BILL REQ. #: Z-0405.3
| State of Washington | 62nd Legislature | 2011 Regular Session |
Read first time 01/24/11. Referred to Committee on Judiciary.
AN ACT Relating to charitable solicitations; amending RCW 19.09.010, 19.09.020, 19.09.062, 19.09.065, 19.09.075, 19.09.079, 19.09.085, 19.09.097, 19.09.200, 19.09.210, 19.09.230, 19.09.271, 19.09.275, 19.09.276, 19.09.277, 19.09.279, 19.09.305, 19.09.315, 19.09.340, 19.09.355, 19.09.400, 19.09.430, and 19.09.440; reenacting and amending RCW 19.09.100; adding new sections to chapter 19.09 RCW; repealing RCW 19.09.076, 19.09.190, 19.09.240, 19.09.500, and 19.09.540; and prescribing penalties.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
Sec. 1 RCW 19.09.010 and 2007 c 471 s 1 are each amended to read
as follows:
The purpose of this chapter is to:
(1) Provide citizens of the state of Washington with information
relating to ((persons and organizations who)) any entity that solicits
funds from the public for public charitable purposes in order to
prevent (a) deceptive and dishonest practices in the conduct of
soliciting funds for or in the name of charity; and (b) improper use of
contributions intended for charitable purposes;
(2) Improve the transparency and accountability of organizations
that solicit funds from the public for charitable purposes; and
(3) Develop and operate educational programs or partnerships for
charitable organizations, board members, and the general public that
help build public confidence and trust in organizations that solicit
funds from the public for charitable purposes.
Sec. 2 RCW 19.09.020 and 2007 c 471 s 2 are each amended to read
as follows:
When used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) A "bona fide officer or employee" of a charitable organization
is one (a) whose conduct is subject to direct control by such
organization; (b) who does not act in the manner of an independent
contractor in his or her relation with the organization; and (c) whose
compensation is not computed on funds raised or to be raised.
(2) "Charitable organization" means any entity that solicits or
collects contributions from the general public where the contribution
is or is purported to be used to support a charitable purpose, but does
not include any commercial fund-raiser, commercial fund-raising entity,
commercial coventurer, or any fund-raising counsel, as defined in this
section. Churches and their integrated auxiliaries, and political
organizations are not charitable organizations, but all are subject to
RCW 19.09.100 (((12),)) (15)((, and)) through (18).
(3) "Charitable purpose" means any religious, charitable,
scientific, testing for public safety, literary, or educational purpose
or any other purpose that is beneficial to the community, including
environmental, humanitarian, patriotic, or civic purposes, the support
of national or international amateur sports competition, the prevention
of cruelty to children or animals, the advancement of social welfare,
or the benefit of law enforcement personnel, firefighters, and other
persons who protect public safety. The term "charitable" is used in
its generally accepted legal sense and includes relief of the poor, the
distressed, or the underprivileged; advancement of religion;
advancement of education or science; erecting or maintaining public
buildings, monuments, or works; lessening the burdens of government;
lessening neighborhood tensions; eliminating prejudice and
discrimination; defending human and civil rights secured by law; and
combating community deterioration and juvenile delinquency.
(4) "Commercial coventurer" means any individual or corporation,
partnership, sole proprietorship, limited liability company, limited
partnership, limited liability partnership, or any other legal entity,
that:
(a) Is regularly and primarily engaged in making sales of goods or
services for profit directly to the general public;
(b) Is not otherwise regularly or primarily engaged in making
((charitable)) solicitations in this state or otherwise raising funds
in this state for one or more charitable organizations;
(c) Represents to prospective purchasers that, if they purchase a
good or service from the commercial coventurer, a portion of the sales
price or a sum of money or some other specified thing of value will be
donated to a named charitable organization; and
(d) Does not ask purchasers to make checks or other instruments
payable to a named charitable organization or any entity other than the
commercial coventurer itself under its regular commercial name.
(5) "Commercial fund-raiser" or "commercial fund-raising entity"
means any entity that for compensation or other consideration ((within
this state)) directly or indirectly solicits or receives contributions
within this state for or on behalf of any charitable organization or
charitable purpose, or that is engaged in the business of, or ((is held
out)) represents to persons in this state as independently engaged in
the business of, soliciting or receiving contributions for such
purposes. However, a commercial coventurer, fund-raising counsel, or
consultant is not a commercial fund-raiser or commercial fund-raising
entity.
(6) "Compensation" means salaries, wages, fees, commissions, or any
other remuneration or valuable consideration.
(7) "Contribution" means the payment, donation, or promise, ((or
grant,)) for consideration or otherwise, of any money or property of
any kind or value which contribution is wholly or partly induced by a
solicitation. Reference to dollar amounts of "contributions" or
"solicitations" in this chapter means in the case of payments or
promises to pay for merchandise or rights of any description, the value
of the total amount paid or promised to be paid for such merchandise or
rights.
(8) "Cost of solicitation" means and includes all direct and
indirect costs, expenditures, debts, obligations, salaries, wages,
commissions, fees, or other money or thing of value paid or incurred in
making a solicitation.
(9) "Entity" means an individual, organization, group, association,
partnership, corporation, agency or unit of state government, or any
combination thereof.
(10) "Fund-raising counsel" or "consultant" means any entity or
individual who is retained by a charitable organization, for a fixed
fee or rate, that is not computed on a percentage of funds raised, or
to be raised, under a written agreement only to plan, advise, consult,
or prepare materials for a solicitation of contributions in this state,
but who does not manage, conduct, or carry on a fund-raising campaign
and who does not solicit contributions or employ, procure, or engage
any compensated person to solicit contributions, and who does not at
any time have custody or control of contributions. A volunteer,
employee, or salaried officer of a charitable organization maintaining
a permanent establishment or office in this state is not a fund-raising
counsel. An attorney, investment counselor, or banker who advises an
individual, corporation, or association to make a charitable
contribution is not a fund-raising counsel as a result of the advice.
(11) "General public" or "public" means any individual or entity
located in Washington state without a membership or other official
relationship with a charitable organization before a solicitation by
the charitable organization.
(12) "Gross revenue" or "annual gross revenue" means, for any
accounting period, the total value of revenue, excluding unrealized
capital gains, but including noncash contributions of tangible,
personal property received by or on behalf of a charitable organization
from all sources, without subtracting any costs or expenses.
