RCW 42.17A.001
Declaration of policy.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.05.010
.)
It is hereby declared by the sovereign people to be the public policy of the state of Washington:
(1) That political campaign and lobbying contributions and expenditures be fully disclosed to the public and that secrecy is to be avoided.
(2) That the people have the right to expect from their elected representatives at all levels of government the utmost of integrity, honesty, and fairness in their dealings.
(3) That the people shall be assured that the private financial dealings of their public officials, and of candidates for those offices, present no conflict of interest between the public trust and private interest.
(4) That our representative form of government is founded on a belief that those entrusted with the offices of government have nothing to fear from full public disclosure of their financial and business holdings, provided those officials deal honestly and fairly with the people.
(5) That public confidence in government at all levels is essential and must be promoted by all possible means.
(6) That public confidence in government at all levels can best be sustained by assuring the people of the impartiality and honesty of the officials in all public transactions and decisions.
(7) That the concept of attempting to increase financial participation of individual contributors in political campaigns is encouraged by the passage of the Revenue Act of 1971 by the Congress of the United States, and in consequence thereof, it is desirable to have implementing legislation at the state level.
(8) That the concepts of disclosure and limitation of election campaign financing are established by the passage of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 by the Congress of the United States, and in consequence thereof it is desirable to have implementing legislation at the state level.
(9) That small contributions by individual contributors are to be encouraged, and that not requiring the reporting of small contributions may tend to encourage such contributions.
(10) That the public's right to know of the financing of political campaigns and lobbying and the financial affairs of elected officials and candidates far outweighs any right that these matters remain secret and private.
(11) That, mindful of the right of individuals to privacy and of the desirability of the efficient administration of government, full access to information concerning the conduct of government on every level must be assured as a fundamental and necessary precondition to the sound governance of a free society.
The provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed to promote complete disclosure of all information respecting the financing of political campaigns and lobbying, and the financial affairs of elected officials and candidates, and full access to public records so as to assure continuing public confidence of fairness of elections and governmental processes, and so as to assure that the public interest will be fully protected. In promoting such complete disclosure, however, this chapter shall be enforced so as to ensure that the information disclosed will not be misused for arbitrary and capricious purposes and to ensure that all persons reporting under this chapter will be protected from harassment and unfounded allegations based on information they have freely disclosed.
[
2019 c 428 s 2
;
1975 1st ex.s. c 294 s 1
;
1973 c 1 s 1
(Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17.010
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
Finding
—
Intent
—
2019 c 428:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.160
.
RCW 42.17A.005
Definitions.
(Effective until January 1, 2026.)
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Actual malice" means to act with knowledge of falsity or with reckless disregard as to truth or falsity.
(2) "Agency" includes all state agencies and all local agencies. "State agency" includes every state office, department, division, bureau, board, commission, or other state agency. "Local agency" includes every county, city, town, municipal corporation, quasi-municipal corporation, or special purpose district, or any office, department, division, bureau, board, commission, or agency thereof, or other local public agency. "Agency" does not include a comprehensive cancer center participating in a collaborative arrangement as defined in RCW 28B.10.930
that is operated in conformance with RCW 28B.10.930
.
(3) "Authorized committee" means the political committee authorized by a candidate, or by the public official against whom recall charges have been filed, to accept contributions or make expenditures on behalf of the candidate or public official.
(4) "Ballot proposition" means any "measure" as defined by RCW 29A.04.091, or any initiative, recall, or referendum proposition proposed to be submitted to the voters of the state or any municipal corporation, political subdivision, or other voting constituency from and after the time when the proposition has been initially filed with the appropriate election officer of that constituency before its circulation for signatures.
(5) "Benefit" means a commercial, proprietary, financial, economic, or monetary advantage, or the avoidance of a commercial, proprietary, financial, economic, or monetary disadvantage.
(6) "Bona fide political party" means:
(a) An organization that has been recognized as a minor political party by the secretary of state;
(b) The governing body of the state organization of a major political party, as defined in RCW 29A.04.086, that is the body authorized by the charter or bylaws of the party to exercise authority on behalf of the state party; or
(c) The county central committee or legislative district committee of a major political party. There may be only one legislative district committee for each party in each legislative district.
(7) "Books of account" means:
(a) In the case of a campaign or political committee, a ledger or similar listing of contributions, expenditures, and debts, such as a campaign or committee is required to file regularly with the commission, current as of the most recent business day; or
(b) In the case of a commercial advertiser, details of political advertising or electioneering communications provided by the advertiser, including the names and addresses of persons from whom it accepted political advertising or electioneering communications, the exact nature and extent of the services rendered and the total cost and the manner of payment for the services.
(8) "Candidate" means any individual who seeks nomination for election or election to public office. An individual seeks nomination or election when the individual first:
(a) Receives contributions or makes expenditures or reserves space or facilities with intent to promote the individual's candidacy for office;
(b) Announces publicly or files for office;
(c) Purchases commercial advertising space or broadcast time to promote the individual's candidacy; or
(d) Gives consent to another person to take on behalf of the individual any of the actions in (a) or (c) of this subsection.
(9) "Caucus political committee" means a political committee organized and maintained by the members of a major political party in the state senate or state house of representatives.
(10) "Commercial advertiser" means any person that sells the service of communicating messages or producing material for broadcast or distribution to the general public or segments of the general public whether through brochures, fliers, newspapers, magazines, television, radio, billboards, direct mail advertising, printing, paid internet or digital communications, or any other means of mass communications used for the purpose of appealing, directly or indirectly, for votes or for financial or other support in any election campaign.
(11) "Commission" means the agency established under RCW 42.17A.100
.
(12) "Committee" unless the context indicates otherwise, includes a political committee such as a candidate, ballot proposition, recall, political, or continuing political committee.
(13) "Compensation" unless the context requires a narrower meaning, includes payment in any form for real or personal property or services of any kind. For the purpose of compliance with RCW 42.17A.710, "compensation" does not include per diem allowances or other payments made by a governmental entity to reimburse a public official for expenses incurred while the official is engaged in the official business of the governmental entity.
(14) "Continuing political committee" means a political committee that is an organization of continuing existence not limited to participation in any particular election campaign or election cycle.
(15)(a) "Contribution" includes:
(i) A loan, gift, deposit, subscription, forgiveness of indebtedness, donation, advance, pledge, payment, transfer of funds, or anything of value, including personal and professional services for less than full consideration;
(ii) An expenditure made by a person in cooperation, consultation, or concert with, or at the request or suggestion of, a candidate, a political or incidental committee, the person or persons named on the candidate's or committee's registration form who direct expenditures on behalf of the candidate or committee, or their agents;
(iii) The financing by a person of the dissemination, distribution, or republication, in whole or in part, of broadcast, written, graphic, digital, or other form of political advertising or electioneering communication prepared by a candidate, a political or incidental committee, or its authorized agent;
(iv) Sums paid for tickets to fund-raising events such as dinners and parties, except for the actual cost of the consumables furnished at the event.
(b) "Contribution" does not include:
(i) Accrued interest on money deposited in a political or incidental committee's account;
(ii) Ordinary home hospitality;
(iii) A contribution received by a candidate or political or incidental committee that is returned to the contributor within ten business days of the date on which it is received by the candidate or political or incidental committee;
(iv) A news item, feature, commentary, or editorial in a regularly scheduled news medium that is of interest to the public, that is in a news medium controlled by a person whose business is that news medium, and that is not controlled by a candidate or a political or incidental committee;
(v) An internal political communication primarily limited to the members of or contributors to a political party organization or political or incidental committee, or to the officers, management staff, or stockholders of a corporation or similar enterprise, or to the members of a labor organization or other membership organization;
(vi) The rendering of personal services of the sort commonly performed by volunteer campaign workers, or incidental expenses personally incurred by volunteer campaign workers not in excess of fifty dollars personally paid for by the worker. "Volunteer services," for the purposes of this subsection, means services or labor for which the individual is not compensated by any person;
(vii) Messages in the form of reader boards, banners, or yard or window signs displayed on a person's own property or property occupied by a person. However, a facility used for such political advertising for which a rental charge is normally made must be reported as an in-kind contribution and counts toward any applicable contribution limit of the person providing the facility;
(viii) Legal or accounting services rendered to or on behalf of:
(A) A political party or caucus political committee if the person paying for the services is the regular employer of the person rendering such services; or
(B) A candidate or an authorized committee if the person paying for the services is the regular employer of the individual rendering the services and if the services are solely for the purpose of ensuring compliance with state election or public disclosure laws; or
(ix) The performance of ministerial functions by a person on behalf of two or more candidates or political or incidental committees either as volunteer services defined in (b)(vi) of this subsection or for payment by the candidate or political or incidental committee for whom the services are performed as long as:
(A) The person performs solely ministerial functions;
(B) A person who is paid by two or more candidates or political or incidental committees is identified by the candidates and political committees on whose behalf services are performed as part of their respective statements of organization under RCW 42.17A.205
; and
(C) The person does not disclose, except as required by law, any information regarding a candidate's or committee's plans, projects, activities, or needs, or regarding a candidate's or committee's contributions or expenditures that is not already publicly available from campaign reports filed with the commission, or otherwise engage in activity that constitutes a contribution under (a)(ii) of this subsection.
A person who performs ministerial functions under this subsection (15)(b)(ix) is not considered an agent of the candidate or committee as long as the person has no authority to authorize expenditures or make decisions on behalf of the candidate or committee.
(c) Contributions other than money or its equivalent are deemed to have a monetary value equivalent to the fair market value of the contribution. Services or property or rights furnished at less than their fair market value for the purpose of assisting any candidate or political committee are deemed a contribution. Such a contribution must be reported as an in-kind contribution at its fair market value and counts towards any applicable contribution limit of the provider.
(16) "Depository" means a bank, mutual savings bank, savings and loan association, or credit union doing business in this state.
(17) "Elected official" means any person elected at a general or special election to any public office, and any person appointed to fill a vacancy in any such office.
(18) "Election" includes any primary, general, or special election for public office and any election in which a ballot proposition is submitted to the voters. An election in which the qualifications for voting include other than those requirements set forth in Article VI, section 1 (Amendment 63) of the Constitution of the state of Washington shall not be considered an election for purposes of this chapter.
(19) "Election campaign" means any campaign in support of or in opposition to a candidate for election to public office and any campaign in support of, or in opposition to, a ballot proposition.
(20) "Election cycle" means the period beginning on the first day of January after the date of the last previous general election for the office that the candidate seeks and ending on December 31st after the next election for the office. In the case of a special election to fill a vacancy in an office, "election cycle" means the period beginning on the day the vacancy occurs and ending on December 31st after the special election.
(21)(a) "Electioneering communication" means any broadcast, cable, or satellite television, radio transmission, digital communication, United States postal service mailing, billboard, newspaper, or periodical that:
(i) Clearly identifies a candidate for a state, local, or judicial office either by specifically naming the candidate, or identifying the candidate without using the candidate's name;
(ii) Is broadcast, transmitted electronically or by other means, mailed, erected, distributed, or otherwise published within sixty days before any election for that office in the jurisdiction in which the candidate is seeking election; and
(iii) Either alone, or in combination with one or more communications identifying the candidate by the same sponsor during the sixty days before an election, has a fair market value or cost of one thousand dollars or more.
(b) "Electioneering communication" does not include:
(i) Usual and customary advertising of a business owned by a candidate, even if the candidate is mentioned in the advertising when the candidate has been regularly mentioned in that advertising appearing at least twelve months preceding the candidate becoming a candidate;
(ii) Advertising for candidate debates or forums when the advertising is paid for by or on behalf of the debate or forum sponsor, so long as two or more candidates for the same position have been invited to participate in the debate or forum;
(iii) A news item, feature, commentary, or editorial in a regularly scheduled news medium that is:
(A) Of interest to the public;
(B) In a news medium controlled by a person whose business is that news medium; and
(C) Not a medium controlled by a candidate or a political or incidental committee;
(iv) Slate cards and sample ballots;
(v) Advertising for books, films, dissertations, or similar works (A) written by a candidate when the candidate entered into a contract for such publications or media at least twelve months before becoming a candidate, or (B) written about a candidate;
(vi) Public service announcements;
(vii) An internal political communication primarily limited to the members of or contributors to a political party organization or political or incidental committee, or to the officers, management staff, or stockholders of a corporation or similar enterprise, or to the members of a labor organization or other membership organization;
(viii) An expenditure by or contribution to the authorized committee of a candidate for state, local, or judicial office; or
(ix) Any other communication exempted by the commission through rule consistent with the intent of this chapter.
(22) "Expenditure" includes a payment, contribution, subscription, distribution, loan, advance, deposit, or gift of money or anything of value, and includes a contract, promise, or agreement, whether or not legally enforceable, to make an expenditure. "Expenditure" also includes a promise to pay, a payment, or a transfer of anything of value in exchange for goods, services, property, facilities, or anything of value for the purpose of assisting, benefiting, or honoring any public official or candidate, or assisting in furthering or opposing any election campaign. For the purposes of this chapter, agreements to make expenditures, contracts, and promises to pay may be reported as estimated obligations until actual payment is made. "Expenditure" shall not include the partial or complete repayment by a candidate or political or incidental committee of the principal of a loan, the receipt of which loan has been properly reported.
(23) "Final report" means the report described as a final report in RCW 42.17A.235
(11)(a).
(24) "Foreign national" means:
(a) An individual who is not a citizen of the United States and is not lawfully admitted for permanent residence;
(b) A government, or subdivision, of a foreign country;
(c) A foreign political party; and
(d) Any entity, such as a partnership, association, corporation, organization, or other combination of persons, that is organized under the laws of or has its principal place of business in a foreign country.
(25) "General election" for the purposes of RCW 42.17A.405
means the election that results in the election of a person to a state or local office. It does not include a primary.
(26) "Gift" has the definition in RCW 42.52.150
.
(27) "Immediate family" includes the spouse or domestic partner, dependent children, and other dependent relatives, if living in the household. For the purposes of the definition of "intermediary" in this section, "immediate family" means an individual's spouse or domestic partner, and child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, brother, half brother, sister, or half sister of the individual and the spouse or the domestic partner of any such person and a child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, brother, half brother, sister, or half sister of the individual's spouse or domestic partner and the spouse or the domestic partner of any such person.
(28) "Incidental committee" means any nonprofit organization not otherwise defined as a political committee but that may incidentally make a contribution or an expenditure in excess of the reporting thresholds in RCW 42.17A.235, directly or through a political committee. Any nonprofit organization is not an incidental committee if it is only remitting payments through the nonprofit organization in an aggregated form and the nonprofit organization is not required to report those payments in accordance with this chapter.
(29) "Incumbent" means a person who is in present possession of an elected office.
(30)(a) "Independent expenditure" means an expenditure that has each of the following elements:
(i) It is made in support of or in opposition to a candidate for office by a person who is not:
(A) A candidate for that office;
(B) An authorized committee of that candidate for that office; and
(C) A person who has received the candidate's encouragement or approval to make the expenditure, if the expenditure pays in whole or in part for political advertising supporting that candidate or promoting the defeat of any other candidate or candidates for that office;
(ii) It is made in support of or in opposition to a candidate for office by a person with whom the candidate has not collaborated for the purpose of making the expenditure, if the expenditure pays in whole or in part for political advertising supporting that candidate or promoting the defeat of any other candidate or candidates for that office;
(iii) The expenditure pays in whole or in part for political advertising that either specifically names the candidate supported or opposed, or clearly and beyond any doubt identifies the candidate without using the candidate's name; and
(iv) The expenditure, alone or in conjunction with another expenditure or other expenditures of the same person in support of or opposition to that candidate, has a value of one thousand dollars or more. A series of expenditures, each of which is under one thousand dollars, constitutes one independent expenditure if their cumulative value is one thousand dollars or more.
(b) "Independent expenditure" does not include: Ordinary home hospitality; communications with journalists or editorial staff designed to elicit a news item, feature, commentary, or editorial in a regularly scheduled news medium that is of primary interest to the general public, controlled by a person whose business is that news medium, and not controlled by a candidate or a political committee; participation in the creation of a publicly funded voters' pamphlet statement in written or video form; an internal political communication primarily limited to contributors to a political party organization or political action committee, the officers, management staff, and stockholders of a corporation or similar enterprise, or the members of a labor organization or other membership organization; or the rendering of personal services of the sort commonly performed by volunteer campaign workers or incidental expenses personally incurred by volunteer campaign workers not in excess of two hundred fifty dollars personally paid for by the worker.
(31)(a) "Intermediary" means an individual who transmits a contribution to a candidate or committee from another person unless the contribution is from the individual's employer, immediate family, or an association to which the individual belongs.
(b) A treasurer or a candidate is not an intermediary for purposes of the committee that the treasurer or candidate serves.
(c) A professional fund-raiser is not an intermediary if the fund-raiser is compensated for fund-raising services at the usual and customary rate.
(d) A volunteer hosting a fund-raising event at the individual's home is not an intermediary for purposes of that event.
(32) "Legislation" means bills, resolutions, motions, amendments, nominations, and other matters pending or proposed in either house of the state legislature, and includes any other matter that may be the subject of action by either house or any committee of the legislature and all bills and resolutions that, having passed both houses, are pending approval by the governor.
(33) "Legislative office" means the office of a member of the state house of representatives or the office of a member of the state senate.
(34) "Lobby" and "lobbying" each mean attempting to influence the passage or defeat of any legislation by the legislature of the state of Washington, or the adoption or rejection of any rule, standard, rate, or other legislative enactment of any state agency under the state administrative procedure act, chapter
34.05
RCW. Neither "lobby" nor "lobbying" includes an association's or other organization's act of communicating with the members of that association or organization.
(35) "Lobbyist" includes any person who lobbies either on the person's own or another's behalf.
(36) "Lobbyist's employer" means the person or persons by whom a lobbyist is employed and all persons by whom the lobbyist is compensated for acting as a lobbyist.
(37) "Ministerial functions" means an act or duty carried out as part of the duties of an administrative office without exercise of personal judgment or discretion.
(38) "Participate" means that, with respect to a particular election, an entity:
(a) Makes either a monetary or in-kind contribution to a candidate;
(b) Makes an independent expenditure or electioneering communication in support of or opposition to a candidate;
(c) Endorses a candidate before contributions are made by a subsidiary corporation or local unit with respect to that candidate or that candidate's opponent;
(d) Makes a recommendation regarding whether a candidate should be supported or opposed before a contribution is made by a subsidiary corporation or local unit with respect to that candidate or that candidate's opponent; or
(e) Directly or indirectly collaborates or consults with a subsidiary corporation or local unit on matters relating to the support of or opposition to a candidate, including, but not limited to, the amount of a contribution, when a contribution should be given, and what assistance, services or independent expenditures, or electioneering communications, if any, will be made or should be made in support of or opposition to a candidate.
