SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 782

BYHouse Committee on Constitution, Elections & Ethics (originally sponsored by Representatives Fisher, Nelson and Locke)

Changing reporting requirements for lobbyists.

House Committe on Constitution, Elections & Ethics

Senate Committee on Judiciary

Senate Hearing Date(s):April 3, 1987

Majority Report:     Do pass as amended.

     Signed by Senators Talmadge, Chairman; Halsan, Vice Chairman; Bottiger, Moore.

Senate Staff:Jon Carlson (786-7459)

                April 3, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, APRIL 3, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The public disclosure statutes define "lobbying" as attempts to influence the passage or defeat of any legislation by the State Legislature or the adoption or rejection of any rule, standard, rate, or similar act of a state agency under the state administrative procedure acts.

Although persons who lobby are required to register with the Public Disclosure Commission, exemptions from this requirement are established by law for a number of lobbying activities. Reports filed by lobbyists must identify expenditures made for certain lobbying activities.  Reports filed by the employer of a lobbyist must identify the total expenditures made by the employer for lobbying purposes.

SUMMARY:

The activities are broadened for which expenses must be reported by a lobbyist and by the employer of a lobbyist in reports filed with the Public Disclosure Commission.  Such lobbying activities include the development of legislation or rules, the development of support for or opposition to legislation or rules, and attempts to influence the development of legislation or rules.

The annual report of the employer of a lobbyist must include the total expenditures made by the employer for each such lobbyist for lobbying purposes.  For each registered lobbyist employed by means other than by contract, the report shall also include the total of all office expenses, including rent and the salaries and wages paid for staff and secretarial assistance, incurred directly for lobbying purposes.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

The requirement that registered lobbyists, other than contract lobbyists, report the total of all office expenses including rent and the salaries and wages paid for staff and secretarial assistance incurred for lobbying purposes is deleted.

Fiscal Note:    none requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   No one