SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1670

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Government Operations & Elections, February 24, 2004

Title: An act relating to election cycles.

Brief Description: Adjusting the definition of "election cycle."

Sponsors: Representatives McDermott, Armstrong, Sommers, Haigh, Kessler, Nixon, Hatfield, Wood, Hunt, Tom, Wallace and Shabro.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 3/26/03, 4/4/03 [DP]; 2/24/04 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Stevens, Vice Chair; Berkey, Fairley, Horn, Kastama and McCaslin.

Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)

Background: Contributions made with respect to a general election may not be made after the final day of the election cycle. The election cycle begins on the first day of December after the date of the last previous general election for the office that the candidate seeks, and ends on November 30 after the next election for the office. In the case of a special election to fill a vacancy, the election cycle begins on the day the vacancy occurs and ends on November 30 after the special election.

Summary of Bill: The election cycle is changed to begin on the first day of January after the date of the last previous general election for the office that the candidate seeks, and ends on December 31 after the next election for the office. In the case of a special election to fill a vacancy in an office, the election cycle begins on the day the vacancy occurs and ends on December 31 after the special election.

The effect of this change allows candidates to raise money until December 31 following the date of the general election, or an additional 31 days. However, state officials are barred from accepting contributions 30 days before the beginning of a regular legislative session; therefore, the period for accepting contributions is extended approximately two weeks.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: Adjusting the election cycle gives incumbents a few extra weeks to close out old campaign accounts and start new ones. Contributions that trickle in after December 1 are really related to the existing campaign and are not contributions for a new campaign, so the incumbent should not have to open a new account for those funds.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Rep. McDermott, prime sponsor (pro).