(39) "Person" includes an individual, partnership, joint venture, public or private corporation, association, federal, state, or local governmental entity or agency however constituted, candidate, committee, political committee, political party, executive committee thereof, or any other organization or group of persons, however organized.
(40) "Political advertising" includes any advertising displays, newspaper ads, billboards, signs, brochures, articles, tabloids, flyers, letters, radio or television presentations, digital communication, or other means of mass communication, used for the purpose of appealing, directly or indirectly, for votes or for financial or other support or opposition in any election campaign.
(41) "Political committee" means any person (except a candidate or an individual dealing with the candidate's or individual's own funds or property) having the expectation of receiving contributions or making expenditures in support of, or opposition to, any candidate or any ballot proposition.
(42) "Primary" for the purposes of RCW 42.17A.405
means the procedure for nominating a candidate to state or local office under chapter
29A.52
RCW or any other primary for an election that uses, in large measure, the procedures established in chapter
29A.52
RCW.
(43) "Public office" means any federal, state, judicial, county, city, town, school district, port district, special district, or other state political subdivision elective office.
(44) "Public record" has the definition in RCW 42.56.010
.
(45) "Recall campaign" means the period of time beginning on the date of the filing of recall charges under RCW 29A.56.120
and ending thirty days after the recall election.
(46) "Remediable violation" means any violation of this chapter that:
(a) Involved expenditures or contributions totaling no more than the contribution limits set out under RCW 42.17A.405
(2) per election, or one thousand dollars if there is no statutory limit;
(b) Occurred:
(i) More than thirty days before an election, where the commission entered into an agreement to resolve the matter; or
(ii) At any time where the violation did not constitute a material violation because it was inadvertent and minor or otherwise has been cured and, after consideration of all the circumstances, further proceedings would not serve the purposes of this chapter;
(c) Does not materially harm the public interest, beyond the harm to the policy of this chapter inherent in any violation; and
(d) Involved:
(i) A person who:
(A) Took corrective action within five business days after the commission first notified the person of noncompliance, or where the commission did not provide notice and filed a required report within twenty-one days after the report was due to be filed; and
(B) Substantially met the filing deadline for all other required reports within the immediately preceding twelve-month period; or
(ii) A candidate who:
(A) Lost the election in question; and
(B) Did not receive contributions over one hundred times the contribution limit in aggregate per election during the campaign in question.
(47)(a) "Sponsor" for purposes of an electioneering communications, independent expenditures, or political advertising means the person paying for the electioneering communication, independent expenditure, or political advertising. If a person acts as an agent for another or is reimbursed by another for the payment, the original source of the payment is the sponsor.
(b) "Sponsor," for purposes of a political or incidental committee, means any person, except an authorized committee, to whom any of the following applies:
(i) The committee receives eighty percent or more of its contributions either from the person or from the person's members, officers, employees, or shareholders;
(ii) The person collects contributions for the committee by use of payroll deductions or dues from its members, officers, or employees.
(48) "Sponsored committee" means a committee, other than an authorized committee, that has one or more sponsors.
(49) "State office" means state legislative office or the office of governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, commissioner of public lands, insurance commissioner, superintendent of public instruction, state auditor, or state treasurer.
(50) "State official" means a person who holds a state office.
(51) "Surplus funds" mean, in the case of a political committee or candidate, the balance of contributions that remain in the possession or control of that committee or candidate subsequent to the election for which the contributions were received, and that are in excess of the amount necessary to pay remaining debts or expenses incurred by the committee or candidate with respect to that election. In the case of a continuing political committee, "surplus funds" mean those contributions remaining in the possession or control of the committee that are in excess of the amount necessary to pay all remaining debts or expenses when it makes its final report under RCW 42.17A.255
.
(52) "Technical correction" means the correction of a minor or ministerial error in a required report that does not materially harm the public interest and needs to be corrected for the report to be in full compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
(53) "Treasurer" and "deputy treasurer" mean the individuals appointed by a candidate or political or incidental committee, pursuant to RCW 42.17A.210, to perform the duties specified in that section.
(54) "Violation" means a violation of this chapter that is not a remediable violation, minor violation, or an error classified by the commission as appropriate to address by a technical correction.
[
2025 c 377 s 21
;
2022 c 71 s 14
;
2020 c 152 s 2
;
2019 c 428 s 3
. Prior:
2018 c 304 s 2
;
2018 c 111 s 3
; prior:
2011 c 145 s 2
;
2011 c 60 s 19
; prior:
2010 c 204 s 101
;
2008 c 6 s 201
; prior:
2007 c 358 s 1
;
2007 c 180 s 1
;
2005 c 445 s 6
;
2002 c 75 s 1
;
1995 c 397 s 1
;
1992 c 139 s 1
;
1991 sp.s. c 18 s 1
;
1990 c 139 s 2
; prior:
1989 c 280 s 1
;
1989 c 175 s 89
;
1984 c 34 s 5
;
1979 ex.s. c 50 s 1
;
1977 ex.s. c 313 s 1
;
1975 1st ex.s. c 294 s 2
;
1973 c 1 s 2
(Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17.020
.]
NOTES:
Expiration date
—
2025 c 377 ss 1, 9, 13, 21, 23, 25, and 27:
See note following RCW 42.52.010
.
Findings
—
Intent
—
2022 c 71:
See note following RCW 28B.10.930
.
Findings
—
2020 c 152:
See note following RCW 42.17A.417
.
Effective date
—
Finding
—
Intent
—
2019 c 428:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.160
.
Finding
—
Intent
—
2018 c 304:
See note following RCW 42.17A.235
.
Effective date
—
Short title
—
Findings
—
Intent
—
Implementation with existing funds
—
2018 c 111:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.207
.
Findings
—
Intent
—
2011 c 145:
"The legislature finds that timely and full disclosure of election campaign funding and expenditures is essential to a well-functioning democracy in which Washington's voters can judge for themselves what is appropriate based on ideologies, programs, and policies. Long-term voter engagement and confidence depends on the public knowing who is funding the multiple and targeted messages distributed during election campaigns.
The legislature also finds that recent events have revealed the need for refining certain elements of our state's election campaign finance laws that have proven inadequate in preventing efforts to hide information from voters. The legislature intends, therefore, to promote greater transparency for the public by enhancing penalties for violations; regulating the formation of, and contributions between, political committees; and reducing the expenditure thresholds for purposes of mandatory electronic filing and disclosure." [
2011 c 145 s 1
.]
Effective date
—
2011 c 145:
"This act takes effect January 1, 2012." [
2011 c 145 s 8
.]
Part headings not law
—
Severability
—
2008 c 6:
See RCW 26.60.900
and
26.60.901
.
Effective date
—
2007 c 358:
"This act takes effect January 1, 2008." [
2007 c 358 s 4
.]
Legislative intent
—
1990 c 139:
"The provisions of this act which repeal the reporting requirements established by chapter 423, Laws of 1987 for registered lobbyists and employers of lobbyists are not intended to alter, expand, or restrict whatsoever the definition of "lobby" or "lobbying" contained in RCW 42.17.020
as it existed prior to the enactment of chapter 423, Laws of 1987." [
1990 c 139 s 1
.]
Effective date
—
1989 c 280:
"This act shall take effect January 1, 1990." [
1989 c 280 s 14
.]
Effective date
—
1989 c 175:
See note following RCW 34.05.010
.
Effective date
—
1977 ex.s. c 313:
"This 1977 amendatory act shall take effect on January 1, 1978." [
1977 ex.s. c 313 s 9
.]
Severability
—
1977 ex.s. c 313:
"If any provision of this 1977 amendatory 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." [
1977 ex.s. c 313 s 8
.]
RCW 42.17A.010
Conservation district exception.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.05.020
.)
Elections of conservation district supervisors held pursuant to chapter
89.08
RCW shall not be considered general or special elections for purposes of the campaign disclosure and personal financial affairs reporting requirements of this chapter. Elected conservation district supervisors are not considered elected officials for purposes of the annual personal financial affairs reporting requirement of this chapter.
[
2002 c 43 s 4
. Formerly RCW 42.17.035
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
Effective date
—
2002 c 43:
See notes following RCW 29A.04.330
.
RCW 42.17A.020
Statements and reports public records.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.05.030
.)
All statements and reports filed under this chapter shall be public records of the agency where they are filed, and shall be available for public inspection and copying during normal business hours at the expense of the person requesting copies, provided that the charge for such copies shall not exceed actual cost to the agency.
[
1973 c 1 s 44
(Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17.440
.]
RCW 42.17A.055
Electronic filing
—
Availability.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.15.010
.)
(1) For each required report, as technology permits, the commission shall make an electronic reporting tool available to all those who are required to file that report under this chapter.
(2) All persons required to file reports under this chapter must file them electronically where the commission has provided an electronic option. The executive director may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis for persons who lack the technological ability to file reports electronically.
(3) If the electronic filing system provided by the commission is inoperable for any period of time, the commission must keep a record of the date and time of each instance and post outages on its website. If a report is due on a day the electronic filing system is inoperable, it is not late if filed the first business day the system is back in operation. The commission must provide notice to all reporting entities when the system is back in operation.
(4) All persons required to file reports under this chapter shall, at the time of initial filing, provide the commission an email address, or other electronic contact information, that shall constitute the official address for purposes of all communications from the commission. The person required to file one or more reports must provide any new electronic contact information to the commission within ten days, if the address has changed from that listed on the most recent report. Committees must provide the committee treasurer's electronic contact information to the commission. Committees must also provide any new electronic contact information for the committee's treasurer to the commission within ten days of the change. The executive director may waive the electronic contact information requirement and allow use of a postal address, upon the showing of hardship.
[
2019 c 428 s 4
;
2018 c 304 s 3
;
2013 c 166 s 2
;
2010 c 204 s 202
;
2000 c 237 s 3
;
1999 c 401 s 11
. Formerly RCW 42.17.369
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
Finding
—
Intent
—
2019 c 428:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.160
.
Finding
—
Intent
—
2018 c 304:
See note following RCW 42.17A.235
.
Effective date
—
2013 c 166:
"This act takes effect January 1, 2014." [
2013 c 166 s 3
.]
RCW 42.17A.060
Access to reports
—
Legislative intent.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.15.020
.)
It is the intent of the legislature to ensure that the commission provide the general public timely access to all contribution and expenditure reports submitted by candidates, continuing political committees, bona fide political parties, lobbyists, and lobbyists' employers. The legislature finds that failure to meet goals for full and timely disclosure threatens to undermine our electoral process.
Furthermore, the legislature intends for the commission to consult with Washington technology solutions as it seeks to implement chapter 401, Laws of 1999, and that the commission follow the standards and procedures established by Washington technology solutions in chapter
43.105
RCW as they relate to information technology.
[
2024 c 54 s 39
;
2011 1st sp.s. c 43 s 732
;
1999 c 401 s 1
. Formerly RCW 42.17.460
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2011 1st sp.s. c 43 s 732:
"Section 732 of this act takes effect January 1, 2012." [
2011 1st sp.s. c 43 s 1015
.]
Purpose
—
2011 1st sp.s. c 43:
See note following RCW 43.19.003
.
RCW 42.17A.065
Access performance measures.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.15.030
.)
By July 1st of each year, the commission shall calculate the following performance measures, provide a copy of the performance measures to the governor and appropriate legislative committees, and make the performance measures available to the public:
(1) The average number of days that elapse between the commission's receipt of reports filed under RCW 42.17A.205, 42.17A.225, 42.17A.235, 42.17A.255, 42.17A.265, 42.17A.600, 42.17A.615, 42.17A.625, and
42.17A.630
and the time that the report, a copy of the report, or a copy of the data or information included in the report, is first accessible to the general public (a) in the commission's office, and (b) via the commission's website;
(2) The percentage of filers pursuant to RCW 42.17A.055
who have used: (a) Hard copy paper format; or (b) electronic format.
[
2019 c 428 s 5
;
2010 c 204 s 204
;
1999 c 401 s 3
. Formerly RCW 42.17.463
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
Finding
—
Intent
—
2019 c 428:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.160
.
RCW 42.17A.100
Public disclosure commission
—
Established
—
Commissioners
—
Prohibited activities
—
Compensation, travel expenses.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.20.010
.)
(1) The public disclosure commission is established. The commission shall be composed of five commissioners appointed by the governor, with the consent of the senate. The commission shall have the authority and duties as set forth in this chapter. All appointees shall be persons of the highest integrity and qualifications. No more than three commissioners shall have an identification with the same political party.
(2) The term of each commissioner shall be five years, which may continue until a successor is appointed, but may not exceed an additional twelve months. No commissioner is eligible for appointment to more than one full term. Any commissioner may be removed by the governor, but only upon grounds of neglect of duty or misconduct in office.
(3)(a) During a commissioner's tenure, the commissioner is prohibited from engaging in any of the following activities, either within or outside the state of Washington:
(i) Holding or campaigning for elective office;
(ii) Serving as an officer of any political party or political committee;
(iii) Permitting the commissioner's name to be used in support of or in opposition to a candidate or proposition;
(iv) Soliciting or making contributions to a candidate or in support of or in opposition to any candidate or proposition;
(v) Participating in any way in any election campaign; or
(vi) Lobbying, employing, or assisting a lobbyist, except that a commissioner or the staff of the commission may lobby to the limited extent permitted by RCW 42.17A.635
on matters directly affecting this chapter.
(b) This subsection is not intended to prohibit a commissioner from participating in or supporting nonprofit or other organizations, in the commissioner's private capacity, to the extent such participation is not prohibited under (a) of this subsection.
(c) The provisions of this subsection do not relieve a commissioner of any applicable disqualification and recusal requirements.
(4) A vacancy on the commission shall be filled within thirty days of the vacancy by the governor, with the consent of the senate, and the appointee shall serve for the remaining term of the appointee's predecessor. A vacancy shall not impair the powers of the remaining commissioners to exercise all of the powers of the commission.
(5) Three commissioners shall constitute a quorum. The commission shall elect its own chair and adopt its own rules of procedure in the manner provided in chapter
34.05
RCW.
(6) Commissioners shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.250
and shall be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred while engaged in the business of the commission as provided in RCW 43.03.050
and
43.03.060
. The compensation provided pursuant to this section shall not be considered salary for purposes of the provisions of any retirement system created under the laws of this state.
[
2019 c 428 s 6
;
2010 c 204 s 301
;
1998 c 30 s 1
;
1984 c 287 s 74
;
1982 c 147 s 15
; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 112 s 8; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34 s 93;
1975 1st ex.s. c 294 s 23
;
1973 c 1 s 35
(Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17.350
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
Finding
—
Intent
—
2019 c 428:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.160
.
Legislative findings
—
Severability
—
Effective date
—
1984 c 287:
See notes following RCW 43.03.220
.
Effective date
—
Severability
—
1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34:
See notes following RCW 2.08.115
.
RCW 42.17A.105
Commission
—
Duties.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.20.020
.)
The commission shall:
(1) Develop and provide forms for the reports and statements required to be made under this chapter;
(2) Prepare and publish a manual setting forth recommended uniform methods of bookkeeping and reporting for use by persons required to make reports and statements under this chapter;
(3) Compile and maintain a current list of all filed reports and statements;
(4) Investigate whether properly completed statements and reports have been filed within the times required by this chapter;
(5) Upon complaint or upon its own motion, investigate and report apparent violations of this chapter to the appropriate law enforcement authorities;
(6) Conduct a sufficient number of audits and field investigations to provide a statistically valid finding regarding the degree of compliance with the provisions of this chapter by all required filers. Any documents, records, reports, computer files, papers, or materials provided to the commission for use in conducting audits and investigations must be returned to the candidate, campaign, or political committee from which they were received within one week of the commission's completion of an audit or field investigation;
(7) Prepare and publish an annual report to the governor as to the effectiveness of this chapter and its enforcement by appropriate law enforcement authorities;
(8) Enforce this chapter according to the powers granted it by law;
(9) Adopt rules governing the arrangement, handling, indexing, and disclosing of those reports required by this chapter to be filed with a county auditor or county elections official. The rules shall:
(a) Ensure ease of access by the public to the reports; and
(b) Include, but not be limited to, requirements for indexing the reports by the names of candidates or political committees and by the ballot proposition for or against which a political committee is receiving contributions or making expenditures;
(10) Adopt rules to carry out the policies of chapter 348, Laws of 2006. The adoption of these rules is not subject to the time restrictions of RCW 42.17A.110
(1);
(11) Adopt administrative rules establishing requirements for filer participation in any system designed and implemented by the commission for the electronic filing of reports; and
(12) Maintain and make available to the public and political committees of this state a toll-free telephone number.
[
2010 c 204 s 302
;
1973 c 1 s 36
(Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17.360
.]
RCW 42.17A.110
Commission
—
Additional powers.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.20.030
.)
In addition to the duties in RCW 42.17A.105, the commission may:
(1) Adopt, amend, and rescind suitable administrative rules to carry out the policies and purposes of this chapter, which rules shall be adopted under chapter
34.05
RCW. Any rule relating to campaign finance, political advertising, or related forms that would otherwise take effect after June 30th of a general election year shall take effect no earlier than the day following the general election in that year;
(2) Appoint an executive director and set, within the limits established by the office of financial management under RCW 43.03.028, the executive director's compensation. The executive director shall perform such duties and have such powers as the commission may prescribe and delegate to implement and enforce this chapter efficiently and effectively. The commission shall not delegate its authority to adopt, amend, or rescind rules nor may it delegate authority to determine that a violation of this chapter has occurred or to assess penalties for such violations;
(3) Prepare and publish reports and technical studies as in its judgment will tend to promote the purposes of this chapter, including reports and statistics concerning campaign financing, lobbying, financial interests of elected officials, and enforcement of this chapter;
(4) Conduct, as it deems appropriate, audits and field investigations;
(5) Make public the time and date of any formal hearing set to determine whether a violation has occurred, the question or questions to be considered, and the results thereof;
(6) Administer oaths and affirmations, issue subpoenas, and compel attendance, take evidence, and require the production of any records relevant to any investigation authorized under this chapter, or any other proceeding under this chapter;
(7) Adopt a code of fair campaign practices;
(8) Adopt rules relieving candidates or political committees of obligations to comply with election campaign provisions of this chapter, if they have not received contributions nor made expenditures in connection with any election campaign of more than *five thousand dollars;
(9) Develop and provide to filers a system for certification of reports required under this chapter which are transmitted electronically to the commission. Implementation of the program is contingent on the availability of funds; and
(10) Make available and keep current on its website a glossary of all defined terms in this chapter and in rules adopted by the commission.