(13) "Membership" means that for the payment of fees, dues,
assessments, etc., an organization provides services and confers a bona
fide right, privilege, professional standing, honor, or other direct
benefit, in addition to the right to vote, elect officers, or hold
office. The term "membership" does not include those persons who are
granted a membership upon making a contribution as the result of
solicitation.
(((13))) (14) "Other employee" of a charitable organization means
any person (a) whose conduct is subject to direct control by such
organization; (b) who does not act in the manner of any independent
contractor in his or her relation with the organization; and (c) who is
not engaged in the business of or held out to persons in this state as
independently engaged in the business of soliciting contributions for
charitable purposes or religious activities.
(((14))) (15) "Political organization" means those organizations
whose activities are subject to chapter ((42.17)) 42.17A RCW or the
Federal Elections Campaign Act of 1971, as amended.
(((15))) (16) "Religious organization" means those entities that
are not churches or integrated auxiliaries and includes
nondenominational ministries, interdenominational and ecumenical
organizations, mission organizations, speakers' organizations,
faith-based social agencies, and other entities whose principal purpose
is the study, practice, or advancement of religion.
(((16))) (17) "Secretary" means the secretary of state.
(((17))) (18) "Signed" means hand-written, or, if the secretary
adopts rules facilitating electronic filing that pertain to this
chapter, in the manner prescribed by those rules.
(((18))) (19)(a) "Solicitation" means any oral or written request
for a contribution, including the solicitor's offer or attempt to sell
any property, rights, services, or other thing in connection with
which:
(i) Any appeal is made for any charitable purpose;
(ii) The name of any charitable organization is used as an
inducement for consummating the sale; or
(iii) Any statement is made that implies that the whole or any part
of the proceeds from the sale will be applied toward any charitable
purpose or donated to any charitable organization.
(b) The solicitation shall be deemed completed when made, whether
or not the person making it receives any contribution or makes any
sale.
(c) "Solicitation" does not include bingo activities, raffles, and
amusement games conducted under chapter 9.46 RCW and applicable rules
of the Washington state gambling commission.
(20) "Solicitation report" means the financial information the
secretary requires pursuant to RCW 19.09.075 or 19.09.079.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3 A new section is added to chapter 19.09 RCW
to read as follows:
The application requirements of RCW 19.09.075 do not apply to:
(1) Any charitable organization raising less than an amount as set
by rule adopted by the secretary in any accounting year when all the
activities of the organization, including all fund-raising activities,
are carried on by persons who are unpaid for their services and no part
of the charitable organization's assets or income inures to the benefit
of or is paid to any officer, director, member, or trustee of the
organization, other than as part of a charitable class benefited by the
charitable organization.
(2) Appeals for funds on behalf of a specific individual named in
the solicitation, but only if all of the proceeds of the solicitation
are given to or expended for the direct benefit of that individual.
Sec. 4 RCW 19.09.062 and 2010 1st sp.s. c 29 s 11 are each
amended to read as follows:
The secretary of state ((shall)) must collect the following fees in
accordance with this chapter:
(1) For an application for registration as a charitable
organization, a fee of sixty dollars. Twenty dollars of this fee must
be deposited in the state general fund and the remaining forty dollars
must be deposited in the charitable organization education account
under RCW 19.09.530;
(2) For an annual renewal of registration as a charitable
organization, a fee of forty dollars. Ten dollars of this fee must be
deposited in the state general fund and the remaining thirty dollars
must be deposited in the charitable organization education account
under RCW 19.09.530;
(3) For an application for registration as a commercial fund-raiser, a fee of three hundred dollars. Two hundred fifty dollars of
this fee must be deposited in the state general fund and the remaining
fifty dollars must be deposited in the charitable organization
education account under RCW 19.09.530;
(4) For an annual renewal of registration as a commercial fund-raiser, a fee of two hundred twenty-five dollars. One hundred seventy-five dollars of this fee must be deposited in the state general fund
and the remaining fifty dollars must be deposited in the charitable
organization education account under RCW 19.09.530;
(5) For a registration of a commercial fund-raiser service
contract, a fee of twenty dollars. Ten dollars of this fee must be
deposited in the state general fund and the remaining ten dollars must
be deposited in the charitable organization education account under RCW
19.09.530.
Sec. 5 RCW 19.09.065 and 1993 c 471 s 2 are each amended to read
as follows:
(1) All charitable organizations and commercial fund-raisers
((shall)) must register with the secretary prior to conducting any
solicitations.
(2) Failure to register as required by this chapter is a violation
of this chapter.
(3) Information provided to the secretary pursuant to this chapter
((shall be)) is a public record except as ((otherwise stated in this
chapter)) provided by law. Social security numbers and financial
account numbers are not public information.
(4) Registration ((shall)) must not be considered or be represented
as an endorsement by the secretary or the state of Washington.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 6 A new section is added to chapter 19.09 RCW,
to be codified between RCW 19.09.065 and 19.09.075, to read as follows:
(1) Entities are deemed registered under RCW 19.09.075 or 19.09.079
twenty days after receipt of the registration or renewal form by the
secretary and may thereafter solicit contributions from the general
public.
(2) If the secretary determines that the application for initial
registration or renewal is incomplete, the secretary will notify the
applicant of the information necessary to complete the application.
The secretary may hold the application up to thirty days to allow the
applicant time to provide additional information. If the applicant
fails to provide complete information as requested by the secretary,
the applicant will be deemed unregistered and must cease all
solicitations as defined by this chapter.
(3) If an applicant fails to pay a required fee for any filing, the
secretary will notify the applicant of the necessary fee to complete
the application. The secretary may hold the application up to thirty
days to allow the applicant time to submit the required payment. If
the applicant fails to provide the required payment as requested by the
secretary, the applicant will be deemed unregistered and must cease all
solicitations as defined by this chapter.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 7 A new section is added to chapter 19.09 RCW,
to be codified between section 6 of this act and RCW 19.09.075, to read
as follows:
Charitable organizations must ensure that the financial information
included in the solicitation report fairly represents, in all material
respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the
organization as of, and for, the period presented to the secretary for
filing. If the financial information submitted to the secretary is
incorrect in any material way, it is a violation of this chapter and
the charitable organization may be subject to penalties as provided
under RCW 19.09.279.
