FINAL BILL REPORT

                             I 573

                           C 1 L 93

Brief Description:  Ballot access for elected officials.

SPONSORS: People of the State of Washington

BACKGROUND:

There are no limitations on the number of terms a person may serve as governor, lieutenant governor, state representative, state senator, U.S. representative or U.S. senator.  It is stated by some that "entrenched incumbents have become indifferent to the conditions and concerns of the people" and that "the people of Washington have a compelling interest in preventing the self-perpetuating monopoly of elective office by a dynastic ruling class."  (Init. 573, findings)

In November 1992 the voters elected 36 new state representatives, 15 new state senators, three new U.S. representatives, one new U.S. senator and a new governor.  The voters also passed Initiative 573, a term limits initiative, revised from a term limits initiative which failed in 1991.

SUMMARY:

A candidate for governor, lieutenant governor, state senate or U.S. senate may not file a declaration of candidacy or appear on the ballot if they have served in that office for eight of the previous 14 years.

A candidate for state representative or U.S. representative may not file a declaration of candidacy or appear on the ballot if they have served in that office for six of the previous 12 years.

A candidate for either house in the state legislature or for either house in Congress may not file a declaration of candidacy or appear on the ballot if they have served in that legislative body for 14 of the previous 20 years.

No time in office prior to November 3, 1992 may be used to determine eligibility to appear on the ballot.

The limitations of this act do not apply to write-in candidates.

Any citizen of the state may bring suit to enforce the restrictions of this act and, if they prevail, recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs.

Effective:  December 3, 1992