[
2019 c 428 s 8
;
2018 c 304 s 4
;
2015 c 225 s 55
. Prior:
2011 1st sp.s. c 43 s 448
;
2011 c 60 s 20
; prior:
2010 1st sp.s. c 7 s 4
;
2010 c 204 s 303
;
1995 c 397 s 17
;
1994 c 40 s 3
;
1986 c 155 s 11
;
1985 c 367 s 11
;
1984 c 34 s 7
;
1977 ex.s. c 336 s 7
;
1975 1st ex.s. c 294 s 25
;
1973 c 1 s 37
(Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17.370
.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note:
The dollar amounts in this section may have been adjusted for inflation by rule of the commission adopted under the authority of RCW 42.17A.125
. For current dollar amounts, see WAC 390-05-400.
Effective date
—
Finding
—
Intent
—
2019 c 428:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.160
.
Finding
—
Intent
—
2018 c 304:
See note following RCW 42.17A.235
.
Effective date
—
2011 1st sp.s. c 43 s 448:
"Section 448 of this act takes effect January 1, 2012." [
2011 1st sp.s. c 43 s 481
.]
Purpose
—
2011 1st sp.s. c 43:
See note following RCW 43.19.003
.
Effective date
—
2010 1st sp.s. c 26; 2010 1st sp.s. c 7:
See note following RCW 43.03.027
.
Findings
—
1994 c 40:
"The legislature finds that government information is a strategic resource and needs to be managed as such and that broad public access to nonrestricted public information and records must be guaranteed. The legislature further finds that reengineering government processes along with capitalizing on advancements made in digital technology can build greater efficiencies in government service delivery. The legislature further finds that providing citizen electronic access to presently available public documents will allow increased citizen involvement in state policies and empower citizens to participate in state policy decision making." [
1994 c 40 s 1
.]
Effective date
—
1994 c 40:
"This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately [March 21, 1994]." [
1994 c 40 s 7
.]
Contingent effective date
—
Severability
—
1986 c 155:
See notes following RCW 43.03.300
.
Severability
—
1977 ex.s. c 336:
See note following RCW 42.17A.205
.
RCW 42.17A.120
Suspension or modification of reporting requirements.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.20.040
.)
(1) The commission may suspend or modify any of the reporting requirements of this chapter if it finds that literal application of this chapter works a manifestly unreasonable hardship in a particular case and the suspension or modification will not frustrate the purposes of this chapter. The commission may suspend or modify reporting requirements only to the extent necessary to substantially relieve the hardship and only after a hearing is held and the suspension or modification receives approval. A suspension or modification of the financial affairs reporting requirements in RCW 42.17A.710
may be approved for an elected official's term of office or for up to three years for an executive state officer. If a material change in the applicant's circumstances or relevant information occurs or has occurred, the applicant must request a modification at least one month prior to the next filing deadline rather than at the conclusion of the term.
(2) A manifestly unreasonable hardship exists if reporting the name of an entity required to be reported under RCW 42.17A.710
(1)(g)(ii) would be likely to adversely affect the competitive position of any entity in which the person filing the report, or any member of the person's immediate family, holds any office, directorship, general partnership interest, or an ownership interest of ten percent or more.
(3) Requests for reporting modifications may be heard in a brief adjudicative proceeding as set forth in RCW 34.05.482
through
34.05.494
and in accordance with the standards established in this section. The commission, the commission chair acting as presiding officer, or another commissioner appointed by the chair to serve as presiding officer, may preside over a brief adjudicatory proceeding. If a modification is requested by a filer because of a concern for personal safety, the information submitted regarding that safety concern shall not be made public prior to, or at, the hearing on the request. Any information provided or prepared for the modification hearing shall remain exempt from public disclosure under this chapter and chapter
42.56
RCW to the extent it is determined at the hearing that disclosure of such information would present a personal safety risk to a reasonable person.
(4) If the commission, or presiding officer, grants a modification request, the commission or presiding officer may apply the modification retroactively to previously filed reports. In that event, previously reported information of the kind that is no longer being reported is confidential and exempt from public disclosure under this chapter and chapter
42.56
RCW.
(5) Any citizen has standing to bring an action in Thurston county superior court to contest the propriety of any order entered under this section within one year from the date of the entry of the order.
(6) The commission shall adopt rules governing the proceedings.
[
2019 c 428 s 10
;
2010 c 204 s 304
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
Finding
—
Intent
—
2019 c 428:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.160
.
RCW 42.17A.125
Revising monetary contribution limits, reporting thresholds, and code values.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.20.050
.)
At least once every five years, but no more often than every two years, the commission must consider whether to revise the monetary contribution limits and reporting thresholds and code values of this chapter. If the commission chooses to make revisions, the revisions shall be only for the purpose of recognizing economic changes as reflected by an inflationary index recommended by the office of financial management, and may be rounded off to amounts as determined by the commission to be most accessible for public understanding. The revisions shall be guided by the change in the index for the period commencing with the month of December preceding the last revision and concluding with the month of December preceding the month the revision is adopted. As to each of the three general categories of this chapter, reports of campaign finance, reports of lobbyist activity, and reports of the financial affairs of elected and appointed officials, the revisions shall equally affect all thresholds within each category. The revisions authorized by this subsection shall reflect economic changes from the time of the last legislative enactment affecting the respective code or threshold.
Revisions made in accordance with this section shall be adopted as rules in accordance with chapter
34.05
RCW.
[
2019 c 428 s 11
;
2011 c 60 s 21
;
2010 c 204 s 305
;
1993 c 2 s 9
(Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992). Formerly RCW 42.17.690
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
Finding
—
Intent
—
2019 c 428:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.160
.
RCW 42.17A.130
Duties of attorney general.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.20.060
.)
The attorney general, through his or her office, shall provide assistance as required by the commission to carry out its responsibilities under this chapter. The commission may employ attorneys who are neither the attorney general nor an assistant attorney general to carry out any function of the attorney general prescribed in this chapter.
[
2010 c 205 s 8
;
2010 c 204 s 306
;
1982 c 35 s 196
;
1975 1st ex.s. c 294 s 26
;
1973 c 1 s 38
(Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17.380
.]
NOTES:
Reviser's note:
This section was amended by 2010 c 204 s 306 and by 2010 c 205 s 8, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025
(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025
(1).
Intent
—
Severability
—
Effective dates
—
Application
—
1982 c 35:
See notes following RCW 43.07.160
.
RCW 42.17A.135
Application of reporting requirements in small political subdivisions.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.20.070
.)
(1) Except as provided in subsections (2), (3), and (7) of this section, the reporting provisions of this chapter do not apply to:
(a) Candidates, elected officials, and agencies in political subdivisions with fewer than two thousand registered voters as of the date of the most recent general election in the jurisdiction;
(b) Political committees formed to support or oppose candidates or ballot propositions in such political subdivisions; or
(c) Persons making independent expenditures in support of or opposition to such ballot propositions.
(2) The reporting provisions of this chapter apply in any exempt political subdivision from which a "petition for disclosure" containing the valid signatures of fifteen percent of the number of registered voters, as of the date of the most recent general election in the political subdivision, is filed with the commission. The commission shall by rule prescribe the form of the petition. After the signatures are gathered, the petition shall be presented to the auditor or elections officer of the county, or counties, in which the political subdivision is located. The auditor or elections officer shall verify the signatures and certify to the commission that the petition contains no less than the required number of valid signatures. The commission, upon receipt of a valid petition, shall order every known affected person in the political subdivision to file the initially required statement and reports within fourteen days of the date of the order.
(3) The reporting provisions of this chapter apply in any exempt political subdivision that by ordinance, resolution, or other official action has petitioned the commission to make the provisions applicable to elected officials and candidates of the exempt political subdivision. A copy of the action shall be sent to the commission. If the commission finds the petition to be a valid action of the appropriate governing body or authority, the commission shall order every known affected person in the political subdivision to file the initially required statement and reports within fourteen days of the date of the order.
(4) The commission shall void any order issued by it pursuant to subsection (2) or (3) of this section when, at least four years after issuing the order, the commission is presented a petition or official action so requesting from the affected political subdivision. Such petition or official action shall meet the respective requirements of subsection (2) or (3) of this section.
(5) Any petition for disclosure, ordinance, resolution, or official action of an agency petitioning the commission to void the exemption in RCW 42.17A.200
(3) shall not be considered unless it has been filed with the commission:
(a) In the case of a ballot proposition, at least sixty days before the date of any election in which campaign finance reporting is to be required;
(b) In the case of a candidate, at least sixty days before the first day on which a person may file a declaration of candidacy for any election in which campaign finance reporting is to be required.
(6) Any person exempted from reporting under this chapter may at the person's option file the statement and reports.
(7) The reporting provisions of this chapter apply to a candidate in any political subdivision if the candidate receives or expects to receive five thousand dollars or more in contributions.
[
2019 c 428 s 12
;
2010 c 204 s 307
;
2006 c 240 s 2
;
1986 c 12 s 3
;
1985 c 367 s 13
;
1982 c 60 s 1
. Formerly RCW 42.17.405
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
Finding
—
Intent
—
2019 c 428:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.160
.
RCW 42.17A.140
Date of receipt
—
Exceptions
—
Electronic filings.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.20.080
.)
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the date of receipt of any properly addressed application, report, statement, notice, or payment required to be made under the provisions of this chapter is the date shown by the post office cancellation mark on the envelope of the submitted material. The provisions of this section do not apply to reports required to be delivered under RCW 42.17A.265
and
42.17A.625
.
(2) When a report is filed electronically with the commission, it is deemed to have been received on the file transfer date. The commission shall notify the filer of receipt of the electronically filed report. Such notification may be sent by mail or electronically. If the notification of receipt of the electronically filed report is not received by the filer, the filer may offer proof of sending the report, and such proof shall be treated as if it were a receipt sent by the commission. Electronic filing may be used for purposes of filing the special reports required to be delivered under RCW 42.17A.265
and
42.17A.625
.
[
2019 c 428 s 13
;
2010 c 204 s 308
;
1999 c 401 s 10
;
1995 c 397 s 18
;
1983 c 176 s 2
;
1973 c 1 s 42
(Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17.420
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
Finding
—
Intent
—
2019 c 428:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.160
.
RCW 42.17A.145
Certification of reports.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.20.090
.)
Every report and statement required to be filed under this chapter shall identify the person preparing it, and shall be certified as complete and correct, both by the person preparing it and by the person on whose behalf it is filed.
[
1973 c 1 s 43
(Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17.430
.]
RCW 42.17A.150
Duty to preserve statements and reports.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.20.100
.)
The commission must preserve statements or reports required to be filed under this chapter for not less than ten years.
[
2010 c 205 s 9
;
1973 c 1 s 45
(Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17.450
.]
RCW 42.17A.160
Subpoenas.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.20.110
.)
(1) The commission may apply for and obtain a superior court order approving and authorizing a subpoena in advance of its issuance. The application may be made in Thurston county, the county where the subpoenaed person resides or is found, or the county where the subpoenaed documents, records, or evidence are located. The application must:
(a) State that an order is sought under this section;
(b) Adequately specify the documents, records, evidence, or testimony; and
(c) Include a declaration made under oath that an investigation is being conducted for a lawfully authorized purpose related to an investigation within the commission's authority and that the subpoenaed documents, records, evidence, or testimony are reasonably related to an investigation within the commission's authority.
(2) When an application under this section is made to the satisfaction of the court, the court must issue an order approving the subpoena. An order under this subsection constitutes authority of law for the agency to subpoena the documents, records, evidence, or testimony.
(3) The commission may seek approval and a court may issue an order under this section without prior notice to any person, including the person to whom the subpoena is directed and the person who is the subject of an investigation. An application for court approval is subject to the fee and process set forth in RCW 36.18.012
(3).
[
2019 c 428 s 9
.]
NOTES:
Finding
—
2019 c 428:
"The legislature finds that passage of chapter 304, Laws of 2018 (Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2938) and chapter 111, Laws of 2018 (Substitute Senate Bill No. 5991) was an important step in achieving the goals of reforming campaign finance reporting and oversight, including simplifying the reporting and enforcement processes to promote administrative efficiencies. Much has been accomplished in the short time the public disclosure commission has implemented these new laws. However, some additional improvements were identified by the legislature, stakeholders, and the public disclosure commission, that are necessary to further implement these goals and the purpose of the state campaign finance law. Additional refinements to the law will help to ensure the public disclosure commission may continue to provide transparency of election campaign funding activities, meaningful guidance to participants in the political process, and enforcement that is timely, fair, and focused on improving compliance." [
2019 c 428 s 1
.]
Effective date
—
2019 c 428:
"Except for sections 35 and 36 of this act, this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 21, 2019]." [
2019 c 428 s 44
.]
RCW 42.17A.200
Application of chapter
—
Exceptions.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.010
.)
The provisions of this chapter relating to the financing of election campaigns shall apply in all election campaigns other than (1) for precinct committee officer; (2) for a federal elective office; and (3) for an office of a political subdivision of the state that does not encompass a whole county and that contains fewer than five thousand registered voters as of the date of the most recent general election in the subdivision, unless required by RCW 42.17A.135
(2) through (5) and (7).
[
2010 c 204 s 401
;
2006 c 240 s 1
;
1987 c 295 s 18
;
1986 c 12 s 1
;
1985 c 367 s 2
;
1977 ex.s. c 313 s 2
;
1973 c 1 s 3
(Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17.030
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
Severability
—
1977 ex.s. c 313:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.005
.
Cemetery district commissioners exempt from chapter: RCW 68.52.140, 68.52.220
.
RCW 42.17A.205
Statement of organization by political committees.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.020
.)
(1) Every political committee shall file a statement of organization with the commission. The statement must be filed within two weeks after organization or within two weeks after the date the committee first has the expectation of receiving contributions or making expenditures in any election campaign, whichever is earlier. A political committee organized within the last three weeks before an election and having the expectation of receiving contributions or making expenditures during and for that election campaign shall file a statement of organization within three business days after its organization or when it first has the expectation of receiving contributions or making expenditures in the election campaign.
(2) The statement of organization shall include but not be limited to:
(a) The name, address, and electronic contact information of the committee;
(b) The names, addresses, and electronic contact information of all related or affiliated committees or other persons, and the nature of the relationship or affiliation;
(c) The names, addresses, and titles of its officers; or if it has no officers, the names, addresses, and titles of its responsible leaders;
(d) The name, address, and electronic contact information of its treasurer and depository;
(e) A statement whether the committee is a continuing one;
(f) The name, office sought, and party affiliation of each candidate whom the committee is supporting or opposing, and, if the committee is supporting the entire ticket of any party, the name of the party;
(g) The ballot proposition concerned, if any, and whether the committee is in favor of or opposed to such proposition;
(h) What distribution of surplus funds will be made, in accordance with RCW 42.17A.430, in the event of dissolution;
(i) Such other information as the commission may by rule prescribe, in keeping with the policies and purposes of this chapter;
(j) The name, address, and title of any person who authorizes expenditures or makes decisions on behalf of the candidate or committee; and
(k) The name, address, and title of any person who is paid by or is a volunteer for a candidate or political committee to perform ministerial functions and who performs ministerial functions on behalf of two or more candidates or committees.
(3) No two political committees may have the same name.
(4) Any material change in information previously submitted in a statement of organization shall be reported to the commission within the ten days following the change.
(5) As used in this section, the "name" of a sponsored committee must include the name of the person who is the sponsor of the committee. If more than one person meets the definition of sponsor, the name of the committee must include the name of at least one sponsor, but may include the names of other sponsors. A person may sponsor only one political committee for the same elected office or same ballot proposition per election cycle.
[
2019 c 428 s 14
;
2011 c 145 s 3
. Prior:
2010 c 205 s 1
;
2010 c 204 s 402
;
2007 c 358 s 2
;
1989 c 280 s 2
;
1982 c 147 s 1
;
1977 ex.s. c 336 s 1
;
1975 1st ex.s. c 294 s 3
;
1973 c 1 s 4
(Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17.040
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
Finding
—
Intent
—
2019 c 428:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.160
.
Findings
—
Intent
—
Effective date
—
2011 c 145:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.005
.
Effective date
—
2007 c 358:
See note following RCW 42.17A.005
.
Effective date
—
1989 c 280:
See note following RCW 42.17A.005
.
Severability
—
1977 ex.s. c 336:
"If any provision of this 1977 amendatory 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." [
1977 ex.s. c 336 s 8
.]
Effective date
—
1973 c 1:
See RCW 42.17A.900
.
RCW 42.17A.207
Statement of organization by incidental committees.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.030
.)
(1)(a) An incidental committee must file a statement of organization with the commission within two weeks after the date the committee first:
(i) Has the expectation of making any expenditures aggregating at least twenty-five thousand dollars in a calendar year in any election campaign, or to a political committee; and
(ii) Is required to disclose a payment received under RCW 42.17A.240
(2)(d).
(b) If an incidental committee first meets the criteria requiring filing a statement of organization as specified in (a) of this subsection in the last three weeks before an election, then it must file the statement of organization within three business days.
(2) The statement of organization must include but is not limited to:
(a) The name, address, and electronic contact information of the committee;
(b) The names and addresses of all related or affiliated political or incidental committees or other persons, and the nature of the relationship or affiliation;
(c) The names, addresses, and titles of its officers; or if it has no officers, the names, addresses, and titles of its responsible leaders and the name of the person designated as the treasurer of the incidental committee;
(d) The name, office sought, and party affiliation of each candidate whom the committee is supporting or opposing if the committee contributes directly to a candidate and, if donating to a political committee, the name and address of that political committee;
(e) The ballot proposition concerned, if any, and whether the committee is in favor of or opposed to such proposition; and
(f) Such other information as the commission may by rule prescribe, in keeping with the policies and purposes of this chapter.
(3) Any material change in information previously submitted in a statement of organization must be reported to the commission within the ten days following the change.
[
2019 c 428 s 15
;
2018 c 111 s 4
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
Finding
—
Intent
—
2019 c 428:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.160
.
Effective date
—
2018 c 111:
"This act takes effect January 1, 2019." [
2018 c 111 s 10
.]
Short title
—
2018 c 111:
"This act may be known and cited as the democracy is strengthened by casting light on spending in elections act of 2018 or the Washington state DISCLOSE act of 2018." [
2018 c 111 s 1
.]
