SENATE BILL REPORT

                  ESHB 1884

                     As of March 29, 1999

Title:  An act relating to public inspection of books of account maintained by candidates or authorized committees.

Brief Description:  Providing appointments to inspect campaign account books.

Sponsors:  House Committee on State Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Lambert, Ogden, Cairnes and Campbell).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government:  3/31/99.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Staff:  Eugene Green (786-7405)

Background:  A candidate, or the treasurer of a candidate's authorized committee, must maintain books of account accurately reflecting all contributions and expenditures on a current basis within five business days of the receipt or expenditure.

However, during the eight days prior to an election or primary, the books of account must be kept current within one business day.  During this eight-day period, the books of account must be open for public inspection for at least two consecutive hours between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays, at the principal headquarters or the address of the treasurer of such other place as authorized by the Public Disclosure Commission.  The committee's statement of organization that is filed with the Public Disclosure Commission specifies which consecutive two hours of each day the books of account are open for public inspection.

Summary of Bill:  The requirement for keeping an authorized committee's books of account open for public inspection during the eight-day period prior to an election or primary is altered.

The books of account must be open for public inspection for at least two consecutive hours on the eighth day before the election or primary.  If an appointment is made, the books of account must also be open for public inspection to be conducted from 8:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m. on the seventh day through the day immediately before the election or primary, but not including Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday.

It is a violation of the public disclosure laws for a candidate or political committee to refuse to allow an inspection by appointment during the authorized times and days for inspections.  The appointment must be allowed at an authorized time and day that is within 24 hours of when the request is made.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.