HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No. HB 1386

Identifying paid signature gatherers                 Public Hrg: 2/19/97 

Brief Title

Reps. Morris/D. Sommers/Kessler                      Staff Contact: S. Lundin

Sponsor                                    Comm. on Govt. Admin.

                                           Phone: 786-7127

BACKGROUND:

The State Constitution authorizes state voters powers of initiative and referendum on state legislation.  Statutes implement this authority and describe the appearance of initiative and referendum petitions.  Various crimes relating to the state initiative and referendum process are established in statute, including a class C felony and various gross misdemeanors.

State voters approved Initiative Measure No. 276 in 1972 establishing the Public Disclosure Act.  Among other requirements, the Public Disclosure Act requires political committees to file periodic reports to the Public Disclosure Commission detailing their expenditures.  The frequency of reports that a political committee is required to file increases as the election approaches that is associated with the political committee's efforts.  The Public Disclosure Act requires a political committee to keep books of accounts current and that the books of accounts be available for public inspection during the eight days immediately prior to the election associated with the political committee's efforts.

SUMMARY:

Any person who is paid to gather signatures on state initiative or referendum measures must file as a lobbyist with the Public Disclosure Commission and wear a badge that includes his or her photo and clearly identifies the person as being a paid signature gatherer.

The definition of Alegislation@ in the Public Disclosure laws is expanded to include state initiative and referendum measures and the definition of  Alobby@ is expanded to include proposing or attempting to influence the passage of a state initiative or referendum measure.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

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