RCW 29B.40.010
Findings
—
Intent.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
(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.
[
2024 c 164 s 443
;
2010 c 204 s 601
;
1993 c 2 s 1
(Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992). Formerly RCW 42.17A.400, 42.17.610
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
Construction
—
Rules remain valid
—
Effective date
—
2024 c 164:
See notes following RCW 29B.10.010
.
Effective date
—
2010 c 204 ss 101-504, 506-601, 603-702, and 801-1103:
See note following RCW 29B.15.010
.
Short title
—
1993 c 2:
"This act may be known and cited as the Fair Campaign Practices Act." [
1993 c 2 s 36
(Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992). Formerly RCW 42.17A.909, 42.17.955
.]
RCW 29B.40.020
Limits specified
—
Exemptions.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
(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 150,000;
(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 30 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 title 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 29B.20.050, 29B.40.020
through
29B.40.040, 29B.40.140
through
29B.40.230, 29B.40.240, 29B.45.020, and
29B.45.030, 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 12-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 29B.20.050, 29B.40.020
through
29B.40.040, 29B.40.140
through
29B.40.230, 29B.40.240, 29B.45.020, and
29B.45.030
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 10 members who reside in Washington state, and no political committee that has not received contributions of *ten dollars or more from at least 10 persons registered to vote in Washington state during the preceding 180 days may make contributions reportable under this title 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 title 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 29B.10.310
or electioneering communications as defined in RCW 29B.10.220
.
[
2024 c 164 s 444
;
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 42.17A.405, 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 29B.20.050
. For current dollar amounts, see WAC 390-05-400.
Intent
—
Construction
—
Rules remain valid
—
Effective date
—
2024 c 164:
See notes following RCW 29B.10.010
.
Effective date
—
2010 c 204 ss 505, 602, and 703:
See note following RCW 29B.30.050
.
Effective dates
—
2005 c 445:
See note following RCW 29B.30.010
.
Effective date
—
1995 c 397:
"Sections 1 through 32, 34, and 37 of this act are 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 July 1, 1995." [
1995 c 397 s 35
. Formerly RCW 42.17A.910, 42.17.960
.]
Short title
—
1993 c 2:
See note following RCW 29B.40.010
.
RCW 29B.40.030
Candidates for judicial office
—
Special elections to fill vacancies
—
Contribution limits
—
Adjustments.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
(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 30 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 29B.40.220
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 29B.20.050
.
[
2024 c 164 s 445
;
2010 c 204 s 603
;
2006 c 348 s 2
. Formerly RCW 42.17A.410, 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 29B.20.050
. For current dollar amounts, see WAC 390-05-400.
Intent
—
Construction
—
Rules remain valid
—
Effective date
—
2024 c 164:
See notes following RCW 29B.10.010
.
Effective date
—
2010 c 204 ss 101-504, 506-601, 603-702, and 801-1103:
See note following RCW 29B.15.010
.
RCW 29B.40.040
Contributions.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
(1) Contributions to candidates for state office made and received before December 3, 1992, are considered to be contributions under RCW 29B.20.050, 29B.40.020
through
29B.40.040, 29B.40.140
through
29B.40.230, 29B.40.240, 29B.45.020, and
29B.45.030
. 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 29B.40.090
.
(2) Contributions to other candidates subject to the contribution limits of this title made and received before June 7, 2006, are considered to be contributions under RCW 29B.20.050, 29B.40.020
through
29B.40.040, 29B.40.140
through
29B.40.230, 29B.40.240, 29B.45.020, and
29B.45.030
. 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 29B.40.090
except for subsections (6) and (7) of that section.
[
2024 c 164 s 446
;
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 42.17A.415, 42.17.700
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
Construction
—
Rules remain valid
—
Effective date
—
2024 c 164:
See notes following RCW 29B.10.010
.
Effective date
—
2011 c 60:
See note following RCW 29B.20.030
.
Short title
—
1993 c 2:
See note following RCW 29B.40.010
.
RCW 29B.40.050
Foreign nationals
—
Contributions, expenditures, and electioneering prohibited.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
(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.
[
2024 c 164 s 447
;
2020 c 152 s 9
. Formerly RCW 42.17A.417
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
Construction
—
Rules remain valid
—
Effective date
—
2024 c 164:
See notes following RCW 29B.10.010
.
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
.]
Local regulations not preempted
—
2020 c 152:
"Chapter 152, Laws of 2020 does not affect or modify the power of a local government to adopt an ordinance or regulation on matters governed by chapter 152, Laws of 2020." [
2020 c 152 s 11
. Formerly RCW 42.17A.920
.]
RCW 29B.40.060
Foreign nationals
—
Contribution certification.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
(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 29B.25.110, 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.
[
2024 c 164 s 448
;
2020 c 152 s 10
. Formerly RCW 42.17A.418
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
Construction
—
Rules remain valid
—
Effective date
—
2024 c 164:
See notes following RCW 29B.10.010
.
Findings
—
Local regulations not preempted
—
2020 c 152:
See notes following RCW 29B.40.050
.