Findings
—
Intent
—
2018 c 111:
"The legislature finds that the public has the right to know who is contributing to election campaigns in Washington state and that campaign finance disclosure deters corruption, increases public confidence in Washington state elections, and strengthens representative democracy.
The legislature finds that campaign finance disclosure is overwhelmingly supported by the citizens of Washington state as evidenced by the two initiatives that largely established Washington's current campaign finance system. Both passed with over seventy-two percent of the popular vote, as well as winning margins in every county in the state.
The legislature finds that nonprofit organizations are increasingly engaging in campaign activities in Washington state and across the country, including taking a more active role in contributing to candidate and ballot proposition campaigns. In some cases, these activities are occurring without adequate public disclosure due to loopholes in campaign finance regulations.
The legislature finds that many nonprofit organizations wish to use the provisions of current law to anonymously contribute to campaign activity, frustrating the purposes of public disclosure laws.
Therefore, the legislature intends to increase transparency and accountability, deter corruption, and strengthen confidence in the election process by closing campaign finance disclosure loopholes and requiring the disclosure of contributions and expenditures by nonprofit organizations that participate significantly in Washington state elections." [
2018 c 111 s 2
.]
Implementation with existing funds
—
2018 c 111:
"The public disclosure commission shall implement the provisions of this act within existing funds." [
2018 c 111 s 8
.]
RCW 42.17A.210
Treasurer.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.040
.)
(1) Each candidate, within two weeks after becoming a candidate, and each political committee, at the time it is required to file a statement of organization, shall designate and file with the commission the name and address of one legally competent individual, who may be the candidate, to serve as a treasurer.
(2) A candidate, a political committee, or a treasurer may appoint as many deputy treasurers as is considered necessary and shall file the names and addresses of the deputy treasurers with the commission.
(3)(a) A candidate or political committee may at any time remove a treasurer or deputy treasurer.
(b) In the event of the death, resignation, removal, or change of a treasurer or deputy treasurer, the candidate or political committee shall designate and file with the commission the name and address of any successor.
(4) No treasurer or deputy treasurer may be deemed to be in compliance with the provisions of this chapter until the treasurer's or deputy treasurer's name, address, and electronic contact information is filed with the commission.
[
2019 c 428 s 16
. Prior:
2010 c 205 s 2
;
2010 c 204 s 403
;
1989 c 280 s 3
;
1985 c 367 s 3
;
1982 c 147 s 2
;
1973 c 1 s 5
(Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17.050
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
Finding
—
Intent
—
2019 c 428:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.160
.
Effective date
—
1989 c 280:
See note following RCW 42.17A.005
.
RCW 42.17A.215
Depositories.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.050
.)
Each candidate and each political committee shall designate and file with the commission the name and address of not more than one depository for each county in which the campaign is conducted in which the candidate's or political committee's accounts are maintained and the name of the account or accounts maintained in that depository on behalf of the candidate or political committee. The candidate or political committee may at any time change the designated depository and shall file with the commission the same information for the successor depository as for the original depository. The candidate or political committee may not be deemed in compliance with the provisions of this chapter until the information required for the depository is filed with the commission.
[
2019 c 428 s 17
;
2010 c 204 s 404
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
Finding
—
Intent
—
2019 c 428:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.160
.
RCW 42.17A.220
Deposit of contributions
—
Investment
—
Unidentified contributions.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.060
.)
(1) All monetary contributions received by a candidate or political committee shall be deposited by candidates, political committee members, paid staff, or treasurers in a depository in an account established and designated for that purpose. Such deposits shall be made within five business days of receipt of the contribution. For online or credit card contributions, the contribution is considered received at the time the transfer is made from the merchant account to a candidate or political committee account, except that a contribution made to a candidate who is a state official or legislator outside the restriction period established in RCW 42.17A.560, but transferred to the candidate's account within the restricted period, is considered received outside of the restriction period.
(2) Political committees that support or oppose more than one candidate or ballot proposition, or exist for more than one purpose, may maintain multiple separate bank accounts within the same designated depository for such purpose only if:
(a) Each such account bears the same name;
(b) Each such account is followed by an appropriate designation that accurately identifies its separate purpose; and
(c) Transfers of funds that must be reported under *RCW 42.17A.240
(5) are not made from more than one such account.
(3) Nothing in this section prohibits a candidate or political committee from investing funds on hand in a depository in bonds, certificates, or tax-exempt securities, or in savings accounts or other similar instruments in financial institutions, or in mutual funds other than the depository but only if:
(a) The commission is notified in writing of the initiation and the termination of the investment; and
(b) The principal of such investment, when terminated together with all interest, dividends, and income derived from the investment, is deposited in the depository in the account from which the investment was made and properly reported to the commission before any further disposition or expenditure.
(4) Accumulated unidentified contributions, other than those made by persons whose names must be maintained on a separate and private list by a political committee's treasurer pursuant to RCW 42.17A.240
(2), in excess of one percent of the total accumulated contributions received in the current calendar year, or three hundred dollars, whichever is more, may not be deposited, used, or expended, but shall be returned to the donor if his or her identity can be ascertained. If the donor cannot be ascertained, the contribution shall escheat to the state and shall be paid to the state treasurer for deposit in the state general fund.
[
2018 c 304 s 5
. Prior:
2010 c 205 s 3
;
2010 c 204 s 405
;
1989 c 280 s 4
;
1987 c 268 s 1
;
1985 c 367 s 4
;
1982 c 147 s 3
;
1977 ex.s. c 313 s 3
;
1975 1st ex.s. c 294 s 4
;
1973 c 1 s 6
(Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17.060
.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note:
RCW 42.17A.240
was amended by 2020 c 152 s 3, changing subsection (5) to subsection (6).
Finding
—
Intent
—
2018 c 304:
See note following RCW 42.17A.235
.
Effective date
—
1989 c 280:
See note following RCW 42.17A.005
.
Effective date
—
Severability
—
1977 ex.s. c 313:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.005
.
RCW 42.17A.225
Filing and reporting by continuing political committee.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.070
.)
(1) In addition to the provisions of this section, a continuing political committee shall file and report on the same conditions and at the same times as any other committee in accordance with the provisions of RCW 42.17A.205, 42.17A.210, and
42.17A.220
.
(2) A continuing political committee shall file with the commission a report on the tenth day of each month detailing expenditures made and contributions received for the preceding calendar month. This report need only be filed if either the total contributions received or total expenditures made since the last such report exceed two hundred dollars. The report shall be on a form supplied by the commission and shall include the following information:
(a) The information required by RCW 42.17A.240
;
(b) Each expenditure made to retire previously accumulated debts of the committee identified by recipient, amount, and date of payments;
(c) Other information the commission shall prescribe by rule.
(3) If a continuing political committee makes a contribution in support of or in opposition to a candidate or ballot proposition within sixty days before the date that the candidate or ballot proposition will be voted upon, the committee shall report pursuant to RCW 42.17A.235
.
(4)(a) A continuing political committee shall file reports as required by this chapter until the committee has ceased to function and intends to dissolve, at which time, when there is no outstanding debt or obligation and the committee is concluded in all respects, a final report shall be filed. Upon submitting a final report, the continuing political committee so intending to dissolve must file notice of intent to dissolve with the commission and the commission must post the notice on its website.
(b) The continuing political committee may dissolve sixty days after it files its notice to dissolve, only if:
(i) The continuing political committee does not make any expenditures other than those related to the dissolution process or engage in any political activity or any other activities that generate additional reporting requirements under this chapter after filing such notice;
(ii) No complaint or court action, pursuant to this chapter, is pending against the continuing political committee; and
(iii) All penalties assessed by the commission or court order have been paid by the continuing political committee.
(c) The continuing political committee must continue to report regularly as required under this chapter until all the conditions under (b) of this subsection are resolved.
(d) Upon dissolution, the commission must issue an acknowledgment of dissolution, the duties of the treasurer shall cease, and there shall be no further obligations under this chapter. Dissolution does not absolve the candidate or board of the committee from responsibility for any future obligations resulting from the finding after dissolution of a violation committed prior to dissolution.
(5) The treasurer shall maintain books of account, current within five business days, that accurately reflect all contributions and expenditures. During the ten calendar days immediately preceding the date of any election that the committee has received any contributions or made any expenditures, the books of account shall be kept current within one business day and shall be open for public inspection in the same manner as provided for candidates and other political committees in RCW 42.17A.235
(6).
(6) All reports filed pursuant to this section shall be certified as correct by the treasurer.
(7) The treasurer shall preserve books of account, bills, receipts, and all other financial records of the campaign or political committee for not less than five calendar years following the year during which the transaction occurred.
[
2019 c 428 s 18
;
2018 c 304 s 6
;
2011 c 60 s 22
. Prior:
2010 c 205 s 4
;
2010 c 204 s 406
;
2000 c 237 s 1
;
1989 c 280 s 5
;
1982 c 147 s 4
;
1975 1st ex.s. c 294 s 5
. Formerly RCW 42.17.065
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
Finding
—
Intent
—
2019 c 428:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.160
.
Finding
—
Intent
—
2018 c 304:
See note following RCW 42.17A.235
.
Effective date
—
1989 c 280:
See note following RCW 42.17A.005
.
RCW 42.17A.230
Fund-raising activities
—
Alternative reporting method.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.080
.)
(1) Fund-raising activities meeting the standards of subsection (2) of this section may be reported in accordance with the provisions of this section in lieu of reporting in accordance with RCW 42.17A.235
.
(2) Standards:
(a) The activity consists of one or more of the following:
(i) A sale of goods or services sold at a reasonable approximation of the fair market value of each item or service; or
(ii) A gambling operation that is licensed, conducted, or operated in accordance with the provisions of chapter
9.46
RCW; or
(iii) A gathering where food and beverages are purchased and the price of admission or the per person charge for the food and beverages is no more than twenty-five dollars; or
(iv) A concert, dance, theater performance, or similar entertainment event and the price of admission is no more than twenty-five dollars; or
(v) An auction or similar sale for which the total fair market value or cost of items donated by any person is no more than fifty dollars; and
(b) No person responsible for receiving money at the fund-raising activity knowingly accepts payments from a single person at or from such an activity to the candidate or committee aggregating more than fifty dollars unless the name and address of the person making the payment, together with the amount paid to the candidate or committee, are disclosed in the report filed pursuant to subsection (6) of this section; and
(c) Any other standards established by rule of the commission to prevent frustration of the purposes of this chapter.
(3) All funds received from a fund-raising activity that conforms with subsection (2) of this section must be deposited in the depository within five business days of receipt by the treasurer or deputy treasurer.
(4) At the time reports are required under RCW 42.17A.235, the treasurer or deputy treasurer making the deposit shall file with the commission a report of the fund-raising activity which must contain the following information:
(a) The date of the activity;
(b) A precise description of the fund-raising methods used in the activity; and
(c) The total amount of cash receipts from persons, each of whom paid no more than fifty dollars.
(5) The treasurer or deputy treasurer shall certify the report is correct.
(6) The treasurer shall report pursuant to RCW 42.17A.235
and
42.17A.240
:
(a) The name and address and the amount contributed by each person contributing goods or services with a fair market value of more than fifty dollars to a fund-raising activity reported under subsection (4) of this section; and
(b) The name and address and the amount paid by each person whose identity can be ascertained, who made a contribution to the candidate or committee aggregating more than fifty dollars at or from such a fund-raising activity.
[
2019 c 428 s 19
. Prior:
2010 c 205 s 5
;
2010 c 204 s 407
;
1989 c 280 s 6
;
1982 c 147 s 5
; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 112 s 9. Formerly RCW 42.17.067
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
Finding
—
Intent
—
2019 c 428:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.160
.
Effective date
—
1989 c 280:
See note following RCW 42.17A.005
.
RCW 42.17A.235
Reporting of contributions and expenditures
—
Public inspection of accounts.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.090
.)
(1)(a) In addition to the information required under RCW 42.17A.205
and
42.17A.210, each candidate or political committee must file with the commission a report of all contributions received and expenditures made as a political committee on the next reporting date pursuant to the timeline established in this section.
(b) In addition to the information required under RCW 42.17A.207
and
42.17A.210, on the day an incidental committee files a statement of organization with the commission, each incidental committee must file with the commission a report of any election campaign expenditures under *RCW 42.17A.240
(6), as well as the source of the ten largest cumulative payments of ten thousand dollars or greater it received in the current calendar year from a single person, including any persons tied as the tenth largest source of payments it received, if any.
(2) Each treasurer of a candidate or political committee, or an incidental committee, required to file a statement of organization under this chapter, shall file with the commission a report, for each election in which a candidate, political committee, or incidental committee is participating, containing the information required by RCW 42.17A.240
at the following intervals:
(a) On the twenty-first day and the seventh day immediately preceding the date on which the election is held; and
(b) On the tenth day of the first full month after the election.
(3)(a) Each treasurer of a candidate or political committee shall file with the commission a report on the tenth day of each month during which the candidate or political committee is not participating in an election campaign, only if the committee has received a contribution or made an expenditure in the preceding calendar month and either the total contributions received or total expenditures made since the last such report exceed two hundred dollars.
(b) Each incidental committee shall file with the commission a report on the tenth day of each month during which the incidental committee is not otherwise required to report under this section only if the committee has:
(i) Received a payment that would change the information required under RCW 42.17A.240
(2)(d) as included in its last report; or
(ii) Made any election campaign expenditure reportable under *RCW 42.17A.240
(6) since its last report, and the total election campaign expenditures made since the last report exceed two hundred dollars.
(4) The report filed twenty-one days before the election shall report all contributions received and expenditures made as of the end of one business day before the date of the report. The report filed seven days before the election shall report all contributions received and expenditures made as of the end of one business day before the date of the report. Reports filed on the tenth day of the month shall report all contributions received and expenditures made from the closing date of the last report filed through the last day of the month preceding the date of the current report.
(5) For the period beginning the first day of the fourth month preceding the date of the special election, or for the period beginning the first day of the fifth month before the date of the general election, and ending on the date of that special or general election, each Monday the treasurer for a candidate or a political committee shall file with the commission a report of each bank deposit made during the previous seven calendar days. The report shall contain the name of each person contributing the funds and the amount contributed by each person. However, persons who contribute no more than twenty-five dollars in the aggregate are not required to be identified in the report. A copy of the report shall be retained by the treasurer for the treasurer's records. In the event of deposits made by candidates, political committee members, or paid staff other than the treasurer, the copy shall be immediately provided to the treasurer for the treasurer's records. Each report shall be certified as correct by the treasurer.
(6)(a) The treasurer for a candidate or a political committee shall maintain books of account accurately reflecting all contributions and expenditures on a current basis within five business days of receipt or expenditure. During the ten calendar days immediately preceding the date of the election the books of account shall be kept current within one business day. As specified in the political committee's statement of organization filed under RCW 42.17A.205, the books of account must be open for public inspection by appointment at a place agreed upon by both the treasurer and the requestor, for inspections between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on any day from the tenth calendar day immediately before the election through the day immediately before the election, other than Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday. It is a violation of this chapter for a candidate or political committee to refuse to allow and keep an appointment for an inspection to be conducted during these authorized times and days. The appointment must be allowed at an authorized time and day for such inspections that is within forty-eight hours of the time and day that is requested for the inspection. The treasurer may provide digital access or copies of the books of account in lieu of scheduling an appointment at a designated place for inspection. If the treasurer and requestor are unable to agree on a location and the treasurer has not provided digital access to the books of account, the default location for an appointment shall be a place of public accommodation selected by the treasurer within a reasonable distance from the treasurer's office.
(b) At the time of making the appointment, a person wishing to inspect the books of account must provide the treasurer the name and telephone number of the person wishing to inspect the books of account. The person inspecting the books of account must show photo identification before the inspection begins.
(c) A treasurer may refuse to show the books of account to any person who does not make an appointment or provide the required identification. The commission may issue limited rules to modify the requirements set forth in this section in consideration of other technology and best practices.
(7) Copies of all reports filed pursuant to this section shall be readily available for public inspection by appointment, pursuant to subsection (6) of this section.
(8) The treasurer or candidate shall preserve books of account, bills, receipts, and all other financial records of the campaign or political committee for not less than five calendar years following the year during which the transaction occurred or for any longer period as otherwise required by law.
(9) All reports filed pursuant to subsection (1) or (2) of this section shall be certified as correct by the candidate and the treasurer.
(10) Where there is not a pending complaint concerning a report, it is not evidence of a violation of this section to submit an amended report within twenty-one days of filing an initial report if:
(a) The report is accurately amended;
(b) The amended report is filed more than thirty days before an election;
(c) The total aggregate dollar amount of the adjustment for the amended report is within three times the contribution limit per election or two hundred dollars, whichever is greater; and
(d) The committee reported all information that was available to it at the time of filing, or made a good faith effort to do so, or if a refund of a contribution or expenditure is being reported.
(11)(a) When there is no outstanding debt or obligation, the campaign fund is closed, the campaign is concluded in all respects, and the political committee has ceased to function and intends to dissolve, the treasurer shall file a final report. Upon submitting a final report, the political committee so intending to dissolve must file notice of intent to dissolve with the commission and the commission must post the notice on its website.
(b) Any political committee may dissolve sixty days after it files its notice to dissolve, only if:
(i) The political committee does not make any expenditures other than those related to the dissolution process or engage in any political activity or any other activities that generate additional reporting requirements under this chapter after filing such notice;
(ii) No complaint or court action under this chapter is pending against the political committee; and
(iii) All penalties assessed by the commission or court order have been paid by the political committee.
(c) The political committee must continue to report regularly as required under this chapter until all the conditions under (b) of this subsection are resolved.
(d) Upon dissolution, the commission must issue an acknowledgment of dissolution, the duties of the treasurer shall cease, and there shall be no further obligations under this chapter. Dissolution does not absolve the candidate or board of the committee from responsibility for any future obligations resulting from the finding after dissolution of a violation committed prior to dissolution.
(12) The commission must adopt rules for the dissolution of incidental committees.
[
2019 c 428 s 20
. Prior:
2018 c 304 s 7
;
2018 c 111 s 5
;
2015 c 54 s 1
;
2011 c 60 s 23
; prior:
2010 c 205 s 6
;
2010 c 204 s 408
;
2008 c 73 s 1
;
2006 c 344 s 30
;
2005 c 184 s 1
;
2002 c 75 s 2
;
2000 c 237 s 2
;
1999 c 401 s 13
;
1995 c 397 s 2
;
1989 c 280 s 8
;
1986 c 28 s 1
;
1982 c 147 s 6
;
1975 1st ex.s. c 294 s 6
;
1973 c 1 s 8
(Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17.080
.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note:
RCW 42.17A.240
was amended by 2020 c 152 s 3, changing subsection (6) to subsection (7).
