HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No.  HB 1884

Providing appointments to inspect campaign account books.

Brief Title                              Hearing Date: 2/19/99

Reps. Lambert and Ogden                    Staff: Steve Lundin

Sponsor(s)                          State Government Committee

                                              Phone:  786-7127

BACKGROUND:

A candidate, or the treasurer of a candidate=s authorized committee, must maintain books of account accurately reflecting all contributions and expenditures on a current basis within five business days of the receipt or expenditure.

However, during the eight days prior to an election or primary, the books of account must be kept current within one business day.  During this eight-day period, the books of account must be open for public inspection for at least two consecutive hours, between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays, at the principal headquarters or the address of the treasurer of such other place as authorized by the Public Disclosure Commission.  The committee=s statement of organization that is filed with the Public Disclosure Commission specifies which consecutive two hours of each day the books of account are open for public inspection.

SUMMARY:

The requirement for keeping an authorized committee=s books of account open for public inspection during the eight-day period prior to an election or primary is altered.  These books of account must be open for public inspection for at least two consecutive hours on the eighth day before the election or primary.

In addition, the books of account must also be open for public inspection to be conducted from 8:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m. on the seventh day through the day immediately before the election or primary, but not including Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, if an appointment has been made for this inspection, the appointment must be made between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on the eighth day prior to the election or primary.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.