Sec. 8 RCW 19.09.075 and 2010 1st sp.s. c 29 s 12 are each
amended to read as follows:
(1) An application for initial registration and renewal as a
charitable organization ((shall)) must be submitted ((in)) on the form
((prescribed by rule)) approved by the secretary((, containing, but not
limited to, the following)) and must contain:
(((1))) (a) The name, address, and telephone number of the
charitable organization;
(((2))) (b) The name(s) under which the charitable organization
will solicit contributions;
(((3))) (c) The name, address, and telephone number of the officers
of or persons accepting responsibility for the charitable organization;
(((4))) (d) The names of the three officers or employees receiving
the greatest amount of compensation from the charitable organization;
(((5))) (e) The purpose of the charitable organization;
(((6)(a))) (f) Whether the organization is exempt from federal
income tax; and if so the organization shall attach to its application
a copy of the letter by which the internal revenue service granted such
status; ((and)) (g) The name and address of the entity that prepares,
reviews, or audits the financial statement of the charitable
organization;
(b)
(((7))) (h) A solicitation report of the charitable organization
for the preceding, completed accounting year including:
(((a))) (i) The types of solicitations conducted;
(((b))) (ii) The ((total dollar value of contributions)) gross
revenue received from ((solicitations and from)) all ((other)) sources
((received on behalf of the charitable purpose)) by or on behalf of the
charitable organization before any expenses are paid or deducted;
(((c))) (iii) The total ((amount of money applied to charitable
purposes, fund-raising costs, and other expenses; and)) value of contributions received from all solicitations
for or on behalf of the charitable organization before any expenses are
paid or deducted;
(d) The name, address, and telephone number of any commercial fund-raiser used by the organization;
(8) An irrevocable appointment of the secretary to receive service
of process in noncriminal proceedings as provided in RCW 19.09.305; and
(9) The total revenue of the preceding fiscal year.
The solicitation report required to be submitted under subsection
(7) of this section shall be in the form prescribed by rule by the
secretary, or as agreed to by the secretary and a charitable
organization
(iv) The total value of funds expended for charitable purposes; and
(v) Total expenses, including expenditures for charitable purposes,
fund-raising costs, and administrative expenses;
(i) The name, address, and telephone number of any commercial fund-raiser retained by the charitable organization; and
(j) An irrevocable appointment of the secretary to receive service
of process in noncriminal proceedings as provided in RCW 19.09.305; and
(k) Such other information the secretary deems necessary by rule.
(2) The governing body or committee thereof must review and accept
any financial report that the charitable organization may be required
to file with the office of the secretary.
(3) Charitable organizations that are required under federal tax
law to file an annual return in the form 990 series or any successor
series is not required to file a copy of such annual return with the
secretary: PROVIDED, That the charitable organization complies with
all federal tax law requirements with respect to public inspection of
such annual return.
(4) The president, treasurer, or comparable officer of the
organization must sign and date the application. The application
((shall)) must be submitted with a nonrefundable filing fee established
in RCW 19.09.062. ((If the secretary determines that the application
is complete, the application shall be filed and the applicant deemed
registered.))
(5) Charitable organizations required to register and renew under
this chapter must file a notice of change of information within thirty
days of any change in the information contained in subsection (1)(a)
through (k) of this section.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 9 A new section is added to chapter 19.09 RCW
to read as follows:
The secretary is authorized to adopt rules, in accordance with
chapter 34.05 RCW, that establish a set of tiered financial reporting
requirements for charitable organizations required to register with the
secretary pursuant to this chapter. Rules adopted under this section
must include, but not be limited to, substantially the following:
(1) Tier one. Charitable organizations with one million dollars or
less in annual gross revenue averaged over the three preceding,
completed accounting years must meet the financial reporting
requirements specified in RCW 19.09.075;
(2) Tier two. Charitable organizations with more than one million
dollars and up to three million dollars in annual gross revenue
averaged over the three preceding, completed accounting years must, in
addition to the reporting requirements in RCW 19.09.075, make one of
the following financial reporting requirements available to the public
upon request, or accessible to the public on the internet:
(a) The federal financial reporting form (990, 990PF, 990EZ, 990T)
the organization normally files with the IRS which must be prepared by
a certified public accountant or other professional who normally
prepares such forms in the ordinary course of their business; or
(b) An audited financial statement prepared by an independent
certified public accountant for the preceding accounting year;
(3) Tier three. Charitable organizations with more than three
million dollars in annual gross revenue averaged over the three
preceding, completed accounting years must, in addition to the
reporting requirements in RCW 19.09.075, obtain an independent, third-party audit of its financial records for the preceding accounting year.
This audit report must be made available in paper form to the public
upon request or accessible to the public on the internet.
(4) The secretary may waive a tiered reporting requirement as
prescribed in rule.
Sec. 10 RCW 19.09.079 and 2010 1st sp.s. c 29 s 13 are each
amended to read as follows:
An application for registration and renewal as a commercial fund-raiser ((shall)) must be submitted ((in)) on the form ((prescribed))
approved by the secretary((, containing, but not limited to, the
following)) and must contain:
(1) The name, address, and telephone number of the commercial fund-raising entity;
(2) The name(s), address(es), and telephone number(s) of the
owner(s) and principal officer(s) of the commercial fund-raising
entity;
(3) The name, address, and telephone number of the individual
responsible for the activities of the commercial fund-raising entity in
Washington;
(4) The names of the three officers or employees receiving the
greatest amount of compensation from the commercial fund-raising
entity;
(5) The name and address of the entity that prepares, reviews, or
audits the financial statement of the organization;
(6) A solicitation report of the commercial fund-raising entity for
the preceding, completed accounting year, including:
(a) The types of fund-raising services conducted;
(b) The names of charitable organizations required to register
under RCW ((19.09.065)) 19.09.075 for whom fund-raising services have
been performed;
(c) The total value of contributions received on behalf of
charitable organizations required to register under RCW ((19.09.065))
19.09.075 by the commercial fund-raiser, affiliate of the commercial
fund-raiser, or any entity retained by the commercial fund-raiser; and
(d) The amount of money disbursed to charitable organizations for
charitable purposes, net of fund-raising costs paid by the charitable
organization as stipulated in any agreement between charitable
organizations and the commercial fund-raiser;
(7) The name, address, and telephone number of any other commercial
fund-raiser that was retained in the conduct of providing fund-raising
services; ((and))
(8) An irrevocable appointment of the secretary to receive service
of process in noncriminal proceedings as provided in RCW 19.09.305; and
(9) Such other information the secretary deems necessary by rule.