Effective date
—
Finding
—
Intent
—
2019 c 428:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.160
.
Finding
—
Intent
—
2018 c 304:
"The legislature finds that state campaign finance laws are intended to provide maximum transparency to the public and voters so they may know who is funding political campaigns and how those campaigns spend their money. Additionally, our campaign finance laws should not be so complex and complicated that volunteers and newcomers to the political process cannot understand the rules or have difficulty following them. The legislature believes that our campaign finance laws should not be a barrier to participating in the political process, but instead encourage people to participate in the process by ensuring a level playing field and a predictable enforcement mechanism. The legislature intends to simplify the political reporting and enforcement process without sacrificing transparency and the public's right to know who funds political campaigns. The legislature also intends to expedite the public disclosure commission's enforcement procedures so that remedial campaign finance violations can be dealt with administratively."
The intent of the law is not to trap or embarrass people when they make honest remediable errors. A majority of smaller campaigns are volunteer-driven and most treasurers are not professional accountants. The public disclosure commission should be guided to review and address major violations, intentional violations, and violations that could change the outcome of an election or materially affect the public interest." [
2018 c 304 s 1
.]
Effective date
—
Short title
—
Findings
—
Intent
—
Implementation with existing funds
—
2018 c 111:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.207
.
Effective date
—
2006 c 344 ss 1-16 and 18-40:
See note following RCW 29A.04.311
.
Effective date
—
1989 c 280:
See note following RCW 42.17A.005
.
RCW 42.17A.240
Contents of report.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.100
.)
Each report required under RCW 42.17A.235
(1) through (4) must be certified as correct by the treasurer and the candidate and shall disclose the following, except an incidental committee only must disclose and certify as correct the information required under subsections (2)(d) and (7) of this section:
(1) The funds on hand at the beginning of the period;
(2) The name and address of each person who has made one or more contributions during the period, together with the money value and date of each contribution and the aggregate value of all contributions received from each person during the campaign, or in the case of a continuing political committee, the current calendar year, with the following exceptions:
(a) Pledges in the aggregate of less than one hundred dollars from any one person need not be reported;
(b) Income that results from a fund-raising activity conducted in accordance with RCW 42.17A.230
may be reported as one lump sum, with the exception of that portion received from persons whose names and addresses are required to be included in the report required by RCW 42.17A.230
;
(c) Contributions of no more than twenty-five dollars in the aggregate from any one person during the election campaign may be reported as one lump sum if the treasurer maintains a separate and private list of the name, address, and amount of each such contributor;
(d) Payments received by an incidental committee from any one person need not be reported unless the person is one of the committee's ten largest sources of payments received, including any persons tied as the tenth largest source of payments received, during the current calendar year, and the value of the cumulative payments received from that person during the current calendar year is ten thousand dollars or greater. For payments to incidental committees from multiple persons received in aggregated form, any payment of more than ten thousand dollars from any single person must be reported, but the aggregated payment itself may not be reported. The commission may suspend or modify reporting requirements for payments received by an incidental committee in cases of manifestly unreasonable hardship under this chapter;
(e) Payments from private foundations organized under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code to an incidental committee do not have to be reported if:
(i) The private foundation is contracting with the incidental committee for a specific purpose other than election campaign purposes;
(ii) Use of the funds for election campaign purposes is explicitly prohibited by contract; and
(iii) Funding from the private foundation represents less than twenty-five percent of the incidental committee's total budget;
(f) Commentary or analysis on a ballot proposition by an incidental committee is not considered a contribution if it does not advocate specifically to vote for or against the ballot proposition; and
(g) The money value of contributions of postage is the face value of the postage;
(3) Each loan, promissory note, or security instrument to be used by or for the benefit of the candidate or political committee made by any person, including the names and addresses of the lender and each person liable directly, indirectly or contingently and the date and amount of each such loan, promissory note, or security instrument;
(4) All other contributions not otherwise listed or exempted;
(5) A statement that the candidate or political committee has received a certification from any partnership, association, corporation, organization, or other combination of persons making a contribution to the candidate or political committee that:
(a) The contribution is not financed in any part by a foreign national; and
(b) Foreign nationals are not involved in making decisions regarding the contribution in any way;
(6) The name and address of each candidate or political committee to which any transfer of funds was made, including the amounts and dates of the transfers;
(7) The name and address of each person to whom an expenditure was made in the aggregate amount of more than fifty dollars during the period covered by this report, the amount, date, and purpose of each expenditure, and the total sum of all expenditures. An incidental committee only must report on expenditures, made and reportable as contributions as defined in RCW 42.17A.005, to election campaigns. For purposes of this subsection, commentary or analysis on a ballot proposition by an incidental committee is not considered an expenditure if it does not advocate specifically to vote for or against the ballot proposition;
(8) The name, address, and electronic contact information of each person to whom an expenditure was made for soliciting or procuring signatures on an initiative or referendum petition, the amount of the compensation to each person, and the total expenditures made for this purpose. Such expenditures shall be reported under this subsection in addition to what is required to be reported under subsection (7) of this section;
(9)(a) The name and address of any person and the amount owed for any debt with a value of more than seven hundred fifty dollars that has not been paid for any invoices submitted, goods received, or services performed, within five business days during the period within thirty days before an election, or within ten business days during any other period.
(b) For purposes of this subsection, debt does not include regularly recurring expenditures of the same amount that have already been reported at least once and that are not late or outstanding;
(10) The surplus or deficit of contributions over expenditures;
(11) The disposition made in accordance with RCW 42.17A.430
of any surplus funds; and
(12) Any other information required by the commission by rule in conformance with the policies and purposes of this chapter.
[
2020 c 152 s 3
;
2019 c 428 s 21
. Prior:
2018 c 304 s 8
;
2018 c 111 s 6
;
2010 c 204 s 409
;
2003 c 123 s 1
;
1993 c 256 s 6
;
1989 c 280 s 9
; prior:
1986 c 228 s 1
;
1986 c 12 s 2
;
1983 c 96 s 1
;
1982 c 147 s 7
;
1977 ex.s. c 336 s 2
; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 112 s 3;
1975 1st ex.s. c 294 s 7
;
1973 c 1 s 9
(Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17.090
.]
NOTES:
Findings
—
2020 c 152:
See note following RCW 42.17A.417
.
Effective date
—
Finding
—
Intent
—
2019 c 428:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.160
.
Finding
—
Intent
—
2018 c 304:
See note following RCW 42.17A.235
.
Effective date
—
Short title
—
Findings
—
Intent
—
Implementation with existing funds
—
2018 c 111:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.207
.
Severability
—
Effective date
—
1993 c 256:
See notes following RCW 29A.84.280
.
Effective date
—
1989 c 280:
See note following RCW 42.17A.005
.
Severability
—
1977 ex.s. c 336:
See note following RCW 42.17A.205
.
Appearance of fairness doctrine
—
Application to candidates for public office
—
Campaign contributions: RCW 42.36.040, 42.36.050
.
RCW 42.17A.250
Out-of-state political committees
—
Reports.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.110
.)
(1) An out-of-state political committee organized for the purpose of supporting or opposing candidates or ballot propositions in another state that is not otherwise required to report under RCW 42.17A.205
through
42.17A.240
shall report as required in this section when it makes an expenditure supporting or opposing a Washington state candidate or political committee. The committee shall file with the commission a statement disclosing:
(a) Its name and address;
(b) The purposes of the out-of-state committee;
(c) The names, addresses, and titles of its officers or, if it has no officers, the names, addresses, and the titles of its responsible leaders;
(d) The name, office sought, and party affiliation of each candidate in the state of Washington whom the out-of-state committee is supporting or opposing and, if the committee is supporting or opposing the entire ticket of any party, the name of the party;
(e) The ballot proposition supported or opposed in the state of Washington, if any, and whether the committee is in favor of or opposed to that proposition;
(f) The name and address of each person residing in the state of Washington or corporation that has a place of business in the state of Washington who has made one or more contributions in the aggregate of more than *twenty-five dollars to the out-of-state committee during the current calendar year, together with the money value and date of the contributions;
(g) The name, address, and employer of each person or corporation residing outside the state of Washington who has made one or more contributions in the aggregate of more than *two thousand five hundred fifty dollars to the out-of-state committee during the current calendar year, together with the money value and date of the contributions. Annually, the commission must modify the *two thousand five hundred fifty dollar limit in this subsection based on percentage change in the implicit price deflator for personal consumption expenditures for the United States as published for the most recent twelve-month period by the bureau of economic analysis of the federal department of commerce;
(h) The name and address of each person in the state of Washington to whom an expenditure was made by the out-of-state committee with respect to a candidate or political committee in the aggregate amount of more than *fifty dollars, the amount, date, and purpose of the expenditure, and the total sum of the expenditures;
(i) A statement that the out-of-state committee has received a certification from any partnership, association, corporation, organization, or other combination of persons making a contribution reportable under this section that:
(i) The contribution is not financed in any part by a foreign national; and
(ii) Foreign nationals are not involved in making decisions regarding the contribution in any way; and
(j) Any other information as the commission may prescribe by rule in keeping with the policies and purposes of this chapter.
(2) Each statement shall be filed no later than the tenth day of the month following any month in which a contribution or other expenditure reportable under subsection (1) of this section is made. An out-of-state committee incurring an obligation to file additional statements in a calendar year may satisfy the obligation by timely filing reports that supplement previously filed information.
[
2020 c 152 s 4
;
2010 c 204 s 411
;
2006 c 348 s 6
;
2003 c 123 s 2
. Formerly RCW 42.17.093
.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note:
The dollar amounts in this section may have been adjusted for inflation by rule of the commission adopted under the authority of RCW 42.17A.125
. For current dollar amounts, see WAC 390-05-400.
Findings
—
2020 c 152:
See note following RCW 42.17A.417
.
RCW 42.17A.255
Special reports
—
Independent expenditures.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.120
.)
(1) For the purposes of this section the term "independent expenditure" means any expenditure that is made in support of or in opposition to any candidate or ballot proposition and is not otherwise required to be reported pursuant to RCW 42.17A.225, 42.17A.235, and
42.17A.240
. "Independent expenditure" does not include: An internal political communication primarily limited to the contributors to a political party organization or political action committee, or the officers, management staff, and stockholders of a corporation or similar enterprise, or the members of a labor organization or other membership organization; or the rendering of personal services of the sort commonly performed by volunteer campaign workers, or incidental expenses personally incurred by volunteer campaign workers not in excess of fifty dollars personally paid for by the worker. "Volunteer services," for the purposes of this section, means services or labor for which the individual is not compensated by any person.
(2) Within five days after the date of making an independent expenditure that by itself or when added to all other such independent expenditures made during the same election campaign by the same person equals one hundred dollars or more, or within five days after the date of making an independent expenditure for which no reasonable estimate of monetary value is practicable, whichever occurs first, the person who made the independent expenditure shall file with the commission an initial report of all independent expenditures made during the campaign prior to and including such date.
(3) At the following intervals each person who is required to file an initial report pursuant to subsection (2) of this section shall file with the commission a further report of the independent expenditures made since the date of the last report:
(a) On the twenty-first day and the seventh day preceding the date on which the election is held; and
(b) On the tenth day of the first month after the election; and
(c) On the tenth day of each month in which no other reports are required to be filed pursuant to this section. However, the further reports required by this subsection (3) shall only be filed if the reporting person has made an independent expenditure since the date of the last previous report filed.
The report filed pursuant to (a) of this subsection (3) shall be the final report, and upon submitting such final report the duties of the reporting person shall cease, and there shall be no obligation to make any further reports.
(4) All reports filed pursuant to this section shall be certified as correct by the reporting person.
(5) Each report required by subsections (2) and (3) of this section shall disclose for the period beginning at the end of the period for the last previous report filed or, in the case of an initial report, beginning at the time of the first independent expenditure, and ending not more than one business day before the date the report is due:
(a) The name, address, and electronic contact information of the person filing the report;
(b) The name and address of each person to whom an independent expenditure was made in the aggregate amount of more than fifty dollars, and the amount, date, and purpose of each such expenditure. If no reasonable estimate of the monetary value of a particular independent expenditure is practicable, it is sufficient to report instead a precise description of services, property, or rights furnished through the expenditure and where appropriate to attach a copy of the item produced or distributed by the expenditure;
(c) The total sum of all independent expenditures made during the campaign to date;
(d) A statement from the person making an independent expenditure that:
(i) The expenditure is not financed in any part by a foreign national; and
(ii) Foreign nationals are not involved in making decisions regarding the expenditure in any way; and
(e) Such other information as shall be required by the commission by rule in conformance with the policies and purposes of this chapter.
[
2020 c 152 s 5
;
2019 c 428 s 22
;
2011 c 60 s 24
;
2010 c 205 s 7
;
1995 c 397 s 28
;
1989 c 280 s 10
;
1985 c 367 s 6
;
1982 c 147 s 9
; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 112 s 4;
1973 c 1 s 10
(Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17.100
.]
NOTES:
Findings
—
2020 c 152:
See note following RCW 42.17A.417
.
Effective date
—
Finding
—
Intent
—
2019 c 428:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.160
.
Effective date
—
1989 c 280:
See note following RCW 42.17A.005
.
RCW 42.17A.260
Special reports
—
Political advertising.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.130
.)
(1) The sponsor of political advertising shall file a special report to the commission within twenty-four hours of, or on the first working day after, the date the political advertising is first published, mailed, or otherwise presented to the public, if the political advertising:
(a) Is published, mailed, or otherwise presented to the public within twenty-one days of an election; and
(b) Either:
(i) Qualifies as an independent expenditure with a fair market value or actual cost of one thousand dollars or more, for political advertising supporting or opposing a candidate; or
(ii) Has a fair market value or actual cost of one thousand dollars or more, for political advertising supporting or opposing a ballot proposition.
(2) If a sponsor is required to file a special report under this section, the sponsor shall also deliver to the commission within the delivery period established in subsection (1) of this section a special report for each subsequent independent expenditure of any size supporting or opposing the same candidate who was the subject of the previous independent expenditure, supporting or opposing that candidate's opponent, or, in the case of a subsequent expenditure of any size made in support of or in opposition to a ballot proposition not otherwise required to be reported pursuant to RCW 42.17A.225, 42.17A.235, or
42.17A.240, supporting or opposing the same ballot proposition that was the subject of the previous expenditure.
(3) The special report must include:
(a) The name and address of the person making the expenditure;
(b) The name and address of the person to whom the expenditure was made;
(c) A detailed description of the expenditure;
(d) The date the expenditure was made and the date the political advertising was first published or otherwise presented to the public;
(e) The amount of the expenditure;
(f) The name of the candidate supported or opposed by the expenditure, the office being sought by the candidate, and whether the expenditure supports or opposes the candidate; or the name of the ballot proposition supported or opposed by the expenditure and whether the expenditure supports or opposes the ballot proposition;
(g) A statement from the sponsor that:
(i) The political advertising is not financed in any part by a foreign national; and
(ii) Foreign nationals are not involved in making decisions regarding the political advertising in any way; and
(h) Any other information the commission may require by rule.
(4) All persons required to report under RCW 42.17A.225, 42.17A.235, 42.17A.240, 42.17A.255, and
42.17A.305
are subject to the requirements of this section. The commission may determine that reports filed pursuant to this section also satisfy the requirements of RCW 42.17A.255
.
(5) The sponsor of independent expenditures supporting a candidate or opposing that candidate's opponent required to report under this section shall file with each required report an affidavit or declaration of the person responsible for making the independent expenditure that the expenditure was not made in cooperation, consultation, or concert with, or at the request or suggestion of, the candidate, the candidate's authorized committee, or the candidate's agent, or with the encouragement or approval of the candidate, the candidate's authorized committee, or the candidate's agent.
[
2020 c 152 s 6
;
2019 c 428 s 23
;
2010 c 204 s 413
;
2005 c 445 s 7
;
2001 c 54 s 1
. Formerly RCW 42.17.103
.]
NOTES:
Findings
—
2020 c 152:
See note following RCW 42.17A.417
.
Effective date
—
Finding
—
Intent
—
2019 c 428:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.160
.
Effective date
—
2001 c 54:
"This act takes effect January 1, 2002." [
2001 c 54 s 4
.]
RCW 42.17A.265
Special reports
—
Late contributions or large totals
—
Certain late contributions prohibited.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.140
.)
(1) Treasurers shall prepare and deliver to the commission a special report when a contribution or aggregate of contributions totals one thousand dollars or more, is from a single person or entity, and is received during a special reporting period.
(2) A political committee shall prepare and deliver to the commission a special report when it makes a contribution or an aggregate of contributions to a single entity that totals one thousand dollars or more during a special reporting period.
(3) An aggregate of contributions includes only those contributions made to or received from a single entity during any one special reporting period. Any subsequent contribution of any size made to or received from the same person or entity during the special reporting period must also be reported.
(4) Special reporting periods, for purposes of this section, include:
(a) The period beginning on the day after the last report required by RCW 42.17A.235
and
42.17A.240
to be filed before a primary and concluding on the end of the day before that primary;
(b) The period twenty-one days preceding a general election; and
(c) An aggregate of contributions includes only those contributions received from a single entity during any one special reporting period or made by the contributing political committee to a single entity during any one special reporting period.
(5) If a campaign treasurer files a special report under this section for one or more contributions received from a single entity during a special reporting period, the treasurer shall also file a special report under this section for each subsequent contribution of any size which is received from that entity during the special reporting period. If a political committee files a special report under this section for a contribution or contributions made to a single entity during a special reporting period, the political committee shall also file a special report for each subsequent contribution of any size which is made to that entity during the special reporting period.
(6) Special reports required by this section shall be delivered electronically, or in written form if an electronic alternative is not available.
(a) The special report required of a contribution recipient under subsection (1) of this section shall be delivered to the commission within forty-eight hours of the time, or on the first working day after: The contribution of one thousand dollars or more is received by the candidate or treasurer; the aggregate received by the candidate or treasurer first equals one thousand dollars or more; or any subsequent contribution from the same source is received by the candidate or treasurer.
(b) The special report required of a contributor under subsection (2) of this section or RCW 42.17A.625
shall be delivered to the commission, and the candidate or political committee to whom the contribution or contributions are made, within twenty-four hours of the time, or on the first working day after: The contribution is made; the aggregate of contributions made first equals one thousand dollars or more; or any subsequent contribution to the same person or entity is made.
