HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No. HB 1053

Requiring clearer political ads/independent expenditures  Public Hrg: 1/22/97 

Brief Title

Reps. Pennington/Mielke/Boldt                             Staff Contact: Steve Lundin

Sponsor                                    Comm. on Govt. Admin.

                                           Phone: 786-7127

BACKGROUND:

Political advertising relating to a candidate that is undertaken as an independent expenditure is required to include a general statement that the advertising is not authorized or approved by any candidate and to include the name and address of the person paying for the advertisement.  If the advertisement is undertaken by a non-individual, the advertisement also must list the names of the top five persons or entities making contributions to the entity that undertakes the advertisement during the last 12 months.

These requirements do not apply to political yard signs, campaign buttons, balloons, and other forms of political advertisement where such identification is impractical.

SUMMARY:

An additional requirement is established for political advertising undertaken as an independent expenditure that is in written form, such as brochures, articles, newspaper ads, or tabloids.  If such if the advertising cites a vote that is taken by a candidate, the legislation must be identified and the relevant legislative text included.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not Requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.