The application ((shall)) must be signed by an officer or owner of
the commercial fund-raiser and ((shall)) must be submitted with a
nonrefundable fee established in RCW 19.09.062. ((If the secretary
determines that the application is complete, the application shall be
filed and the applicant deemed registered.))
Commercial fund-raisers required to register and renew under this
chapter must file a notice of change of information within thirty days
of any change in the information contained in subsections (1) through
(7) and (9) of this section.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 11 A new section is added to chapter 19.09 RCW
to read as follows:
(1) Every commercial fund-raiser must execute a surety bond if it:
(a) Directly or indirectly receives contributions from the public
on behalf of any charitable organization;
(b) Is compensated based upon funds raised or to be raised, number
of solicitations made or to be made, or any other similar method;
(c) Incurs or is authorized to incur expenses on behalf of the
charitable organization; or
(d) Has not been registered with the secretary as a commercial
fund-raiser for the preceding accounting year.
(2) The surety bond must be executed as principal in the amount
prescribed by the secretary in rule. The issuer of the surety bond
must be licensed to do business in this state, and must promptly notify
the secretary when claims or payments are made against the bond or when
the bond is canceled. The bond must be filed with the secretary in the
form prescribed by the secretary. The bond must run to the state and
to any person who may have a cause of action against the obligor of
said bond for any malfeasance, misfeasance, or deceptive practice in
the conduct of solicitations.
The secretary may also provide by rule for the reduction and
reinstatement of the bond required by this section.
Sec. 12 RCW 19.09.085 and 2007 c 471 s 6 are each amended to read
as follows:
(1) Registration under this chapter ((shall be)) is effective for
one year or ((longer,)) as established by the secretary.
(2) ((Reregistration)) Renewals required under RCW 19.09.075 or
19.09.079 ((shall)) must be submitted to the secretary no later than
the date established by the secretary by rule.
(3) ((Entities required to register under this chapter shall file
a notice of change of information within thirty days of any change in
the information contained in RCW 19.09.075 (1) through (9) or 19.09.079
(1) through (7).)) The secretary ((
(4)shall)) must notify entities registered under
this chapter of the need to ((reregister)) renew upon the expiration of
their current registration. The notification ((shall)) must be ((by
mail, sent at least)) made approximately sixty days prior to the
expiration ((of their current registration)) date and must be made
through postal or electronic means. Failure to ((register)) renew
shall not be excused by a failure of the secretary to ((mail)) send the
notice or by an entity's failure to receive the notice.
(4) Entities required to register and renew under this chapter must
file a notice of change of information within thirty days of any change
in the information contained in RCW 19.09.075 (1)(a) through (k) or
19.09.079 (1) through (7) and (9).
(5) Entities are deemed registered under RCW 19.09.075 or 19.09.079
no sooner than twenty days after receipt of the registration or renewal
form by the secretary and may thereafter solicit contributions from the
general public.
(6) If the secretary determines that the application for initial
registration or renewal is incomplete, the secretary must notify the
applicant of the information necessary to complete the application.
The secretary may hold the application up to thirty days to allow the
applicant time to provide additional information. If the applicant
fails to provide complete information as requested by the secretary,
the applicant must be deemed unregistered and must cease all
solicitations as defined by this chapter.
(7) If an applicant fails to pay a required fee for any filing, the
secretary must notify the applicant of the necessary fee to complete
the application. The secretary may hold the application up to thirty
days to allow the applicant time to submit the required payment. If
the applicant fails to provide the required payment as requested by the
secretary, the applicant must be deemed unregistered and must cease all
solicitations as defined by this chapter.
Sec. 13 RCW 19.09.097 and 2010 1st sp.s. c 29 s 14 are each
amended to read as follows:
(1) No charitable organization may contract with a commercial fund-raiser for any fund-raising service or activity unless its contract
requires that both parties comply with the law and permits officers of
the charity reasonable access to:
(a) The fund-raisers' financial records relating to that charitable
organization;
(b) The fund-raisers' operations including without limitation the
right to be present during any telephone solicitation; and
(c) The names of all of the fund-raisers' employees or staff who
are conducting fund-raising activities or ((charitable)) solicitations
on behalf of the charitable organization. In addition, the contract
shall specify the amount of raised funds that the charitable
organization will receive or the method of computing that amount, the
amount of compensation of the commercial fund-raiser or the method of
computing that amount, and whether the compensation is fixed or
contingent.
(2) Before a charitable organization may contract with a commercial
fund-raiser for any fund-raising service or activity, the charitable
organization and commercial fund-raiser shall complete and file a
registration form with the secretary. The registration ((shall)) must
be filed by the charitable organization ((in)) on the form
((prescribed)) approved by the secretary((. The registration shall))
and must contain((, but not be limited to, the following information)):
(a) The name and registration number of the commercial fund-raiser;
(b) ((The name of the surety or sureties issuing the bond required
by RCW 19.09.190, the aggregate amount of such bond or bonds, the bond
number(s), original effective date(s), and termination date(s);)) The name and registration number of the charitable
organization;
(c)
(((d))) (c) The name of the representative of the commercial fund-raiser who will be responsible for the conduct of the fund-raising;
(((e))) (d) The type(s) of service(s) to be provided by the
commercial fund-raiser;
(((f))) (e) The term dates of the contract and the dates such
service(s) will begin and end;
(((g))) (f) The terms of the ((agreement)) contract between the
charitable organization and commercial fund-raiser relating to:
(i) Amount or percentages of amounts to inure to the charitable
organization;
(ii) Limitations placed on the maximum amount to be raised by the
fund-raiser, if the amount to inure to the charitable organization is
not stated as a percentage of the amount raised;
(iii) Costs of fund-raising that will be the responsibility of the
charitable organization, regardless of whether paid as a direct
expense, deducted from the amounts disbursed, or otherwise; and
(iv) The manner in which contributions received directly by the
charitable organization, not the result of services provided by the
commercial fund-raiser, will be identified and used in computing the
fee owed to the commercial fund-raiser; and
(((h))) (g) The names of any entity, other than the contracting
commercial fund-raiser to which ((more than ten percent)) any of the
total anticipated fund-raising cost is to be paid, and whether any
principal officer or owner of the commercial fund-raiser or relative by
blood or marriage thereof is an owner or officer of any such entity.
