Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee |
SSB 6344
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: Concerning campaign contribution limits.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Fairley, Prentice, Hargrove, Kauffman, Marr and McDermott).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/23/10
Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).
Background:
The Fair Campaign Practices Act was enacted following passage of Initiative 134 (I-134) in 1992. The initiative imposed campaign contribution limits, further regulated independent expenditures, restricted the use of public funds for political purposes, and required public officials to report gifts received in excess of $50. The contribution limits imposed by I-134 apply only to elections for state-wide office and elections for state legislative office.
In 2006 contribution limits were imposed on county offices in counties with over 200,000 registered voters (Clark, King, Pierce, Spokane and Snohomish counties); port district offices in counties with over 200,000 registered voters (ports of Seattle and Tacoma); and to the Washington Supreme Court, superior courts, and Appeals Court judges.
Contribution limits established for an individual, a union or business, or a political action committee are an aggregate of $800 per election to a candidate for state legislative office and county office, an aggregate of $1,600 per election to a candidate for state-wide office, port office, and judicial office.Limits are also imposed on political parties. State party central committees, minor party committees, and legislative caucus committees may contribute an aggregate of up to $0.80 per registered voter in the candidate's district for an election cycle. County central committees and legislative district committees may contribute an aggregate of up to $0.40 per registered voter in the candidate's district. County central committees and legislative district committees combined may not contribute to any one candidate an amount more that $0.40 times the number of registered voters statewide.These limits are adjusted for inflation by the Public Disclosure Commission every two years.
Summary of Bill:
Campaign contribution limits are extended to candidates for county office in all counties, city council office, and mayoral office. No person may make a contribution to candidates for these offices that, in the aggregate, exceeds $800 per election, including political parties. Local districts that have imposed contribution limits may continue to use established limits as long as it does not exceed $800.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.