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

HB 3040

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.

Brief Description: Allowing requests for closing candidate, campaign, or political committee books of account.

Sponsors: Representatives Roach and McCune.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Provides that, under public disclosure and campaign finance laws, no citizen action may be brought against a candidate, campaign, or political committee if an audit has been requested and no findings are made.

Hearing Date: 2/1/08

Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).

Background:

State law governs campaign financing, lobbyist reporting, political advertising and electioneering communications, reporting of public officials' financial affairs, and campaign contribution limits. Among other duties, the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) is responsible for enforcing the provisions of this chapter.

Campaign reporting provisions required by the law cease when there is no outstanding debt or obligation, the campaign fund is closed, and the campaign is concluded in all respects.

The Attorney General (AG) and appropriate prosecuting authorities may bring civil actions in the name of the state for violations of public disclosure and campaign finance laws. If the AG or prosecuting attorney have failed to bring action regarding a violation, a citizen action may be brought. Citizen actions must be commenced within two years after the date when the violation occurred.

Summary of Bill:

The PDC is required to audit the books of account of any candidate, campaign, or political committee that has made a request. The request must be made at least 30 days prior to closing the accounts and campaign. The audit must be completed within six months of the request. If no audit finds are made, the candidate, campaign, or political committee is exempt from any citizen action.

For a candidate, campaign, or political committee that has spent and received less than $50,000, the audit shall be conducted at no cost. For a candidate, campaign, or political committee that has spent and received more than $50,000, the audit shall be conducted at a cost of $100.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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