(3) The registration form must be submitted with a nonrefundable
filing fee established in RCW 19.09.062 and must be signed by an owner
or principal officer of the commercial fund-raiser and the president,
treasurer, trustee or comparable officer of the charitable
organization.
(4) A correct copy of the contract shall be filed with the
secretary before the commencement of any campaign.
(((4) The registration form shall be submitted with a nonrefundable
filing fee established in RCW 19.09.062 and shall be signed by an owner
or principal officer of the commercial fund-raiser and the president,
treasurer, or comparable officer of the charitable organization.))
(5) If the secretary determines that the application is incomplete,
the secretary must notify the applicant of the information necessary to
complete the application. The secretary may hold documents up to
thirty days to allow the applicant time to provide additional
information. If the applicant fails to provide complete information as
requested by the secretary, the applicant must be deemed unregistered
and the commercial fund-raiser must cease all solicitations under the
terms of the contract.
(6) If an applicant fails to pay the required filing fee, the
secretary must notify the applicant of the necessary fee to complete
the application. The secretary may hold the application up to thirty
days to allow the applicant time to submit the required payment. If
the applicant fails to provide the required payment as requested by the
secretary, the applicant must be deemed unregistered and the commercial
fund-raiser must cease all solicitations under the terms of the
contract.
Sec. 14 RCW 19.09.100 and 2007 c 471 s 8 and 2007 c 218 s 64 are
each reenacted and amended to read as follows:
All entities soliciting contributions for charitable purposes must
comply with the requirements of this section except entities exempted
from registration are not required to make the disclosures under
subsections (1)(c), (4)(b) or (c), and (5)(b) of this section. The
following conditions apply to solicitations as defined by RCW
19.09.020:
(1) ((A charitable organization, whether or not required to
register pursuant to this chapter,)) Any entity that directly solicits
contributions from the public in this state ((shall)) must make the
following clear and conspicuous disclosures at the point of
solicitation:
(a) The name of the individual making the solicitation;
(b) The identity of the charitable organization and the city of the
principal place of business of the charitable organization;
(c) ((If requested by the solicitee,)) The published number ((in))
and web site of the office of the secretary, if requested, for the
donor to obtain additional financial ((disclosure)) and other
information on file with the secretary. The disclosure must be made
during an oral solicitation of a contribution, and at the same time at
which a written request for a contribution is made.
(2) A commercial fund-raiser ((shall)) must meet the required
disclosures described in subsection (1) of this section clearly and
conspicuously ((disclose)) at the point of solicitation((:)) and must also disclose the name of the entity for which the
fund-raiser is an agent or employee and the name and city of the
charitable organization for which the solicitation is being
conducted((
(a) The name of the individual making the solicitation;
(b); and)).
(c) If requested by the solicitee, the published number in the
office of the secretary for the donor to obtain additional financial
disclosure information on file with the secretary. The disclosure must
be made during an oral solicitation of a contribution, and at the same
time at which a written request for a contribution is made
(3) ((A person or organization soliciting charitable contributions
by)) Telephone ((shall make)) solicitations must include the
disclosures required under subsection (1) or (2) of this section ((in
the course of the solicitation but)) prior to asking for a ((commitment
for a)) contribution ((from the solicitee, and)). The required
disclosures must also be provided in writing within five business days
to ((any solicitee that)) anyone who makes a pledge ((within five
working days of making the pledge. If the person or organization sends
any materials to the person or organization solicited before the
receipt of any contribution, those materials shall include the
disclosures required in subsection (1) or (2) of this section,
whichever is applicable)) by telephone to donate.
(4) In the case of a solicitation by advertisement or mass
distribution, including postal, electronic, posters, leaflets,
automatic dialing machines, publications, and audio or video
broadcasts, it ((shall)) must be clearly and conspicuously disclosed in
the body of the solicitation material that:
(a) The solicitation is conducted by a named commercial fund-raiser, if it is;
(b) The ((notice of solicitation)) registration required by the
charitable solicitation act is on file with the secretary's office; and
(c) The potential donor can obtain additional financial
((disclosure)) and other information at a published number ((in)) or
web site for the office of the secretary.
(5) A container or vending machine displaying a solicitation must
((also)) display:
(a) In a clear and conspicuous manner the name of the charitable
organization for which funds are solicited, the name, business address,
and telephone number of the individual ((and)) or any commercial fund-raiser responsible for collecting funds placed in the containers or
vending machines((, and the following));
(b) The statement: "This ((charity)) organization is currently
registered with the secretary's office under the charitable
solicitation act((, registration number . . . .)) - call 1-800-332-4483," if the charitable organization for which funds are solicited is
required to register under chapter 19.09 RCW.
(6) ((A commercial fund-raiser shall not)) No entity may represent
that tickets to any fund-raising event will be donated for use by
another person unless all the following requirements are met:
(a) The ((commercial fund-raiser)) entity prior to conducting a
solicitation has written commitments from persons stating that they
will accept donated tickets and specifying the number of tickets they
will accept;
(b) The written commitments are kept on file by the ((commercial
fund-raiser)) entity for three years and are made available to the
secretary, attorney general, or county prosecutor on demand;
(c) The contributions solicited for donated tickets may not be more
than the amount representing the number of ticket commitments received
from persons and kept on file under (a) of this subsection; and
(d) Not later than seven calendar days prior to the date of the
event for which ticket donations are solicited, the ((commercial fund-raiser shall)) entity must give all donated tickets to the persons who
made the written commitments to accept them.
(7) ((Each person or organization)) Any entity soliciting
charitable contributions ((shall)) must not ((represent)) misrepresent
orally or in writing ((that)):
(a) ((The charitable contribution is tax deductible unless the
charitable organization for which charitable contributions are being
solicited or to which tickets for fund-raising events or other services
or goods will be donated, has applied for and received from the
internal revenue service a letter of determination granting tax
deductible status to the charitable organization)) The tax
deductibility of a contribution;
(b) That the person soliciting the charitable contribution is a
volunteer or words of similar meaning or effect that create the
impression that the person soliciting is not a paid solicitor unless
such person is unpaid for his or her services;
(c) That the person soliciting the charitable contribution is a
member, staffer, helper, or employee of the charitable organization or
words of similar meaning or effect that create the impression that the
person soliciting is not a paid solicitor if the person soliciting is
employed, contracted, or paid by a commercial fund-raiser.
