclosure statute.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested February 9, 1993