Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
State Government Committee

SB 5188

Brief Description:  Providing an alternative manner of dispersing surplus political funds.

Sponsors:  By Senator McCaslin.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Surplus funds of a candidate or a political committee may be donated to a school, school district, or educational service district.

Hearing Date:  3/21/01

Staff:  Jim Morishima (786‑7191).

Background: 

After a campaign, the surplus funds of a candidate or a political committee supporting or opposing a candidate may be disposed of in several ways:

$The surplus may be returned to contributors in an amount not exceeding their original contributions;

$The surplus may be transferred to the candidate as reimbursement for lost earnings incurred as a result of the campaign.

$The surplus may be transferred to a political party or a caucus political committee;

$The surplus may be donated to a charity;

$The surplus may be given to the state;

$The surplus may be retained in a campaign depository for use in a future campaign; and

$The surplus may be retained in a separate account for non‑reimbursed public office‑related expenses.

Summary of Bill: 

Surplus funds of a candidate or a political committee may be donated to a school, school district, or educational service district.

Rulemaking Authority:  No express authority.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

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