(8) If the charitable organization is associated with, or has a
name that is similar to, any unit of government ((each person or
organization)) the entity soliciting contributions ((shall)) must
disclose to each person solicited whether the charitable organization
is or is not part of any unit of government and the true nature of its
relationship to the unit of government. This subsection does not apply
to a foundation or other charitable organization that is organized,
operated, or controlled by or in connection with a registered public
charity, including any governmental agency or unit, from which it
derives its name.
(9) No ((person)) entity may, in conducting any solicitation, use
the name "police," "sheriff," (("firefighter,")) "firefighters," or a
similar name unless properly authorized by ((a bona fide)) the police,
sheriff, or firefighter organization or police, sheriff, or fire
department it is representing. ((A proper)) Authorization ((shall))
must be in writing and signed by two authorized officials of the
organization or department ((and shall)). The written authorization
must be ((filed with the secretary)) retained in accordance with RCW
19.09.200.
(10) ((A person)) An entity may not, in conducting any
solicitation, use the name of a federally chartered or nationally
recognized military veterans' service organization as determined by
the United States veterans' administration unless authorized in writing
by the highest ranking official of that organization in this state.
The written authorization must be retained in accordance with RCW
19.09.200.
(11) ((A charitable organization shall)) Entities must comply with
all local governmental regulations that apply to soliciting for or on
behalf of charitable organizations.
(12) ((An entity soliciting contributions for a charitable purpose
shall not include in any solicitation, or in any advertising material
for a solicitation, or in any promotional plan for a solicitation, any
statement that is false, misleading, or deceptive. All solicitations,
advertising material, and promotional plans must fully and fairly
disclose the identity of the entity on whose behalf the solicitation is
made.)) Any entity required to register under this chapter must not
engage in any solicitation for contributions unless it complies with
all provisions of this chapter.
(13) Solicitations ((shall)) must not be conducted by a charitable
organization or commercial fund-raiser that has, or if a corporation,
its officers, directors, or principals have, been convicted of a crime
involving solicitations for or on behalf of a charitable organization
in this state, the United States, or any other state or foreign country
within the past ten years or has been subject to any permanent
injunction or administrative order or judgment under RCW 19.86.080 or
19.86.090, involving a violation or violations of RCW 19.86.020, within
the past ten years, or of restraining a false or misleading promotional
plan involving solicitations for charitable organizations.
(14) ((No charitable organization or commercial fund-raiser)) Any
entity subject to this chapter ((may)) must not use or exploit the fact
of registration under this chapter ((so as)) to lead the public to
believe that registration constitutes an endorsement or approval by the
state, but the use of the following is not deemed prohibited:
"Currently registered with the Washington state secretary of state as
required by law. Registration number . . . ."
(15) ((No entity may engage in any solicitation for contributions
for or on behalf of any charitable organization or commercial fund-raiser unless the charitable organization or commercial fund-raiser is
currently registered with the secretary.)) Any entity soliciting contributions for a charitable purpose
must not include in any solicitation, or in any advertising material
for a solicitation, or in any promotional plan for a solicitation, any
statement that is false, misleading, or deceptive. All solicitations,
advertising materials, and promotional plans must fully and fairly
disclose the identity of the entity on whose behalf the solicitation is
made.
(16) No charitable organization or commercial fund-raiser may
engage in any solicitation for contributions unless it complies with
all provisions of this chapter.
(17)
(16) No entity may place a telephone call to a donor or potential
donor for the purpose of ((charitable solicitation)) soliciting
contributions for a charitable purpose, before eight o'clock a.m. or
after nine o'clock p.m. pacific time.
(((18))) (17) No entity may, when contacting a donor or potential
donor for the purpose of ((charitable solicitation)) soliciting
contributions for a charitable purpose, engage in any conduct the
natural consequence of which is to harass, intimidate, or torment any
person in connection with the contact.
(18) Any entity that solicits contributions may not collect or
attempt to collect contributions in person or by courier unless:
(a) The contributions are noncash items such as contributions of
tangible personal property; or
(b) The solicitations are made in person and the collections, or
attempts to collect, are made at the time of the solicitations; or
(c) The contributor has agreed to purchase goods or items in
connection with the solicitation and the collection or attempt to
collect is made at the time of delivery of the goods or items.
(19) Failure to comply with subsections (1) through (18) of this
section is a violation of this chapter.
Sec. 15 RCW 19.09.200 and 1993 c 471 s 11 are each amended to
read as follows:
(1) ((Charitable organizations and commercial fund-raisers shall))
All entities required to register pursuant to this chapter must
maintain accurate, current, and readily available books and records at
their usual business locations until at least three years have elapsed
following the effective period to which they relate. The books and
records must contain, at a minimum, documentation supporting the
information contained in the solicitation report and written
authorization or authorizations required in RCW 19.09.100.
(2) All contracts between commercial fund-raisers and charitable
organizations ((shall)) must be in writing, and true and correct copies
of such contracts or records thereof ((shall)) must be kept on file in
the various offices of the charitable organization and the commercial
fund-raiser for a three-year period. Such records and contracts shall
be available for inspection and examination by the secretary of state,
attorney general, or by the county prosecuting attorney. A copy of
such contract or record ((shall)) must be submitted by the charitable
organization or commercial fund-raiser, within ten days, following
receipt of a written demand ((therefor)) from the secretary of state,
attorney general, or county prosecutor.
Sec. 16 RCW 19.09.210 and 2007 c 471 s 9 are each amended to read
as follows:
Upon the request of the secretary of state, attorney general, or
the county prosecutor, ((a charitable organization or commercial fund-raiser shall)) any entity subject to this chapter must submit a
financial statement and all requested records containing, but not
limited to, the following information:
(1) The gross amount of the contributions pledged and the gross
amount collected.
(2) The amount thereof, given or to be given to charitable purposes
represented together with details as to the manner of distribution as
may be required.
(3) The aggregate amount paid and to be paid for the expenses of
such solicitation.
(4) The amounts paid to and to be paid to commercial fund-raisers
or charitable organizations.
(5) Copies of any annual or periodic reports furnished by the
charitable organization or commercial fund-raiser of its activities
during or for the same ((fiscal)) accounting period.
