SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5188

As Passed Senate, January 23, 2002

Title:  An act relating to surplus political funds.

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

Sponsors:  Senator McCaslin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government:  2/5/01 [DP].

Passed Senate:  3/10/01, 47-0; 1/23/02, 47-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Patterson, Chair; Fairley, Vice Chair; Hale, Haugen, Horn, Kline, McCaslin, T. Sheldon and Swecker.

Staff:  Aaron Jennings (786‑7445)

Background:  A political candidate or political committee may dispose of surplus political funds only in certain limited ways.  Funds may be returned to the contributor.  Candidates may use surplus funds to reimburse earnings they lost while campaigning.  The surplus funds may be transferred to a political party or caucus political committee.  The funds may be donated to a charitable organization.  The funds may be given to the state.  Candidate's funds may be retained for future political campaigns for the same office.  Candidate's funds may be retained for payment of non-reimbursed public office-related expenses.

Summary of Bill:  Surplus political funds may be donated to public schools, school districts, or educational service districts.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  Private schools could receive surplus political funds if registered under Chapter 19.04 RCW.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Vicki Rippie, PDC (pro).