(7) The special report shall include:
(a) The amount of the contribution or contributions;
(b) The date or dates of receipt;
(c) The name and address of the donor;
(d) The name and address of the recipient;
(e) A statement that the candidate or political committee has received a certification from any partnership, association, corporation, organization, or other combination of persons making a contribution reportable under this section that:
(i) The contribution is not financed in any part by a foreign national; and
(ii) Foreign nationals are not involved in making decisions regarding the contribution in any way; and
(f) Any other information the commission may by rule require.
(8) Contributions reported under this section shall also be reported as required by other provisions of this chapter.
(9) The commission shall prepare daily a summary of the special reports made under this section and RCW 42.17A.625
.
(10) Contributions governed by this section include, but are not limited to, contributions made or received indirectly through a third party or entity whether the contributions are or are not reported to the commission as earmarked contributions under RCW 42.17A.270
.
[
2020 c 152 s 7
;
2019 c 428 s 24
;
2010 c 204 s 414
;
2001 c 54 s 2
;
1995 c 397 s 4
;
1991 c 157 s 1
;
1989 c 280 s 11
;
1986 c 228 s 2
;
1985 c 359 s 1
;
1983 c 176 s 1
. Formerly RCW 42.17.105
.]
NOTES:
Findings
—
2020 c 152:
See note following RCW 42.17A.417
.
Effective date
—
Finding
—
Intent
—
2019 c 428:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.160
.
Effective date
—
2001 c 54:
See note following RCW 42.17A.260
.
Effective date
—
1989 c 280:
See note following RCW 42.17A.005
.
RCW 42.17A.270
Earmarked contributions.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.150
.)
A political committee receiving a contribution earmarked for the benefit of a candidate or another political committee shall:
(1) Report the contribution as required in RCW 42.17A.235
and
42.17A.240
;
(2) Complete a report, entitled "Earmarked contributions," on a form prescribed by the commission that identifies the name and address of the person who made the contribution, the candidate or political committee for whose benefit the contribution is earmarked, the amount of the contribution, and the date that the contribution was received; and
(3) Mail or deliver to the commission and the candidate or political committee benefiting from the contribution a copy of the "Earmarked contributions" report within two working days of receipt of the contribution.
(4) A candidate or political committee receiving notification of an earmarked contribution under subsection (3) of this section shall report the contribution, once notification of the contribution is received by the candidate or committee, in the same manner as any other contribution, as required by RCW 42.17A.235
and
42.17A.240
.
[
2010 c 204 s 416
;
1989 c 280 s 13
;
1986 c 228 s 3
. Formerly RCW 42.17.135
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
1989 c 280:
See note following RCW 42.17A.005
.
RCW 42.17A.300
Findings
—
Intent
—
Rule-making authority.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.30.010
.)
(1) The legislature finds that:
(a) Timely disclosure to voters of the identity and sources of funding for electioneering communications is vitally important to the integrity of state, local, and judicial elections.
(b) Electioneering communications that identify political candidates for state, local, or judicial office and that are distributed sixty days before an election for those offices are intended to influence voters and the outcome of those elections.
(c) The state has a compelling interest in providing voters information about electioneering communications in political campaigns concerning candidates for state, local, or judicial office so that voters can be fully informed as to the: (i) Source of support or opposition to those candidates; and (ii) identity of persons attempting to influence the outcome of state, local, and judicial candidate elections.
(d) Nondisclosure of financial information about advertising that masquerades as relating only to issues and not to candidate campaigns fosters corruption or the appearance of corruption. These consequences can be substantially avoided by full disclosure of the identity and funding of those persons paying for such advertising.
(e) The United States supreme court held in
McConnell et al. v. Federal Elections Commission
, 540 U.S. 93, 124 S.Ct. 619, 157 L.Ed.2d 491 (2003) that speakers seeking to influence elections do not possess an inviolable free speech right to engage in electioneering communications regarding elections, including when issue advocacy is the functional equivalent of express advocacy. Therefore, such election campaign communications can be regulated and the source of funding disclosed.
(f) The state has a sufficiently compelling interest in preventing corruption in political campaigns to justify and restore contribution limits and restrictions on the use of soft money in RCW 42.17A.405
. Those interests include restoring restrictions on the use of such funds for electioneering communications, as well as the laws preventing circumvention of those limits and restrictions.
(2) Based upon the findings in this section, chapter 445, Laws of 2005 is narrowly tailored to accomplish the following and is intended to:
(a) Improve the disclosure to voters of information concerning persons and entities seeking to influence state, local, and judicial campaigns through reasonable and effective mechanisms, including improving disclosure of the source, identity, and funding of electioneering communications concerning state, local, and judicial candidate campaigns;
(b) Regulate electioneering communications that mention state, local, and judicial candidates and that are broadcast, mailed, erected, distributed, or otherwise published right before the election so that the public knows who is paying for such communications;
(c) Reenact and amend the contribution limits in RCW 42.17A.405
(7) and (15) and the restrictions on the use of soft money, including as applied to electioneering communications, as those limits and restrictions were in effect following the passage of chapter 2, Laws of 1993 (Initiative Measure No. 134) and before the state supreme court decision in
Washington State Republican Party v. Washington State Public Disclosure Commission
, 141 Wn.2d 245, 4 P.3d 808 (2000). The commission is authorized to fully restore the implementation of the limits and restrictions of RCW 42.17A.405
(7) and (15) in light of
McConnell et al. v. Federal Elections Commission
, 540 U.S. 93, 124 S.Ct. 619, 157 L.Ed.2d 491 (2003). The United States supreme court upheld the disclosure and regulation of electioneering communications in political campaigns, including but not limited to issue advocacy that is the functional equivalent of express advocacy; and
(d) Authorize the commission to adopt rules to implement chapter 445, Laws of 2005.
[
2010 c 204 s 501
;
2005 c 445 s 1
. Formerly RCW 42.17.561
.]
RCW 42.17A.305
Report
—
Information required
—
Time
—
Method
—
By whom
—
Penalty.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.30.020
.)
(1) A payment for or promise to pay for any electioneering communication shall be reported to the commission by the sponsor on forms the commission shall develop by rule to include, at a minimum, the following information:
(a) Name and address of the sponsor;
(b) Source of funds for the communication, including:
(i) General treasury funds. The name and address of businesses, unions, groups, associations, or other organizations using general treasury funds for the communication, however, if a business, union, group, association, or other organization undertakes a special solicitation of its members or other persons for an electioneering communication, or it otherwise receives funds for an electioneering communication, that entity shall report pursuant to (b)(ii) of this subsection;
(ii) Special solicitations and other funds. The name, address, and, for individuals, occupation and employer, of a person whose funds were used to pay for the electioneering communication, along with the amount, if such funds from the person have exceeded two hundred fifty dollars in the aggregate for the electioneering communication;
(iii) A statement from the sponsor that:
(A) The electioneering communication is not financed in any part by a foreign national; and
(B) Foreign nationals are not involved in making decisions regarding the electioneering communication in any way; and
(iv) Any other source information required or exempted by the commission by rule;
(c) Name and address of the person to whom an electioneering communication related expenditure was made;
(d) A detailed description of each expenditure of more than one hundred dollars;
(e) The date the expenditure was made and the date the electioneering communication was first broadcast, transmitted, mailed, erected, distributed, or otherwise published;
(f) The amount of the expenditure;
(g) The name of each candidate clearly identified in the electioneering communication, the office being sought by each candidate, and the amount of the expenditure attributable to each candidate; and
(h) Any other information the commission may require or exempt by rule.
(2) Electioneering communications shall be reported as follows: The sponsor of an electioneering communication shall report to the commission within twenty-four hours of, or on the first working day after, the date the electioneering communication is broadcast, transmitted, mailed, erected, distributed, digitally or otherwise, or otherwise published.
(3) Electioneering communications shall be reported electronically by the sponsor using software provided or approved by the commission. The commission may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis for a sponsor who lacks the technological ability to file reports using the electronic means provided or approved by the commission.
(4) All persons required to report under RCW 42.17A.225, 42.17A.235, 42.17A.240, and
42.17A.255
are subject to the requirements of this section, although the commission may determine by rule that persons filing according to those sections may be exempt from reporting some of the information otherwise required by this section. The commission may determine that reports filed pursuant to this section also satisfy the requirements of RCW 42.17A.255
and
42.17A.260
.
(5) Failure of any sponsor to report electronically under this section shall be a violation of this chapter.
[
2020 c 152 s 8
;
2019 c 428 s 25
;
2010 c 204 s 502
;
2005 c 445 s 3
. Formerly RCW 42.17.565
.]
NOTES:
Findings
—
2020 c 152:
See note following RCW 42.17A.417
.
Effective date
—
Finding
—
Intent
—
2019 c 428:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.160
.
RCW 42.17A.310
When a contribution.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.30.030
.)
(1) An electioneering communication made by a person in cooperation, consultation, or concert with, or at the request or suggestion of, a candidate, a candidate's authorized committee, or their agents is a contribution to the candidate.
(2) An electioneering communication made by a person in cooperation, consultation, or concert with, or at the request or suggestion of, a political committee or its agents is a contribution to the political committee.
(3) If an electioneering communication is not a contribution pursuant to subsection (1) or (2) of this section, the sponsor shall file an affidavit or declaration so stating at the time the sponsor is required to report the electioneering communication expense under RCW 42.17A.305
.
[
2010 c 204 s 503
;
2005 c 445 s 4
. Formerly RCW 42.17.570
.]
RCW 42.17A.315
Recordkeeping.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.30.040
.)
(1) The sponsor of an electioneering communication shall preserve all financial records relating to the communication, including books of account, bills, receipts, contributor information, and ledgers, for not less than five calendar years following the year in which the communication was broadcast, transmitted, mailed, erected, or otherwise published.
(2) All reports filed under RCW 42.17A.305
shall be certified as correct by the sponsor. If the sponsor is an individual using his or her own funds to pay for the communication, the certification shall be signed by the individual. If the sponsor is a political committee, the certification shall be signed by the committee treasurer. If the sponsor is another entity, the certification shall be signed by the individual responsible for authorizing the expenditure on the entity's behalf.
[
2010 c 204 s 504
;
2005 c 445 s 5
. Formerly RCW 42.17.575
.]
RCW 42.17A.320
Identification of sponsor
—
Exemptions.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.30.050
.)
(1) All written political advertising, whether relating to candidates or ballot propositions, shall include the sponsor's name and address. All radio and television political advertising, whether relating to candidates or ballot propositions, shall include the sponsor's name. The use of an assumed name for the sponsor of electioneering communications, independent expenditures, or political advertising shall be unlawful. For partisan office, if a candidate has expressed a party or independent preference on the declaration of candidacy, that party or independent designation shall be clearly identified in electioneering communications, independent expenditures, or political advertising.
(2) In addition to the information required by subsection (1) of this section, except as specifically addressed in subsections (4) and (5) of this section, all political advertising undertaken as an independent expenditure or an electioneering communication by a person or entity other than a bona fide political party must include as part of the communication:
(a) The statement: "No candidate authorized this ad. It is paid for by (name, address, city, state)";
(b) If the sponsor is a political committee, the statement: "Top Five Contributors," followed by a listing of the names of the five persons making the largest contributions as determined by RCW 42.17A.350
(1); and if necessary, the statement "Top Three Donors to PAC Contributors," followed by a listing of the names of the three individuals or entities, other than political committees, making the largest aggregated contributions as determined by RCW 42.17A.350
(2); and
(c) If the sponsor is a political committee established, maintained, or controlled directly, or indirectly through the formation of one or more political committees, by an individual, corporation, union, association, or other entity, the full name of that individual or entity.
(3) The information required by subsections (1) and (2) of this section shall:
(a) Appear on the first page or fold of the written advertisement or communication in at least ten-point type, or in type at least ten percent of the largest size type used in a written advertisement or communication directed at more than one voter, such as a billboard or poster, whichever is larger;
(b) Not be subject to the half-tone or screening process; and
(c) Be set apart from any other printed matter. No text may be before, after, or immediately adjacent to the information required by subsections (1) and (2) of this section.
(4) In an independent expenditure or electioneering communication transmitted via television or other medium that includes a visual image, the following statement must either be clearly spoken, or appear in print and be visible for at least four seconds, appear in letters greater than four percent of the visual screen height on a solid black background on the entire bottom one-third of the television or visual display screen, or bottom one-fourth of the screen if the sponsor does not have or is otherwise not required to list its top five contributors, and have a reasonable color contrast with the background: "No candidate authorized this ad. Paid for by (name, city, state)." If the advertisement or communication is undertaken by a nonindividual other than a party organization, then the following notation must also be included: "Top Five Contributors" followed by a listing of the names of the five persons making the largest aggregate contributions as determined by RCW 42.17A.350
(1); and if necessary, the statement "Top Three Donors to PAC Contributors," followed by a listing of the names of the three individuals or entities other than political committees making the largest aggregate contributions to political committees as determined by RCW 42.17A.350
(2). Abbreviations may be used to describe contributing entities if the full name of the entity has been clearly spoken previously during the broadcast advertisement.
(5) The following statement shall be clearly spoken in an independent expenditure or electioneering communication transmitted by a method that does not include a visual image: "No candidate authorized this ad. Paid for by (name, city, state)." If the independent expenditure or electioneering communication is undertaken by a nonindividual other than a party organization, then the following statement must also be included: "Top Five Contributors" followed by a listing of the names of the five persons making the largest contributions as determined by RCW 42.17A.350
(1); and if necessary, the statement "Top Three Donors to PAC Contributors," followed by a listing of the names of the three individuals or entities, other than political committees, making the largest aggregate contributions to political committees as determined by RCW 42.17A.350
(2). Abbreviations may be used to describe contributing entities if the full name of the entity has been clearly spoken previously during the broadcast advertisement.
(6) Political advertising costing one thousand dollars or more supporting or opposing ballot measures sponsored by a political committee must include the information on the top five contributors and top three contributors, other than political committees, as required by RCW 42.17A.350
. A series of political advertising sponsored by the same political committee, each of which is under one thousand dollars, must include the top five contributors and top three contributors, other than political committees, as required by RCW 42.17A.350
once their cumulative value reaches one thousand dollars or more.
(7) Political yard signs are exempt from the requirements of this section that the top five contributors and top three PAC contributors as required by RCW 42.17A.350
be listed on the advertising. In addition, the public disclosure commission shall, by rule, exempt from the identification requirements of this section forms of political advertising such as campaign buttons, balloons, pens, pencils, sky-writing, inscriptions, and other forms of advertising where identification is impractical.
(8) For the purposes of this section, "yard sign" means any outdoor sign with dimensions no greater than eight feet by four feet.
[
2024 c 148 s 1
;
2019 c 261 s 3
;
2013 c 138 s 1
;
2012 c 226 s 1
;
2010 c 204 s 505
;
2005 c 445 s 9
;
1995 c 397 s 19
;
1993 c 2 s 22
(Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992);
1984 c 216 s 1
. Formerly RCW 42.17.510
.]
NOTES:
Findings
—
Intent
—
2019 c 261:
See note following RCW 42.17A.350
.
Advertising rates for political candidates: RCW 65.16.095
.
RCW 42.17A.330
Picture of candidate.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.30.060
.)
At least one picture of the candidate used in any political advertising shall have been taken within the last five years and shall be no smaller than any other picture of the same candidate used in the same advertisement.
[
2010 c 204 s 506
;
1984 c 216 s 2
. Formerly RCW 42.17.520
.]
RCW 42.17A.335
Political advertising or electioneering communication
—
Libel or defamation per se.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.30.070
.)
(1) It is a violation of this chapter for a person to sponsor with actual malice a statement constituting libel or defamation per se under the following circumstances:
(a) Political advertising or an electioneering communication that contains a false statement of material fact about a candidate for public office;
(b) Political advertising or an electioneering communication that falsely represents that a candidate is the incumbent for the office sought when in fact the candidate is not the incumbent;
(c) Political advertising or an electioneering communication that makes either directly or indirectly, a false claim stating or implying the support or endorsement of any person or organization when in fact the candidate does not have such support or endorsement.
(2) For the purposes of this section, "libel or defamation per se" means statements that tend (a) to expose a living person to hatred, contempt, ridicule, or obloquy, or to deprive him or her of the benefit of public confidence or social intercourse, or to injure him or her in his or her business or occupation, or (b) to injure any person, corporation, or association in his, her, or its business or occupation.
(3) It is not a violation of this section for a candidate or his or her agent to make statements described in subsection (1)(a) or (b) of this section about the candidate himself or herself because a person cannot defame himself or herself. It is not a violation of this section for a person or organization referenced in subsection (1)(c) of this section to make a statement about that person or organization because such persons and organizations cannot defame themselves.
(4) Any violation of this section shall be proven by clear and convincing evidence. If a violation is proven, damages are presumed and do not need to be proven.
[
2009 c 222 s 2
;
2005 c 445 s 10
;
1999 c 304 s 2
;
1988 c 199 s 2
;
1984 c 216 s 3
. Formerly RCW 42.17.530
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
Findings
—
2009 c 222:
"(1) The concurring opinion of the Washington state supreme court in
Rickert v. State, Public Disclosure Commission
, 161 Wn.2d 843, 168 P. 3d 826 (2007) found the statute that prohibits persons from sponsoring, with actual malice, political advertising and electioneering communications about a candidate containing false statements of material fact to be invalid under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution because it posed no requirement that the prohibited statements be defamatory.
(2) It is the intent of the legislature to amend *chapter
42.17
RCW to find that a violation of state law occurs if a person sponsors false statements about candidates in political advertising and electioneering communications when the statements are made with actual malice and are defamatory.
(3) The legislature finds that in such circumstances damages are presumed and do not need to be established when such statements are made with actual malice in political advertising and electioneering communications and constitute libel or defamation per se. The legislature finds that incumbents, challengers, voters, and the political process will benefit from vigorous political debate that is not made with actual malice and is not defamatory.
(4) The legislature finds that when such defamatory statements contain a false statement of material fact about a candidate for public office they expose the candidate to contempt, ridicule, or reproach and can deprive the candidate of the benefit of public confidence, or prejudice him or her in his or her profession, trade, or vocation. The legislature finds that when such statements falsely represent that a candidate is the incumbent for the office sought when in fact the candidate is not the incumbent they deprive the actual incumbent and the candidates of the benefit of public confidence and injure the actual incumbent in the ability to effectively serve as an elected official. The legislature further finds that defamatory statements made by an incumbent regarding the incumbent's challenger may deter individuals from seeking public office and harm the democratic process. Further, the legislature finds that when such statements make, either directly or indirectly, a false claim stating or implying the support or endorsement of any person or organization when in fact the candidate does not have such support or endorsement, they deprive the person or organization of the benefit of public confidence and/or will expose the person or organization to contempt, ridicule, or reproach, or injure the person or organization in their business or occupation.
