HB 1018

HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1018

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by House Committee On:
State Government & Tribal Affairs

Title: An act relating to the time limit for state officials to solicit or accept contributions.

Brief Description: Modifying the time limit for state officials to solicit or accept contributions.

Sponsors: Representatives Orcutt, Haigh, Haler, Takko, Pearson, Strow, Schindler, McCune, Blake, Chandler, Moeller and Seaquist.

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 5 members: Representatives Chandler, Ranking Minority Member; Armstrong, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Kretz, Miloscia and Ormsby.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 4 members: Representatives Hunt, Chair; Appleton, Vice Chair; Green and McDermott.

Background:

Initiative 134 established campaign contribution limits for state legislative office and statewide executive office. The initiative prohibited a state official, and persons employed by or acting on behalf of a state official, from soliciting or accepting contributions to a public office fund, an authorized committee, or to retire a campaign debt during the periods 30 days before, during, and 30 days after a legislative session. The prohibition was extended through the period of any special session.

In 2006, legislation was enacted changing the date of the primary from the third Tuesday in September to the third Tuesday in August. In that legislation, the 30-day post session freeze was eliminated, allowing state officials to solicit and accept contributions the day after a legislative session ends.

Summary of Substitute Bill:

The post-session freeze for soliciting and accepting campaign contributions is changed from the day after legislative session ends to 14 days after legislative session ends.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The substitute bill changed the post-session freeze for soliciting and accepting campaign contributions from 30 days to 14 days.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) When the bill changing the date of the primary was passed, the 30-day post session freeze for soliciting and accepting campaign contributions was eliminated. This bill reinstates that post-session freeze. Most of the critical votes taken in the Legislature are at the end of session. The bill will help to maintain the public trust. Initiative 134 passed with a 70 percent majority. While the primary election fund raising period is shortened, it does not affect the general election period. Returning the post-session freeze to 30 days will not hurt an incumbent.

(Opposed) None.