FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5271

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.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Oemig, McDermott and Swecker; by request of Secretary of State).

Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections

House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs

Background: Declarations of candidacy for federal offices and offices representing the entire state must be filed with the Secretary of State (SOS).

Declarations of candidacy for the State Legislature, the court of appeals, and the superior court must be filed with the SOS if the office is in a district comprised of more than one county. If the district is comprised of voters from only one county, the declarations may be filed with either the SOS or the county auditor.

Candidates for any office with a fixed salary over $1,000 per year must pay a filing fee equal to 1 percent of the annual salary of that position, or submit a filing fee petition. A candidate for any office with an annual salary below $1,000 must pay a fee of $10. The filing fee for the office of precinct committee officer is $1.

Summary: Declarations of candidacy for the State Legislature, the court of appeals, or the superior court must be filed with the county auditor if the candidate is in a district comprised of voters from a single county. The SOS only accepts declarations of candidacy for candidates for statewide office and for multi-county offices. Corresponding fee provisions are updated accordingly.

The filing fee for the office of precinct committee officer is eliminated.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	44	0
House	97	0