(5) The legislature finds that defamatory statements, made with actual malice, damage the integrity of elections by distorting the electoral process. Democracy is premised on an informed electorate. To the extent such defamatory statements misinform the voters, they interfere with the process upon which democracy is based. Such defamatory statements also lower the quality of campaign discourse and debate, and lead or add to voter alienation by fostering voter cynicism and distrust of the political process." [
2009 c 222 s 1
.]
*Reviser's note:
Provisions in chapter
42.17
RCW relating to campaign finance were recodified in chapter
42.17A
RCW by 2010 c 204, effective January 1, 2012.
Finding
—
Intent
—
1999 c 304:
"(1) The Washington supreme court in a case involving a ballot measure,
State v. 119 Vote No! Committee, 135 Wn.2d 618 (1998), found the statute that prohibits persons from sponsoring, with actual malice, political advertising containing false statements of material fact to be invalid under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
(2) The legislature finds that a review of the opinions indicates that a majority of the supreme court may find valid a statute that limited such a prohibition on sponsoring with actual malice false statements of material fact in a political campaign to statements about a candidate in an election for public office.
(3) It is the intent of the legislature to amend the current law to provide protection for candidates for public office against false statements of material fact sponsored with actual malice." [
1999 c 304 s 1
.]
RCW 42.17A.340
Responsibility for compliance.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.30.080
.)
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the responsibility for compliance with RCW 42.17A.320
through
42.17A.335
shall be with the sponsor of the political advertising and not with the broadcasting station or other medium.
(2) If a broadcasting station or other medium changes the content of a political advertisement, the station or medium shall be responsible for any failure of the advertisement to comply with RCW 42.17A.320
through
42.17A.335
that results from that change.
[
2010 c 204 s 507
;
1984 c 216 s 4
. Formerly RCW 42.17.540
.]
RCW 42.17A.345
Commercial advertisers
—
Public inspection of documents
—
Copies to commission.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.30.090
.)
(1) Each commercial advertiser who has accepted or provided political advertising or electioneering communications during the election campaign shall maintain current books of account and related materials as provided by rule that shall be open for public inspection during normal business hours during the campaign and for a period of no less than five years after the date of the applicable election. The documents and books of account shall specify:
(a) The names and addresses of persons from whom it accepted political advertising or electioneering communications;
(b) The exact nature and extent of the services rendered; and
(c) The total cost and the manner of payment for the services.
(2) At the request of the commission, each commercial advertiser required to comply with subsection (1) of this section shall provide to the commission copies of the information that must be maintained and be open for public inspection pursuant to subsection (1) of this section.
[
2019 c 428 s 26
;
2010 c 204 s 508
;
2005 c 445 s 8
; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 112 s 5;
1973 c 1 s 11
(Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17.110
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
Finding
—
Intent
—
2019 c 428:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.160
.
RCW 42.17A.350
Top five contributors to political advertisement.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.30.100
.)
(1) For any requirement to include the top five contributors under RCW 42.17A.320
or any other provision of this chapter, the sponsor must identify the five persons or entities making the largest contributions to the sponsor in excess of the threshold aggregate value to be considered an independent expenditure in an election for public office under *RCW 42.17A.005
(29)(a)(iv) reportable under this chapter during the twelve-month period preceding the date on which the advertisement is initially to be published or otherwise presented to the public.
(2) If one or more of the top five contributors identified under subsection (1) of this section is a political committee, the top three contributors to each of those political committees during the same period must then be identified, and so on, until the individuals or entities other than political committees with the largest aggregate contributions to each political committee identified under subsection (1) of this section have also been identified. The sponsor must identify the three individuals or entities, not including political committees, who made the largest aggregate contributions to any political committee identified under subsection (1) of this section in excess of the threshold aggregate value to be considered an independent expenditure in an election for public office under *RCW 42.17A.005
(29)(a)(iv) reportable under this chapter during the same period, and the names of those individuals or entities must be displayed in the advertisement alongside the statement "Top Three Donors to PAC Contributors."
(3) Contributions to the sponsor or a political committee that are earmarked, tracked, and used for purposes other than the advertisement in question should not be counted in identifying the top five contributors under subsection (1) of this section or the top three contributors under subsection (2) of this section.
(4) The sponsor shall not be liable for a violation of this section that occurs because a contribution to any political committee identified under subsection (1) of this section has not been reported to the commission.
(5) The commission is authorized to adopt rules, as needed, to prevent ways to circumvent the purposes of the required disclosures in this section to inform voters about the individuals and entities sponsoring political advertisements.
[
2019 c 261 s 2
.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note:
RCW 42.17A.005
was amended by 2020 c 152 s 2, changing subsection (29) to subsection (30).
Findings
—
Intent
—
2019 c 261:
"The legislature finds that the public has the right to know who is contributing to election campaigns in Washington state and that campaign finance disclosure deters corruption, increases public confidence in Washington state elections, raises the level of debate, and strengthens our representative democracy.
The legislature finds that campaign finance disclosure is overwhelmingly supported by the citizens of Washington state as evidenced by the two initiatives that largely established Washington's current system. Both passed with more than seventy-two percent of the popular vote, as well as winning margins in every county in the state.
One of the cornerstones of Washington state's campaign finance disclosure laws is the requirement that political advertisements disclose the sponsor and the sponsor's top five donors. Many political action committees have avoided this important transparency requirement by funneling money from political action committee to political action committee so the top five donors listed are deceptive political action committee names rather than the real donors. The legislature finds that this practice, sometimes called "gray money" or "donor washing," undermines the intent of Washington state's campaign finance laws and impairs the transparency required for fair elections and a healthy democracy.
Therefore, the legislature intends to close this disclosure loophole, increase transparency and accountability, raise the level of discourse, deter corruption, and strengthen confidence in the election process by prohibiting political committees from receiving an overwhelming majority of their funds from one or a combination of political committees." [
2019 c 261 s 1
.]
RCW 42.17A.400
Findings
—
Intent.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.010
.)
(1) The people of the state of Washington find and declare that:
(a) The financial strength of certain individuals or organizations should not permit them to exercise a disproportionate or controlling influence on the election of candidates.
(b) Rapidly increasing political campaign costs have led many candidates to raise larger percentages of money from special interests with a specific financial stake in matters before state government. This has caused the public perception that decisions of elected officials are being improperly influenced by monetary contributions.
(c) Candidates are raising less money in small contributions from individuals and more money from special interests. This has created the public perception that individuals have an insignificant role to play in the political process.
(2) By limiting campaign contributions, the people intend to:
(a) Ensure that individuals and interest groups have fair and equal opportunity to influence elective and governmental processes;
(b) Reduce the influence of large organizational contributors; and
(c) Restore public trust in governmental institutions and the electoral process.
[
2010 c 204 s 601
;
1993 c 2 s 1
(Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992). Formerly RCW 42.17.610
.]
RCW 42.17A.405
Limits specified
—
Exemptions.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.020
.)
(1) The contribution limits in this section apply to:
(a) Candidates for legislative office;
(b) Candidates for state office other than legislative office;
(c) Candidates for county office;
(d) Candidates for port district office;
(e) Candidates for city council office;
(f) Candidates for mayoral office;
(g) Candidates for school board office;
(h) Candidates for public hospital district board of commissioners in districts with a population over one hundred fifty thousand;
(i) Persons holding an office in (a) through (h) of this subsection against whom recall charges have been filed or to a political committee having the expectation of making expenditures in support of the recall of a person holding the office;
(j) Caucus political committees;
(k) Bona fide political parties.
(2) No person, other than a bona fide political party or a caucus political committee, may make contributions to a candidate for a legislative office, county office, city council office, mayoral office, school board office, or public hospital district board of commissioners that in the aggregate exceed *eight hundred dollars or to a candidate for a public office in a port district or a state office other than a legislative office that in the aggregate exceed *one thousand six hundred dollars for each election in which the candidate is on the ballot or appears as a write-in candidate. Contributions to candidates subject to the limits in this section made with respect to a primary may not be made after the date of the primary. However, contributions to a candidate or a candidate's authorized committee may be made with respect to a primary until thirty days after the primary, subject to the following limitations: (a) The candidate lost the primary; (b) the candidate's authorized committee has insufficient funds to pay debts outstanding as of the date of the primary; and (c) the contributions may only be raised and spent to satisfy the outstanding debt. Contributions to candidates subject to the limits in this section made with respect to a general election may not be made after the final day of the applicable election cycle.
(3) No person, other than a bona fide political party or a caucus political committee, may make contributions to a state official, a county official, a city official, a school board member, a public hospital district commissioner, or a public official in a port district against whom recall charges have been filed, or to a political committee having the expectation of making expenditures in support of the recall of the state official, county official, city official, school board member, public hospital district commissioner, or public official in a port district during a recall campaign that in the aggregate exceed *eight hundred dollars if for a legislative office, county office, school board office, public hospital district office, or city office, or *one thousand six hundred dollars if for a port district office or a state office other than a legislative office.
(4)(a) Notwithstanding subsection (2) of this section, no bona fide political party or caucus political committee may make contributions to a candidate during an election cycle that in the aggregate exceed (i) eighty cents multiplied by the number of eligible registered voters in the jurisdiction from which the candidate is elected if the contributor is a caucus political committee or the governing body of a state organization, or (ii) forty cents multiplied by the number of registered voters in the jurisdiction from which the candidate is elected if the contributor is a county central committee or a legislative district committee.
(b) No candidate may accept contributions from a county central committee or a legislative district committee during an election cycle that when combined with contributions from other county central committees or legislative district committees would in the aggregate exceed forty cents times the number of registered voters in the jurisdiction from which the candidate is elected.
(5)(a) Notwithstanding subsection (3) of this section, no bona fide political party or caucus political committee may make contributions to a state official, county official, city official, school board member, public hospital district commissioner, or a public official in a port district against whom recall charges have been filed, or to a political committee having the expectation of making expenditures in support of the state official, county official, city official, school board member, public hospital district commissioner, or a public official in a port district during a recall campaign that in the aggregate exceed (i) eighty cents multiplied by the number of eligible registered voters in the jurisdiction entitled to recall the state official if the contributor is a caucus political committee or the governing body of a state organization, or (ii) forty cents multiplied by the number of registered voters in the jurisdiction from which the candidate is elected if the contributor is a county central committee or a legislative district committee.
(b) No official holding an office specified in subsection (1) of this section against whom recall charges have been filed, no authorized committee of the official, and no political committee having the expectation of making expenditures in support of the recall of the official may accept contributions from a county central committee or a legislative district committee during an election cycle that when combined with contributions from other county central committees or legislative district committees would in the aggregate exceed forty cents multiplied by the number of registered voters in the jurisdiction from which the candidate is elected.
(6) For purposes of determining contribution limits under subsections (4) and (5) of this section, the number of eligible registered voters in a jurisdiction is the number at the time of the most recent general election in the jurisdiction.
(7) Notwithstanding subsections (2) through (5) of this section, no person other than an individual, bona fide political party, or caucus political committee may make contributions reportable under this chapter to a caucus political committee that in the aggregate exceed *eight hundred dollars in a calendar year or to a bona fide political party that in the aggregate exceed *four thousand dollars in a calendar year. This subsection does not apply to loans made in the ordinary course of business.
(8) For the purposes of RCW 42.17A.125, 42.17A.405
through
42.17A.415, 42.17A.450
through
42.17A.495, 42.17A.500, 42.17A.560, and
42.17A.565, a contribution to the authorized political committee of a candidate or of an official specified in subsection (1) of this section against whom recall charges have been filed is considered to be a contribution to the candidate or official.
(9) A contribution received within the twelve-month period after a recall election concerning an office specified in subsection (1) of this section is considered to be a contribution during that recall campaign if the contribution is used to pay a debt or obligation incurred to influence the outcome of that recall campaign.
(10) The contributions allowed by subsection (3) of this section are in addition to those allowed by subsection (2) of this section, and the contributions allowed by subsection (5) of this section are in addition to those allowed by subsection (4) of this section.
(11) RCW 42.17A.125, 42.17A.405
through
42.17A.415, 42.17A.450
through
42.17A.495, 42.17A.500, 42.17A.560, and
42.17A.565
apply to a special election conducted to fill a vacancy in an office specified in subsection (1) of this section. However, the contributions made to a candidate or received by a candidate for a primary or special election conducted to fill such a vacancy shall not be counted toward any of the limitations that apply to the candidate or to contributions made to the candidate for any other primary or election.
(12) Notwithstanding the other subsections of this section, no corporation or business entity not doing business in Washington state, no labor union with fewer than ten members who reside in Washington state, and no political committee that has not received contributions of *ten dollars or more from at least ten persons registered to vote in Washington state during the preceding one hundred eighty days may make contributions reportable under this chapter to a state office candidate, to a state official against whom recall charges have been filed, or to a political committee having the expectation of making expenditures in support of the recall of the official. This subsection does not apply to loans made in the ordinary course of business.
(13) Notwithstanding the other subsections of this section, no county central committee or legislative district committee may make contributions reportable under this chapter to a candidate specified in subsection (1) of this section, or an official specified in subsection (1) of this section against whom recall charges have been filed, or political committee having the expectation of making expenditures in support of the recall of an official specified in subsection (1) of this section if the county central committee or legislative district committee is outside of the jurisdiction entitled to elect the candidate or recall the official.
(14) No person may accept contributions that exceed the contribution limitations provided in this section.
(15) The following contributions are exempt from the contribution limits of this section:
(a) An expenditure or contribution earmarked for voter registration, for absentee ballot information, for precinct caucuses, for get-out-the-vote campaigns, for precinct judges or inspectors, for sample ballots, or for ballot counting, all without promotion of or political advertising for individual candidates;
(b) An expenditure by a political committee for its own internal organization or fund-raising without direct association with individual candidates; or
(c) An expenditure or contribution for independent expenditures as defined in RCW 42.17A.005
or electioneering communications as defined in RCW 42.17A.005
.
[
2019 c 100 s 1
;
2013 c 311 s 1
;
2012 c 202 s 1
. Prior:
2010 c 206 s 1
;
2010 c 204 s 602
;
2006 c 348 s 1
;
2005 c 445 s 11
; prior:
2001 c 208 s 1
;
1995 c 397 s 20
;
1993 c 2 s 4
(Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992). Formerly RCW 42.17.640
.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note:
The dollar amounts in this section may have been adjusted for inflation by rule of the commission adopted under the authority of RCW 42.17A.125
. For current dollar amounts, see WAC 390-05-400.
RCW 42.17A.410
Candidates for judicial office
—
Special elections to fill vacancies
—
Contribution limits
—
Adjustments.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.030
.)
(1) No person may make contributions to a candidate for judicial office that in the aggregate exceed *one thousand six hundred dollars for each election in which the candidate is on the ballot or appears as a write-in candidate. Contributions made with respect to a primary may not be made after the date of the primary. However, contributions to a candidate or a candidate's authorized committee may be made with respect to a primary until thirty days after the primary, subject to the following limitations: (a) The candidate lost the primary; (b) the candidate's authorized committee has insufficient funds to pay debts outstanding as of the date of the primary; and (c) the contributions may only be raised and spent to satisfy the outstanding debt. Contributions made with respect to a general election may not be made after the final day of the applicable election cycle.
(2) This section through RCW 42.17A.490
apply to a special election conducted to fill a vacancy in an office. However, the contributions made to a candidate or received by a candidate for a primary or special election conducted to fill such a vacancy will not be counted toward any of the limitations that apply to the candidate or to contributions made to the candidate for any other primary or election.
(3) No person may accept contributions that exceed the contribution limitations provided in this section.
(4) The dollar limits in this section must be adjusted according to RCW 42.17A.125
.
[
2010 c 204 s 603
;
2006 c 348 s 2
. Formerly RCW 42.17.645
.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note:
The dollar amounts in this section may have been adjusted for inflation by rule of the commission adopted under the authority of RCW 42.17A.125
. For current dollar amounts, see WAC 390-05-400.
RCW 42.17A.415
Contributions.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.040
.)
(1) Contributions to candidates for state office made and received before December 3, 1992, are considered to be contributions under *RCW 42.17.640
through
42.17.790
. Monetary contributions that exceed the contribution limitations and that have not been spent by the recipient of the contribution by December 3, 1992, must be disposed of in accordance with RCW 42.17A.430
.
(2) Contributions to other candidates subject to the contribution limits of this chapter made and received before June 7, 2006, are considered to be contributions under *RCW 42.17.640
through
42.17.790
. Contributions that exceed the contribution limitations and that have not been spent by the recipient of the contribution by June 7, 2006, must be disposed of in accordance with RCW 42.17A.430
except for subsections (6) and (7) of that section.
[
2011 c 60 s 25
;
2006 c 348 s 4
;
1993 c 2 s 10
(Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992). Formerly RCW 42.17.700
.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note:
RCW 42.17.640
through
42.17.790
were recodified as RCW 42.17A.125, 42.17A.405
through
42.17A.415, 42.17A.450
through
42.17A.495, 42.17A.500, 42.17A.560, and
42.17A.565
pursuant to 2010 c 204 s 1102, effective January 1, 2012.
RCW 42.17A.417
Foreign nationals
—
Contributions, expenditures, and electioneering prohibited.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.050
.)
(1) A foreign national may not make a contribution to any candidate or political committee, make an expenditure in support of or in opposition to any candidate or ballot measure, or sponsor political advertising or an electioneering communication.
(2) A person may not make a contribution to any candidate or political committee, make an expenditure in support of or in opposition to any candidate or ballot measure, or sponsor political advertising or an electioneering communication, if:
(a) The contribution, expenditure, political advertising, or electioneering communication is financed in any part by a foreign national; or
(b) Foreign nationals are involved in making decisions regarding the contribution, expenditure, political advertising, or electioneering communication in any way.
[
2020 c 152 s 9
.]
NOTES:
Findings
—
2020 c 152:
"The legislature finds that the First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and free association, as they relate to participating in elections, are core values in the United States. The United States supreme court has repeatedly held that these rights include the right to make campaign contributions in support of candidates and ballot measures at the federal, state, and local levels.
