SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5337

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 of February 1, 2017

Title: An act relating to declaration of candidacy.

Brief Description: Modifying declaration of candidacy provisions.

Sponsors: Senators Miloscia, Hunt, Zeiger and Kuderer; by request of Secretary of State.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: State Government: 2/01/17.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires candidates in single-county legislative districts to file declarations of candidacy with and pay filing fees to the Secretary of State.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT

Staff: Samuel Brown (786-7470)

Background: Candidates for public office must file a declaration of candidacy with the appropriate elections official. Candidates for statewide and federal offices must file their declarations with the Secretary of State, as must candidates in districts of multiple counties for appellate and superior courts and the state Legislature. For all other offices, candidates must file their declaration of candidacy with the local county auditor.

A filing fee is paid to the same officer with whom the declaration of candidacy is filed. For any office with a fixed annual salary of $1,000 or less, the filing fee is $10. For all other offices, the filing fee is 1 percent of the annual salary of the office. Candidates may submit petitions to have the filing fee waived.

Summary of Bill: Candidates in single-county legislative districts must file declarations of candidacy and pay filing fees to the Secretary of State.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill streamlines the candidacy declaration process. It will provide equal treatment for all candidates when receiving Public Disclosure Commission and voter's pamphlet information.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Toni McKinley, Office of the Secretary of State; David Elliott, Office of the Secretary of State.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.