FINAL BILL REPORT

                   SB 5460

                           FULL VETO

                     As Passed Legislature

Brief Description:  Limiting the use of public funds for political activities.

Sponsors:  Senators McCaslin, Deccio and Zarelli.

Senate Committee on Government Operations

House Committee on Government Administration

Background:  Most local governmental units in the state are members of associations which provide educational and legislative development resources.  For example, cities and towns belong to the Association of Washington Cities, and counties and county officials belong to the Washington State Association of Counties and the Washington Association of County Officials.  To support the activities of these associations, members pay dues from their general revenues, i.e. receipts from taxes and fees.  Unless created by statute, these associations are treated as private entities and are not subject to audit by the State Auditor.  The Auditor also considers the moneys paid by members to such private associations as no longer public, but private funds, once they have been transferred.  Public and private associations representing local governmental units have, from time to time, expended funds in support of or in opposition to ballot measures.

Summary:  No association, organization, or entity that derives more than 25 percent of its income from dues, assessments, or membership fees paid with public funds may provide any financing support or use of its facilities for or against a ballot proposition or candidate for public office.

No county may reimburse either the Washington State Association of Counties or the Washington Association of County Officials for contributing to political committees or for funds used as political contributions.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 27 21

House     59 39 (House amended)

Senate        (Senate refused to concur)

House     51 45 (House receded)