The legislature also finds, in accordance with federal law, that these rights are reserved solely for citizens of the United States and permanent legal residents, whether they act as individuals or in association. The First Amendment protection for political speech does not apply to foreign nationals, who are forbidden under 52 U.S.C. Sec. 30121 from directly or indirectly making political contributions or financing independent expenditures and electioneering communications, either individually or collectively through a corporation or other association. Furthermore, federal law prohibits any person from knowingly soliciting or receiving contributions from a foreign national. Therefore, it falls to individual states to help protect the prohibition on foreign influence in our state and local elections by requiring certification that contributions, expenditures, political advertising, and electioneering communications are not financed in any part by foreign nationals and that foreign nationals are not involved in making decisions regarding such election activity in any way." [
2020 c 152 s 1
.]
RCW 42.17A.418
Foreign nationals
—
Contribution certification.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.060
.)
(1) Each candidate or political committee that has accepted a contribution, and each out-of-state committee that has accepted a contribution reportable under RCW 42.17A.250, from a partnership, association, corporation, organization, or other combination of persons must receive a certification from each contributor that:
(a) The contribution is not financed in any part by a foreign national; and
(b) Foreign nationals are not involved in making decisions regarding the contribution in any way.
(2) The certifications must be maintained for a period of no less than three years after the date of the applicable election.
(3) At the request of the commission, each candidate or committee required to comply with subsection (1) of this section must provide to the commission copies of the certifications maintained under this section.
[
2020 c 152 s 10
.]
NOTES:
Findings
—
2020 c 152:
See note following RCW 42.17A.417
.
RCW 42.17A.420
Reportable contributions
—
Preelection limitations.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.070
.)
(1) It is a violation of this chapter for any person to make, or for any candidate or political committee to accept from any one person, contributions reportable under RCW 42.17A.240
in the aggregate exceeding fifty thousand dollars for any campaign for statewide office or exceeding five thousand dollars for any other campaign subject to the provisions of this chapter within twenty-one days of a general election. This subsection does not apply to:
(a) Contributions made by, or accepted from, a bona fide political party as defined in this chapter, excluding the county central committee or legislative district committee;
(b) Contributions made to, or received by, a ballot proposition committee; or
(c) Payments received by an incidental committee.
(2) Contributions governed by this section include, but are not limited to, contributions made or received indirectly through a third party or entity whether the contributions are or are not reported to the commission as earmarked contributions under RCW 42.17A.270
.
[
2019 c 428 s 27
;
2018 c 111 s 7
;
2010 c 204 s 604
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
Finding
—
Intent
—
2019 c 428:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.160
.
Effective date
—
Short title
—
Findings
—
Intent
—
Implementation with existing funds
—
2018 c 111:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.207
.
RCW 42.17A.425
Expenditures
—
Authorization of and restrictions on.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.080
.)
No expenditures may be made or incurred by any candidate or political committee unless authorized by the candidate or the person or persons named on the candidate's or committee's registration form. A record of all such expenditures shall be maintained by the treasurer.
No expenditure of more than fifty dollars may be made in currency unless a receipt, signed by the recipient and by the candidate or treasurer, is prepared and made a part of the campaign's or political committee's financial records.
[
2010 c 204 s 605
;
2007 c 358 s 3
;
1989 c 280 s 7
;
1985 c 367 s 5
;
1973 c 1 s 7
(Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17.070
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2007 c 358:
See note following RCW 42.17A.005
.
Effective date
—
1989 c 280:
See note following RCW 42.17A.005
.
RCW 42.17A.430
Disposal of surplus funds.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.090
.)
The surplus funds of a candidate or a candidate's authorized committee may only be disposed of in any one or more of the following ways:
(1) Return the surplus to a contributor in an amount not to exceed that contributor's original contribution;
(2) Using surplus, reimburse the candidate for lost earnings incurred as a result of that candidate's election campaign. Lost earnings shall be verifiable as unpaid salary or, when the candidate is not salaried, as an amount not to exceed income received by the candidate for services rendered during an appropriate, corresponding time period. All lost earnings incurred shall be documented and a record thereof shall be maintained by the candidate or the candidate's authorized committee. The committee shall maintain a copy of this record in accordance with *RCW 42.17A.235
(6);
(3) Transfer the surplus without limit to a political party or to a caucus political committee;
(4) Donate the surplus to a charitable organization registered in accordance with chapter
19.09
RCW;
(5) Transmit the surplus to the state treasurer for deposit in the general fund, the Washington state legacy project, state library, and archives account under RCW 43.07.380, or the legislative international trade account under RCW 43.15.050, as specified by the candidate or political committee; or
(6) Hold the surplus in the depository or depositories designated in accordance with RCW 42.17A.215
for possible use in a future election campaign for the same office last sought by the candidate and report any such disposition in accordance with RCW 42.17A.240
. If the candidate subsequently announces or publicly files for office, the appropriate information must be reported to the commission in accordance with RCW 42.17A.205
through
42.17A.240
. If a subsequent office is not sought the surplus held shall be disposed of in accordance with the requirements of this section.
(7) Hold the surplus campaign funds in a separate account for nonreimbursed public office-related expenses or as provided in this section, and report any such disposition in accordance with RCW 42.17A.240
. The separate account required under this subsection shall not be used for deposits of campaign funds that are not surplus.
(8) No candidate or authorized committee may transfer funds to any other candidate or other political committee.
The disposal of surplus funds under this section shall not be considered a contribution for purposes of this chapter.
[
2010 c 204 s 606
;
2005 c 467 s 1
;
1995 c 397 s 31
;
1993 c 2 s 20
(Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992);
1982 c 147 s 8
;
1977 ex.s. c 336 s 3
. Formerly RCW 42.17.095
.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note:
RCW 42.17.080
(6) was recodified as RCW 42.17A.235
(6) pursuant to
2010 c 204 s 1102
. However, RCW 42.17.080
was also amended by 2010 c 205 s 6, changing subsection (6) to subsection (5). RCW 42.17A.235
was subsequently amended by 2018 c 304 s 7, changing subsection (5) to subsection (7).
Effective date
—
2005 c 467:
"This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 13, 2005]." [
2005 c 467 s 2
.]
Severability
—
1977 ex.s. c 336:
See note following RCW 42.17A.205
.
RCW 42.17A.435
Identification of contributions and communications.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.100
.)
No contribution shall be made and no expenditure shall be incurred, directly or indirectly, in a fictitious name, anonymously, or by one person through an agent, relative, or other person in such a manner as to conceal the identity of the source of the contribution or in any other manner so as to effect concealment.
[
1975 1st ex.s. c 294 s 8
;
1973 c 1 s 12
(Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17.120
.]
RCW 42.17A.440
Candidates' political committees
—
Limitations.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.110
.)
A candidate may not knowingly establish, use, direct, or control more than one political committee for the purpose of supporting that candidate during a particular election campaign. This does not prohibit: (1) In addition to a candidate's having his or her own political committee, the candidate's participation in a political committee established to support a slate of candidates that includes the candidate; or (2) joint fund-raising efforts by candidates when a separate political committee is established for that purpose and all contributions are disbursed to and accounted for on a pro rata basis by the benefiting candidates.
[
2010 c 204 s 607
.]
RCW 42.17A.442
Contributions by political committees to political committees.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.120
.)
A political committee may make a contribution to another political committee only when the contributing political committee has received contributions of ten dollars or more each from at least ten persons registered to vote in Washington state.
[
2011 c 145 s 5
.]
NOTES:
Findings
—
Intent
—
Effective date
—
2011 c 145:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.005
.
RCW 42.17A.445
Personal use of contributions
—
When permitted.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.130
.)
Contributions received and reported in accordance with RCW 42.17A.220
through
42.17A.240
and
42.17A.425
may only be paid to a candidate, or a treasurer or other individual or expended for such individual's personal use under the following circumstances:
(1) Reimbursement for or payments to cover lost earnings incurred as a result of campaigning or services performed for the political committee. Lost earnings shall be verifiable as unpaid salary, or when the individual is not salaried, as an amount not to exceed income received by the individual for services rendered during an appropriate, corresponding time period. All lost earnings incurred shall be documented and a record shall be maintained by the candidate or the candidate's authorized committee in accordance with RCW 42.17A.235
.
(2) Reimbursement for direct out-of-pocket election campaign and postelection campaign related expenses made by the individual. For example, expenses for child care or other direct caregiving responsibilities may be reimbursed if they are incurred directly as a result of the candidate's campaign activities. To receive reimbursement from the political committee, the individual shall provide the political committee with written documentation as to the amount, date, and description of each expense, and the political committee shall include a copy of such information when its expenditure for such reimbursement is reported pursuant to RCW 42.17A.240
.
(3) Repayment of loans made by the individual to political committees shall be reported pursuant to RCW 42.17A.240
. However, contributions may not be used to reimburse a candidate for loans totaling more than *four thousand seven hundred dollars made by the candidate to the candidate's own authorized committee.
[
2022 c 174 s 1
;
2010 c 204 s 608
;
1995 c 397 s 29
;
1993 c 2 s 21
(Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992);
1989 c 280 s 12
;
1985 c 367 s 7
;
1977 ex.s. c 336 s 6
. Formerly RCW 42.17.125
.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note:
The dollar amounts in this section may have been adjusted for inflation by rule of the commission adopted under the authority of RCW 42.17A.125
. For current dollar amounts, see WAC 390-05-400.
Effective date
—
1989 c 280:
See note following RCW 42.17A.005
.
Severability
—
1977 ex.s. c 336:
See note following RCW 42.17A.205
.
RCW 42.17A.450
Attribution and aggregation of family contributions.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.140
.)
(1) Contributions by spouses are considered separate contributions.
(2) Contributions by unemancipated children under eighteen years of age are considered contributions by their parents and are attributed proportionately to each parent. Fifty percent of the contributions are attributed to each parent or, in the case of a single custodial parent, the total amount is attributed to the parent.
[
2018 c 304 s 11
;
1993 c 2 s 5
(Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992). Formerly RCW 42.17.650
.]
NOTES:
Finding
—
Intent
—
2018 c 304:
See note following RCW 42.17A.235
.
RCW 42.17A.455
Attribution of contributions by controlled entities.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.150
.)
For purposes of this chapter:
(1) A contribution by a political committee with funds that have all been contributed by one person who exercises exclusive control over the distribution of the funds of the political committee is a contribution by the controlling person.
(2) Two or more entities are treated as a single entity if one of the two or more entities is a subsidiary, branch, or department of a corporation that is participating in an election campaign or making contributions, or a local unit or branch of a trade association, labor union, or collective bargaining association that is participating in an election campaign or making contributions. All contributions made by a person or political committee whose contribution or expenditure activity is financed, maintained, or controlled by a trade association, labor union, collective bargaining organization, or the local unit of a trade association, labor union, or collective bargaining organization are considered made by the trade association, labor union, collective bargaining organization, or local unit of a trade association, labor union, or collective bargaining organization.
(3) The commission shall adopt rules to carry out this section and is not subject to the time restrictions of RCW 42.17A.110
(1).
[
2010 c 204 s 609
;
2005 c 445 s 12
;
1993 c 2 s 6
(Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992). Formerly RCW 42.17.660
.]
RCW 42.17A.460
Attribution of contributions generally
—
"Earmarking."
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.160
.)
All contributions made by a person or entity, either directly or indirectly, to a candidate, to a state official against whom recall charges have been filed, or to a political committee, are considered to be contributions from that person or entity to the candidate, state official, or political committee, as are contributions that are in any way earmarked or otherwise directed through an intermediary or conduit to the candidate, state official, or political committee. For the purposes of this section, "earmarked" means a designation, instruction, or encumbrance, whether direct or indirect, expressed or implied, or oral or written, that is intended to result in or does result in all or any part of a contribution being made to a certain candidate or state official. If a conduit or intermediary exercises any direction or control over the choice of the recipient candidate or state official, the contribution is considered to be by both the original contributor and the conduit or intermediary.
[
1993 c 2 s 7
(Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992). Formerly RCW 42.17.670
.]
RCW 42.17A.465
Restriction on loans.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.170
.)
(1) A loan is considered to be a contribution from the lender and any guarantor of the loan and is subject to the contribution limitations of this chapter. The full amount of the loan shall be attributed to the lender and to each guarantor.
(2) A loan to a candidate for public office or the candidate's authorized committee must be by written agreement.
(3) The proceeds of a loan made to a candidate for public office:
(a) By a commercial lending institution;
(b) Made in the regular course of business; and
(c) On the same terms ordinarily available to members of the public, are not subject to the contribution limits of this chapter.
[
2010 c 204 s 610
;
1995 c 397 s 22
;
1993 c 2 s 12
(Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992). Formerly RCW 42.17.720
.]
RCW 42.17A.470
Contributions on behalf of another.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.180
.)
(1) A person, other than an individual, may not be an intermediary or an agent for a contribution.
(2) An individual may not make a contribution on behalf of another person or entity, or while acting as the intermediary or agent of another person or entity, without disclosing to the recipient of the contribution both his or her full name, street address, occupation, name of employer, if any, or place of business if self-employed, and the same information for each contributor for whom the individual serves as intermediary or agent.
[
1993 c 2 s 13
(Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992). Formerly RCW 42.17.730
.]
RCW 42.17A.475
Certain contributions required to be by written instrument.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.190
.)
(1) A person may not make a contribution of more than *one hundred dollars, other than an in-kind contribution, except by a written instrument containing the name of the donor and the name of the payee.
(2) A political committee may not make a contribution, other than in-kind, except by a written instrument containing the name of the donor and the name of the payee.
[
2019 c 428 s 28
;
2010 c 204 s 611
;
1995 c 397 s 23
;
1993 c 2 s 14
(Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992). Formerly RCW 42.17.740
.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note:
The dollar amounts in this section may have been adjusted for inflation by rule of the commission adopted under the authority of RCW 42.17A.125
. For current dollar amounts, see WAC 390-05-400.
Effective date
—
Finding
—
Intent
—
2019 c 428:
See notes following RCW 42.17A.160
.
RCW 42.17A.480
Solicitation of endorsement fees.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.200
.)
A person may not solicit from a candidate for public office, political committee, political party, or other person money or other property as a condition or consideration for an endorsement, article, or other communication in the news media promoting or opposing a candidate for public office, political committee, or political party.
[
1995 c 397 s 25
;
1993 c 2 s 17
(Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992). Formerly RCW 42.17.770
.]
RCW 42.17A.485
Reimbursement for contributions.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.210
.)
A person may not, directly or indirectly, reimburse another person for a contribution to a candidate for public office, political committee, or political party.
[
1995 c 397 s 26
;
1993 c 2 s 18
(Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992). Formerly RCW 42.17.780
.]
RCW 42.17A.490
Prohibition on use of contributions for a different office.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.220
.)
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a candidate for public office or the candidate's authorized committee may not use or permit the use of contributions, whether or not surplus, solicited for or received by the candidate or the candidate's authorized committee to further the candidacy of the individual for an office other than the office designated on the statement of organization. A contribution solicited for or received on behalf of the candidate is considered solicited or received for the candidacy for which the individual is then a candidate if the contribution is solicited or received before the general election for which the candidate is a nominee or is unopposed.
(2) With the written approval of the contributor, a candidate or the candidate's authorized committee may use or permit the use of contributions, whether or not surplus, solicited for or received by the candidate or the candidate's authorized committee from that contributor to further the candidacy of the individual for an office other than the office designated on the statement of organization. If the contributor does not approve the use of his or her contribution to further the candidacy of the individual for an office other than the office designated on the statement of organization at the time of the contribution, the contribution must be considered surplus funds and disposed of in accordance with RCW 42.17A.430
.
[
2010 c 204 s 612
;
1995 c 397 s 27
;
1993 c 2 s 19
(Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992). Formerly RCW 42.17.790
.]
RCW 42.17A.495
Limitations on employers or labor organizations.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.230
.)
(1) No employer or labor organization may increase the salary of an officer or employee, or compensate an officer, employee, or other person or entity, with the intention that the increase in salary, or the compensation, or a part of it, be contributed or spent to support or oppose a candidate, state official against whom recall charges have been filed, political party, or political committee.
(2) No employer or labor organization may discriminate against an officer or employee in the terms or conditions of employment for (a) the failure to contribute to, (b) the failure in any way to support or oppose, or (c) in any way supporting or opposing a candidate, ballot proposition, political party, or political committee. At least annually, an employee from whom wages or salary are withheld under subsection (3) of this section shall be notified of the provisions of this subsection.
(3) No employer or other person or entity responsible for the disbursement of funds in payment of wages or salaries may withhold or divert a portion of an employee's wages or salaries for contributions to political committees or for use as political contributions except upon the written request of the employee. The request must be made on a form prescribed by the commission informing the employee of the prohibition against employer and labor organization discrimination described in subsection (2) of this section. The employee may revoke the request at any time. At least annually, the employee shall be notified about the right to revoke the request.
(4) Each person or entity who withholds contributions under subsection (3) of this section shall maintain open for public inspection for a period of no less than three years, during normal business hours, documents and books of accounts that shall include a copy of each employee's request, the amounts and dates funds were actually withheld, and the amounts and dates funds were transferred to a political committee. Copies of such information shall be delivered to the commission upon request.
[
2010 c 204 s 613
;
2002 c 156 s 1
;
1993 c 2 s 8
(Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992). Formerly RCW 42.17.680
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2002 c 156:
"This act takes effect July 1, 2002." [
2002 c 156 s 2
.]
RCW 42.17A.500
Agency shop fees as contributions.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.240
.)
(1) A labor organization may not use agency shop fees paid by an individual who is not a member of the organization to make contributions or expenditures to influence an election or to operate a political committee, unless affirmatively authorized by the individual.
(2) A labor organization does not use agency shop fees when it uses its general treasury funds to make such contributions or expenditures if it has sufficient revenues from sources other than agency shop fees in its general treasury to fund such contributions or expenditures.
[
2007 c 438 s 1
;
1993 c 2 s 16
(Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992). Formerly RCW 42.17.760
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2007 c 438:
"This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 11, 2007]." [
2007 c 438 s 2
.]
RCW 42.17A.550
Use of public funds for political purposes.
(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.250
.)
Public funds, whether derived through taxes, fees, penalties, or any other sources, shall not be used to finance political campaigns for state or school district office. A county, city, town, or district that establishes a program to publicly finance local political campaigns may only use funds derived from local sources to fund the program. A local government must submit any proposal for public financing of local political campaigns to voters for their adoption and approval or rejection.
[
2008 c 29 s 1
;
1993 c 2 s 24
(Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992). Formerly RCW 42.17.128
.]