SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5096

As of January 21, 2009

Title: An act relating to the archiving of mailed political advertising.

Brief Description: Requiring mailed political advertising to be filed with the secretary of state to be archived.

Sponsors: Senator Jacobsen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 1/20/09.

Staff: Aaron Gutierrez (786-7448)

Background: A sponsor of a political advertisement is defined as the person or entity that pays for the advertisement. If a person is acting as an agent for another person, or is reimbursed for the payment, the original source of the payment is the sponsor. Political advertising includes things such as newspaper ads, billboards, signs, brochures, and letters used for the purpose of appealing for votes or other support in an election.

The Division of Archives and Records Management (State Archive) was established within the Office of the Secretary of State to manage and safeguard public records.

Summary of Bill: Within two working days of mailing a political advertisement, the sponsor of the advertisement must file an example of the advertisement with the Secretary of State for inclusion in the State Archive. The sponsor is not required to file more than two examples regarding the same candidate or measure in a single election cycle.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 13, 2009.

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: Historical political advertisements provide us with a sense of our history by showing what was important to people at the time the advertisement was created.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Fairley, prime sponsor.