Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
State Government Committee

HB 2585

Brief Description:  Restricting political activity by public disclosure commissioners.

Sponsors:  Representatives McDermott, Romero, Miloscia, Upthegrove, Schindler and Lysen.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Requires members of the public disclosure commission to be registered voters of the state at the time of selection.

$Expands restrictions on the activities of the members of the public disclosure commission.  In addition to the existing prohibition on holding or campaigning for elected office, members cannot hold, seek or campaign for appointed office.

Hearing Date:  1/29/02

Staff:  Kimberly Berry (786‑7291).

Background:

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) was created by Initiative Measure No. 276, the Public Disclosure Act (PDA), in 1972.   The PDC provides public access to information about the financing of political campaigns, lobbyist expenditures, and the financial affairs of public officials and candidates.  The PDC is also responsible for ensuring compliance with contribution limits and other campaign finance restrictions.

The PDC is composed of five members appointed by the Governor, with the consent of the senate.  No more than three members can identify with the same political party.

During their tenure, PDC members are prohibited from participating in the following activities:

$holding or campaigning for elective office;

$serving as an officer of any political party or political committee;

$permitting his or her name to be used in support of or in opposition to a candidate or proposition;

$soliciting or making contributions to a candidate, or in support of or in opposition to any candidate or proposition;

$participating in any way in any election campaign; or

$lobbying, or employing or assisting a lobbyist.

Summary of Bill:

No person may serve on the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) who is not a registered voter of the state at the time of selection.

Current law restricts members of the PDC from holding or campaigning for elective office during their tenure.  The restriction is expanded to prohibit members from holding, seeking or campaigning for appointed office.

Rulemaking Authority:  No express authority.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.