FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 782

                                  C 423 L 87

BYHouse Committee on Constitution, Elections & Ethics (originally sponsored by Representatives Fisher, Nelson and Locke)

Changing reporting requirements for lobbyists.

House Committe on Constitution, Elections & Ethics

Senate Committee on Judiciary

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The public disclosure laws define "lobbying" as attempts to influence the passage or defeat of any legislation by the state legislature or the adoption or rejection of any rule, standard, rate or similar act of a state agency under the state administrative procedure acts.

Although persons who lobby are required to register with the Public Disclosure Commission, exemptions from this requirement are established by law for a number of lobbying activities.  Reports filed by lobbyists must identify expenditures made for certain lobbying activities.  Reports filed by the employer of a lobbyist must identify the total expenditures made by the employer for lobbying purposes.

SUMMARY:

The activities are broadened for which expenses must be reported by a lobbyist and by the employer of a lobbyist in reports filed with the Public Disclosure Commission.  Such lobbying activities include the development of legislation or rules, the development of support for or opposition to legislation or rules and attempts to influence the development of legislation or rules.

The annual report by the employer of a lobbyist must include the total expenditures made by the employer for each registered lobbyist for lobbying purposes.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 84  11

      Senate    46     1(Senate amended)

      House       (House refused to concur)

Conference Committee

      Senate    43     5

      House 96   0

EFFECTIVE:July 26, 1987