HB 1916 - DIGEST

     Declares that the purpose of this act is to create a system of clean elections for legislative and gubernatorial campaigns that will improve the integrity of Washington state government by diminishing the influence of special-interest money, encourage citizen participation in the political process, promote freedom of speech under the United States and Washington constitutions, and refocus campaigns on issues and away from the sources of campaign contributions.

     Declares a further purpose of this act to alter the existing system of campaign finance for legislative and gubernatorial campaigns, which system (1) allows elected officials and challengers to accept large campaign contributions from private interests over which they have or may have governmental jurisdiction; (2) gives incumbents an unhealthy advantage over challengers; (3) hinders many qualified candidates from effectively communicating with voters; (4) effectively suppresses the voices and influence of the vast majority of Washington citizens in favor of a small number of wealthy special interests; (5) undermines public confidence in the integrity of public officials; (6) costs average taxpayers millions of dollars in the form of subsidies and special privileges often provided for large campaign contributors; (7)drives up the cost of running for state office, discouraging otherwise qualified candidates who lack personal wealth or access to special-interest funding; and (8) requires that elected officials spend too much of their time raising funds rather than representing the public.

     Repeals RCW 42.17.128.