SB 6186

SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6186

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 Reported By Senate Committee On:
Government Operations & Elections, January 22, 2008

Title: An act relating to the time frame covered by the twenty-one day preelection campaign finance reports.

Brief Description: Changing the time frame covered by the twenty-one day preelection campaign finance report.

Sponsors: Senators Fairley, Roach, Swecker, Oemig, Kline, Shin and McDermott; by request of Public Disclosure Commission.

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 1/21/08, 1/22/08 [DP].

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Kline, McDermott, Pridemore and Swecker.

Background: In Washington, the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) is responsible for receiving, processing, and auditing filings of political campaigns, lobbying and the financial affairs of elected officials and candidates. The jurisdiction of the PDC includes providing access to those filings, and ensuring compliance with disclosure provisions, contribution limits, campaign practices, and other campaign finance laws.

Candidates running for state office must file personal financial affairs' statements and campaign disclosure reports. Local office candidates in jurisdictions of 1, 000 or more registered voters as of the last year's general election must file financial affairs' statements. Local office candidates in jurisdictions of 5,000 or more registered voters, or covering an entire county, must also file campaign disclosure reports.

A report is due on the twenty-first day and the seventh day immediately preceding the date on which the election is held. In addition, a report is due the tenth day of the first month after the election. Monthly reports are due on the tenth of any other month if the candidate or committee has received a contribution or made an expenditure in the preceding calendar month that exceeds 200 dollars. The report filed 21 days prior to an election must report all contributions received and expenditures made as of the end of the fifth business day before the date of the report.

Summary of Bill: The report filed 21 days prior to an election must report all contributions received and expenditures made as of one business day before the date of the report.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: With the move to near universal vote by mail, a large number of voters cast their ballots well before election day. Early voters should have the benefit of the news stories and blog posting that the more up-to-date information from candidates, Political Action Committees, parties, and caucus committees generate. Passage of this bill will make more current campaign information available when the voters need it most, right before they cast their ballots.