Sec. 17 RCW 19.09.230 and 1994 c 287 s 3 are each amended to read
as follows:
No ((charitable organization, commercial fund-raiser, or other))
entity subject to this chapter may ((knowingly)):
(1) Use ((the)) an identical or deceptively similar name, symbol,
statement, or emblem so closely related or similar that its use would
confuse or mislead the public, of any other entity for the purpose of
soliciting contributions from persons in this state without the written
consent of such other entity. ((If the official name or the "doing
business name" being registered is the same or deceptively similar as
that of another entity, the secretary may request that a copy of the
written consent from that entity be filed with the registration. Such
consent may be deemed to have been given by anyone who is a director,
trustee, or other authorized officer of that entity. A copy of the
written consent must be kept on file by the charitable organization or
commercial fund-raiser and made available to the secretary, attorney
general, or county prosecutor upon demand. A person)) Written consent
may be deemed to have been given by anyone who is a director, trustee,
or other authorized officer of that entity.
(2) A copy of the written consent must be retained on file by the
charitable organization or commercial fund-raiser and made available to
the secretary, attorney general, or county prosecutor upon demand. The
secretary may revoke or deny an application for registration that
violates this section.
(3) An entity may be deemed to have used the name of another
((person)) entity for the purpose of soliciting contributions if such
latter ((person's)) entity's name is listed on any stationery,
advertisement, brochure, or correspondence of the ((charitable
organization or person)) entity or if such name is listed or
represented to anyone who has contributed to, sponsored, or endorsed
the ((charitable organization or person)) entity, or its ((or his))
activities.
((The secretary may revoke or deny any application for registration
that violates this section.)) This section does not apply to a
foundation or other charitable organization that is organized,
operated, or controlled by or in connection with a registered public
charity, including any governmental agency or unit, from which it
derives its name.
Sec. 18 RCW 19.09.271 and 1993 c 471 s 8 are each amended to read
as follows:
(1) If the secretary or attorney general determines that any entity
is soliciting in this state, directly or indirectly, by any means, and
has not registered with the secretary as required by this chapter, the
secretary may notify the charitable organization or commercial fund-raiser of its registration requirements by postal or electronic means.
(2) The secretary may notify the attorney general of any entity
liable for late filing fees under subsection (1) of this section.
(3) Any ((charitable organization or commercial fund-raiser))
entity who, after notification by the secretary, fails to properly
register under this chapter is subject to a late filing fee in an
amount to be established by rule by the end of the first business day
following the issuance of the notice((, is liable for a late filing fee
in an amount to be established by rule of the secretary)). The late
filing fee is in addition to any other filing fee provided by this
chapter.
(((2) The secretary shall notify the attorney general of any entity
liable for late filing fees under subsection (1) of this section.)) (4)
If the secretary or attorney general determines that any entity is
soliciting in this state, directly or indirectly, by any means, and the
entity has not registered with the secretary as required by this
chapter, the secretary, after five days notice sent by postal or
electronic means to the charitable organization or commercial fund-raiser, may publish a press release in newspapers or on the internet,
a notice to the public regarding the entity's unregistered status.
Sec. 19 RCW 19.09.275 and 2003 c 53 s 142 are each amended to
read as follows:
(1) Any ((person)) entity who knowingly violates any provision of
this chapter or who knowingly gives false or incorrect information to
the secretary, attorney general, or county prosecuting attorney in
filing statements required by this chapter, whether or not such
statement or report is verified is guilty of a gross misdemeanor
punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW.
(2) Any ((person)) entity who violates any provisions of this
chapter or who gives false or incorrect information to the secretary,
attorney general, or county prosecuting attorney in filing statements
required by this chapter, whether or not such statement or report is
verified, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20
RCW.
Sec. 20 RCW 19.09.276 and 1994 c 287 s 4 are each amended to read
as follows:
The secretary may waive penalties that have been set by rule and
assessed by the secretary due from a registered ((charitable
organization)) entity previously in good standing that would otherwise
be penalized. ((A charitable organization)) An entity desiring to seek
relief under this section must, within fifteen days of discovery of the
missed filing or lapse by its ((corporate officials)) officers,
directors, or other ((authorized officer of)) persons responsible for
the missed filing or lapse, notify the secretary in writing. The
notification must include the name and mailing address of the
organization, the organization's officer to whom correspondence should
be sent, and a statement under oath by a responsible officer of the
organization, setting forth the nature of the missed filing or lapse,
the circumstances giving rise to the missed filing or lapse, and the
relief sought. Upon receipt of the notice, the secretary shall
investigate the circumstances of the missed filing or lapse. If the
secretary is satisfied that sufficient exigent or mitigating
circumstances exist, that the ((organization)) entity has demonstrated
good faith and a reasonable attempt to comply with the applicable
((corporate)) charitable solicitation statute((s)) of this state, the
secretary may issue an order allowing relief from the penalty. If the
secretary determines the request does not comply with the requirements
for relief, the secretary shall deny the relief and state the reasons
for the denial. Notwithstanding chapter 34.05 RCW, a denial of relief
by the secretary is not reviewable.
Sec. 21 RCW 19.09.277 and 1993 c 471 s 20 are each amended to
read as follows:
If it appears to the attorney general that ((a person)) an entity
has engaged or is about to engage in an act or practice constituting a
violation of a provision of this chapter or a rule adopted or order
issued under this chapter, the attorney general may, in the attorney
general's discretion, issue an order directing the ((person)) entity to
cease and desist from continuing the act or practice. Reasonable
notice of and opportunity for a hearing shall be given. The attorney
general may issue a temporary order pending the hearing, which shall
remain in effect until ten days after the hearing is held and which
shall become final if the ((person)) entity to whom the notice is
addressed does not request a hearing within fifteen days after the
receipt of the notice.
Sec. 22 RCW 19.09.279 and 2002 c 74 s 3 are each amended to read
as follows:
(1) The secretary may assess against any ((person or organization
who)) entity that violates this chapter, or any rule adopted under this
chapter, a civil penalty of not more than one thousand dollars for each
violation.
(2) ((Such person or organization shall)) The entity must be
afforded the opportunity for a hearing, upon request made to the
secretary within thirty days after the date of issuance of the notice
of assessment. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with
chapter 34.05 RCW.
