PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 390-17-030 Sample ballots.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 42.17.370(1).
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The commission may consider amending this rule to conform with Interpretation 98-01 regarding slate cards and other candidate listings. According to that interpretation, the term sample ballots includes slate cards and other candidate listings that satisfy certain criteria. Based on RCW 42.17.640 (14)(a), sample ballots paid for by a bona fide political party are eligible for payment with funds that are exempt from the limit on contributions to a bona fide political party. In addition, expenditures for sample ballots and other candidate listings do not count as a contribution to the candidates listed. Currently, the definition of "sample ballots" in WAC 390-17-030 is narrower than the one approved by the commission in its 1998 interpretation.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: This rule was examined as part of the agency's rule review process. That process includes input from stakeholders who are part of a Rules Review Advisory Committee.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Public Disclosure Commission Assistant Director, Vicki Rippie, P.O. Box 40908, 711 Capitol Way, Room 403, Olympia, WA 98504, (360) 586-4838, fax (360) 753-1112, e-mail vrippie@pdc.wa.gov. A public hearing on any proposed change will likely occur on Tuesday, May 25, 1999. Public testimony will be welcome at that time, or written comments may be submitted by May 12, 1999, for consideration at the hearing.
March 1, 1999
Melissa Warheit
Executive Director
by Vicki Rippie