HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1470

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: Representatives Hudgins, Koster, Haler, Griffey, Manweller and Doglio; by request of Secretary of State.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

State Government, Elections & Information Technology: 2/3/17, 2/7/17 [DP], 1/9/18, 1/12/18 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/28/17, 87-11.

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/12/18, 97-0.

Brief Summary of Bill

Requires candidates for all state offices to file declarations of candidacy with the Office of the Secretary of State.

Requires county auditors to provide candidates access to the state electronic filing system.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Hudgins, Chair; Dolan, Vice Chair; McDonald, Ranking Minority Member; Kraft, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Gregerson, Irwin, Johnson and Pellicciotti.

Background:

Candidates for elected office must file a declaration of candidacy. Candidates for statewide and congressional offices file declarations and a filing fee with the Office of the Secretary of State (OSOS). Candidates for state legislative office, the court of appeals, or superior court must file declarations and filing fees with the OSOS when the district of the office covers two or more counties. All other candidacy declarations are filed with the county auditor. Declarations of candidacy filings are accepted during the week that is two weeks before Memorial Day.

Summary of Bill:

Candidates for all legislative offices must file declarations for candidacy and filing fees with the OSOS. Each county auditor must provide candidates access to the state electronic filing system.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.