(3) If any ((person)) entity fails to pay an assessment after it
has become a final and unappealable order, or after the court has
entered final judgment in favor of the state, the attorney general may
recover the amount assessed by action in the appropriate superior
court. In such action, the validity and appropriateness of the final
order imposing the penalty shall not be subject to review.
Sec. 23 RCW 19.09.305 and 1993 c 471 s 16 are each amended to
read as follows:
When ((a person or an organization)) an entity registered under
this chapter, or its president, treasurer, or comparable officers,
cannot be found after reasonably diligent effort, the secretary of
state ((shall)) must be an agent of such ((person or organization))
entity upon whom process may be served. Service on the secretary
((shall)) must be made by delivering to the secretary or the
secretary's designee duplicate copies of such process, and a filing fee
to be established by rule of the secretary. Thereupon, the secretary
((shall)) must immediately cause one of the copies ((thereof)) to be
forwarded to the registrant at the most current address shown in the
secretary's files. Any service ((so had)) on the secretary ((shall))
must be returnable in not less than thirty days.
Any fee under this section ((shall)) may be taxable as costs in the
action.
The secretary ((shall)) must maintain a record of all process
served on the secretary under this section, and ((shall)) must record
the date of service and the secretary's action ((with reference
thereto)).
Nothing in this section limits or affects the right to serve
process required or permitted to be served on a registrant in any other
manner now or hereafter permitted by law.
Sec. 24 RCW 19.09.315 and 1993 c 471 s 17 are each amended to
read as follows:
(1) The secretary may establish, by rule, standard forms and
procedures for the efficient administration of this chapter.
(2) The secretary may provide by rule for the filing of a financial
statement by registered entities.
(3) The secretary may issue such publications, reports, or
information from the records as may be useful to the solicited public
and charitable organizations. To defray the costs of any such
publication, the secretary is authorized to charge a reasonable fee to
cover the costs of preparing, printing, and distributing such
publications, in accordance with RCW 43.07.130.
Sec. 25 RCW 19.09.340 and 1983 c 265 s 12 are each amended to
read as follows:
(1) ((The commission by any person of an act or practice prohibited
by this chapter is hereby declared to be an unfair act or practice or
unfair method of competition in the conduct of trade or commerce for
the purpose of application of the Consumer Protection Act, chapter
19.86 RCW.)) The legislature finds that the practices covered by this
chapter are matters vitally affecting the public interest for the
purpose of applying the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW. A
violation of this chapter is not reasonable in relation to the
development and preservation of business and is an unfair or deceptive
act in trade or commerce and an unfair method of competition for the
purpose of applying the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW.
(2) The secretary may refer such evidence, as may be available,
concerning violations of this chapter to the attorney general or the
prosecuting attorney of the county wherein the alleged violation arose.
In addition to any other action they might commence, the attorney
general or the county prosecuting attorney may bring an action in the
name of the state, with or without such reference, against any
((person)) entity to restrain and prevent the doing of any act or
practice prohibited by this chapter: PROVIDED, That this chapter shall
be considered in conjunction with chapters 9.04 and 19.86 RCW, as now
or hereafter amended, and the powers and duties of the attorney general
and the prosecuting attorney as they may appear in the aforementioned
chapters, shall apply against all ((persons)) entities subject to this
chapter.
Sec. 26 RCW 19.09.355 and 2010 1st sp.s. c 29 s 15 are each
amended to read as follows:
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, all fees and other
moneys received by the secretary of state under this chapter ((shall))
must be transmitted to the state treasurer for deposit in the state
general fund.
Sec. 27 RCW 19.09.400 and 1993 c 471 s 18 are each amended to
read as follows:
The attorney general, in the attorney general's discretion, may:
(1) Annually, or more frequently, make such public or private
investigations within or without this state as the attorney general
deems necessary to determine whether any registration should be
granted, denied, revoked, or suspended, or whether any ((person))
entity has violated or is about to violate a provision of this chapter
or any rule adopted or order issued under this chapter, or to aid in
the enforcement of this chapter or in the prescribing of rules and
forms under this chapter; and
(2) Publish information concerning a violation of this chapter or
a rule adopted or order issued under this chapter.
Sec. 28 RCW 19.09.430 and 1993 c 471 s 22 are each amended to
read as follows:
The administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW, ((shall))
wherever applicable governs the rights, remedies, and procedures
respecting the administration of this chapter.
Sec. 29 RCW 19.09.440 and 2007 c 471 s 10 are each amended to
read as follows:
(1) Annually, the secretary of state ((shall)) may publish a report
indicating:
(a) For each charitable organization registered under RCW 19.09.075
the percentage relationship between (i) the total amount of money
applied to charitable purposes; and (ii) the dollar value of total
expenditures, including the total amount of money applied to charitable
purposes, fund-raising costs, and administrative expenses;
(b) For each commercial fund-raiser registered under RCW 19.09.079
the percentage relationship between (i) the amount of money disbursed
to charitable organizations for charitable purposes; and (ii) the total
value of contributions received on behalf of charitable organizations
by the commercial fund-raiser; and
(c) Such other information as the secretary of state deems
appropriate.
(2) The secretary of state may use the latest information obtained
pursuant to RCW 19.09.075, 19.09.079, or otherwise under chapter 19.09
RCW to prepare the report.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 30 The following acts or parts of acts are
each repealed:
(1) RCW 19.09.076 (Charitable organizations -- Application for
registration -- Exemptions -- Soliciting contributions) and 2007 c 471 s 4,
1994 c 287 s 1, 1993 c 471 s 4, & 1986 c 230 s 5;
(2) RCW 19.09.190 (Commercial fund-raisers -- Surety bond) and 1993
c 471 s 10, 1986 c 230 s 16, 1983 c 265 s 16, 1982 c 227 s 8, 1977
ex.s. c 222 s 9, & 1973 1st ex.s. c 13 s 19;
(3) RCW 19.09.240 (Using similar name, symbol, emblem, or
statement) and 1993 c 471 s 14, 1986 c 230 s 15, & 1973 1st ex.s. c 13
s 24;
(4) RCW 19.09.500 (Charitable organizations -- Financial reports and
information) and 2007 c 471 s 11; and
(5) RCW 19.09.540 (Rules -- Tiered independent financial reporting)
and 2007 c 471 s 15.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 31 If any provision of this act or its
application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the
remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other
persons or circumstances is not affected.