HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No. HB 1510

Regulating statements of financial affairs                Public Hrg:  2/11/97

Brief Title

Reps. Wensman/D. Schmidt/Scott                  Staff Contact: S. Lundin

Sponsor                                    Comm. on Govt. Admin.

                                           Phone: 786-7127

BACKGROUND:

The public disclosure law requires elected officials, executive state officers, and certain legislative employees, to file statements of financial affairs for the preceding calendar year.

A financial disclosure statement discloses information on a number of subjects for the person who files the statement and his or her immediate family.  These subjects include: (1) employment; (2) bank and savings accounts and insurance policies; (3) creditors; (4) sources of compensation; (4) corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, unions, and other entities from whom compensation or consideration was paid or given, any office was held, or ownership interest of 10 percent of more was held; (6) real property owned in Washington State; (7) events where food and beverages were provided in excess of $50; and (8) where payments were made of reasonable expenses associated with appearances in an official capacity, including expenses related to attending seminars and educational programs.

In certain instances such matters must be reported only if the value exceeds a specified amount.  The reporting of a value for these items is done using ranges of dollar values, rather than specific dollar amounts.

SUMMARY:

Beginning with calendar year 1996, the public employer of any person required to file a statement of financial affairs with the public disclosure commission must file disclosures of reasonable expenses it authorized an official or officer to accept for appearing in an official capacity, including attendance at seminars and educational programs.

The official or officer would not have to report these items.

An emergency clause is included.

HB 1510 - Page 2

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.