HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1831

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Passed Legislature

Title: An act relating to the definition for election cycle.

Brief Description: Modifying the dates of an election cycle.

Sponsors: By Representatives Hunt, Armstrong, Appleton, Miloscia, Priest, Green, Ormsby, Williams, Hudgins, Condotta, Moeller and Chase.

Brief History:

State Government & Tribal Affairs: 2/13/07, 2/16/07 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/28/07, 97-0.
Passed Senate: 4/10/07, 45-3.
Passed Legislature.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Changes the definition of "election cycle" to mean the period beginning on January 1 after the date of the last general election and ending on December 31 after the next election for office.
  • Changes the definition of "election cycle" in the case of a special election to fill a vacancy in office to mean the period beginning the day the vacancy occurs and ending on December 31 after the special election.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT & TRIBAL AFFAIRS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Hunt, Chair; Appleton, Vice Chair; Chandler, Ranking Minority Member; Green, Kretz, Miloscia and Ormsby.

Staff: Alison Hellberg (786-7152).

Background:

Chapter 42.17 RCW governs campaign financing, lobbyist reporting, political advertising and electioneering communications, reporting of public officials' financial affairs, and campaign contribution limits.

For purposes of this chapter, "election cycle" is defined as the period beginning on December 1 after the date of the last previous general election for the office that the candidate seeks and ending on November 30 after the next election for the office. In the case of a special election to fill a vacancy in an office, "election cycle" means the period beginning the day the vacancy occurs and ending on November 30 after the special election.

Summary of Bill:

"Election cycle" is defined as the period beginning on January 1 after the date of the last previous general election for the office that the candidate seeks and ending on December 31 after the next election for the office. In the case of a special election to fill a vacancy in an office, "election cycle" means the period beginning the day the vacancy occurs and ending on December 31 after the special election.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This is a technical bill that grows out of a difference between the statute and how campaigns are actually run. Contributions given after the end of the election cycle require the candidate to file a new report with the Public Disclosure Commission. The contribution is considered to be for the following election, regardless of the intent of the contributor.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Hunt, prime sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.