SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5096

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 29, 2009

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

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Pridemore and Swecker.

Minority Report: Do not pass.

Signed by Senator Benton.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.

Signed by Senator McDermott.

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.

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.