SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6735

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

           Labor, Commerce & Trade, February 1, 1996

Title:  An act relating to disclosure requirements for campaign contributions by gambling interests.

Brief Description:  Requiring disclosure of campaign contributions from gambling interests.

Sponsors:  Senators Pelz, Sutherland, Hargrove, Schow, Smith and Fairley.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor, Commerce & Trade:  1/30/96, 2/1/96 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & TRADE

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6735 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators Pelz, Chair; Heavey, Vice Chair; Franklin, Fraser and Wojahn.

Staff:  Patrick Woods (786-7430)

Background:  Washington law currently requires public disclosure of information regarding political campaign contributions, financing and lobbying records. However, contributions to political candidates or parties by all gambling interests are not specifically addressed in the public disclosure statute.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  Gambling interests are required to specifically disclose their contributions of $100 or more to political candidates. The Public Disclosure Commission is directed to establish the disclosure form.  Contributors are required to provide information on the percentage of gross revenues that are derived from gambling activities.

Political candidates and their treasurers are required to specifically disclose all contributions from gambling interests. This disclosure process is added to their ongoing reporting requirements.

The Gambling Commission may deny or revoke a license to any person or organization that does not disclose their political contributions. The Gambling Commission is authorized to inform licensees of their obligation to disclose contributions to political candidates.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The provisions concerning reporting requirements are limited to contributions of $100 or more.  The definition of gambling interest is expanded to include horse racing meet licensees and businesses involved in the manufacture of gaming devices or companies managing gambling activities.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 26, 1996.

Effective Date:  The bill takes effect on January 1, 1997.

Testimony For:  The bill will bring greater accountability with regard to political contributions involving gambling interests.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Pelz, prime sponsor (pro); Vito Chiechi, WSLB.