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

Brief Description: Modifying the dates of an election cycle.

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

Brief History: Passed House: 2/28/07, 97-0.

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 3/19/07 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Kline, Pridemore and Swecker.

Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)

Background: Contributions made with respect to a general election may not be made after the final day of the election cycle. The election cycle begins on the first day of December after the date of the previous general election for the office that the candidate seeks, and ends on November 30 after the next election for the office. In the case of a special election to fill a vacancy, the election cycle begins on the day the vacancy occurs and ends on November 30 after the special election.

Summary of Bill: The election cycle is changed to begin on the first day of January after the date of the previous general election for the office that the candidate seeks, and ends on December 31 after the next election for the office. In the case of a special election to fill a vacancy in an office, the election cycle begins on the day the vacancy occurs and ends on December 31 after the special election.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill changes the ending date of the election cycle to the end of the year, so contributions from the current election that are received in December can be deposited without the candidate having to file new campaign forms with the PDC.

Persons Testifying: Representative Hunt, prime sponsor.