RCW 29B.40.070
Reportable contributions
—
Preelection limitations.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
(1) It is a violation of this title for any person to make, or for any candidate or political committee to accept from any one person, contributions reportable under RCW 29B.25.100
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 title within 21 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 title, 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 29B.25.150
.
[
2024 c 164 s 449
;
2019 c 428 s 27
;
2018 c 111 s 7
;
2010 c 204 s 604
. Formerly RCW 42.17A.420
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
Construction
—
Rules remain valid
—
Effective date
—
2024 c 164:
See notes following RCW 29B.10.010
.
Finding
—
Effective date
—
2019 c 428:
See notes following RCW 29B.20.110
.
Effective date
—
Short title
—
Findings
—
Intent
—
Implementation with existing funds
—
2018 c 111:
See notes following RCW 29B.25.030
.
Effective date
—
2010 c 204 ss 101-504, 506-601, 603-702, and 801-1103:
See note following RCW 29B.15.010
.
RCW 29B.40.080
Expenditures
—
Authorization of and restrictions on.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
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.
[
2024 c 164 s 450
;
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 42.17A.425, 42.17.070
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
Construction
—
Rules remain valid
—
Effective date
—
2024 c 164:
See notes following RCW 29B.10.010
.
Effective date
—
2010 c 204 ss 101-504, 506-601, 603-702, and 801-1103:
See note following RCW 29B.15.010
.
Effective date
—
2007 c 358:
See note following RCW 29B.25.020
.
Effective date
—
1989 c 280:
See note following RCW 29B.25.020
.
Effective date
—
Construction
—
1973 c 1:
See notes following RCW 29B.05.010
.
RCW 29B.40.090
Disposal of surplus funds.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
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 29B.25.090
(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 29B.25.050
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 29B.25.100
. If the candidate subsequently announces or publicly files for office, the appropriate information must be reported to the commission in accordance with RCW 29B.25.020
through
29B.25.100
. 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 29B.25.100
. 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 title.
[
2024 c 164 s 451
;
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 42.17A.430, 42.17.095
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
Construction
—
Rules remain valid
—
Effective date
—
2024 c 164:
See notes following RCW 29B.10.010
.
Effective date
—
2010 c 204 ss 101-504, 506-601, 603-702, and 801-1103:
See note following RCW 29B.15.010
.
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
.]
Effective date
—
1995 c 397:
See note following RCW 29B.40.020
.
Short title
—
1993 c 2:
See note following RCW 29B.40.010
.
Severability
—
1977 ex.s. c 336:
See note following RCW 29B.25.020
.
RCW 29B.40.100
Identification of contributions and communications.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
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.
[
2024 c 164 s 452
;
1975 1st ex.s. c 294 s 8
;
1973 c 1 s 12
(Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17A.435, 42.17.120
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
Construction
—
Rules remain valid
—
Effective date
—
2024 c 164:
See notes following RCW 29B.10.010
.
Effective date
—
Construction
—
1973 c 1:
See notes following RCW 29B.05.010
.
RCW 29B.40.110
Candidates' political committees
—
Limitations.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
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.
[
2024 c 164 s 453
;
2010 c 204 s 607
. Formerly RCW 42.17A.440
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
Construction
—
Rules remain valid
—
Effective date
—
2024 c 164:
See notes following RCW 29B.10.010
.
Effective date
—
2010 c 204 ss 101-504, 506-601, 603-702, and 801-1103:
See note following RCW 29B.15.010
.
RCW 29B.40.120
Contributions by political committees to political committees.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
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 10 persons registered to vote in Washington state.
[
2024 c 164 s 454
;
2011 c 145 s 5
. Formerly RCW 42.17A.442
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
Construction
—
Rules remain valid
—
Effective date
—
2024 c 164:
See notes following RCW 29B.10.010
.
Findings
—
Intent
—
Effective date
—
2011 c 145:
See notes following RCW 29B.25.020
.
RCW 29B.40.130
Personal use of contributions
—
When permitted.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
Contributions received and reported in accordance with RCW 29B.25.060
through
29B.25.100
and
29B.40.080
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 29B.25.090
.
(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 29B.25.100
.
(3) Repayment of loans made by the individual to political committees shall be reported pursuant to RCW 29B.25.100
. 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.
[
2024 c 164 s 455
;
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 42.17A.445, 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 29B.20.050
. For current dollar amounts, see WAC 390-05-400.
Intent
—
Construction
—
Rules remain valid
—
Effective date
—
2024 c 164:
See notes following RCW 29B.10.010
.
Effective date
—
2010 c 204 ss 101-504, 506-601, 603-702, and 801-1103:
See note following RCW 29B.15.010
.
Effective date
—
1995 c 397:
See note following RCW 29B.40.020
.
Short title
—
1993 c 2:
See note following RCW 29B.40.010
.
Effective date
—
1989 c 280:
See note following RCW 29B.25.020
.
Severability
—
1977 ex.s. c 336:
See note following RCW 29B.25.020
.
RCW 29B.40.140
Attribution and aggregation of family contributions.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
(1) Contributions by spouses are considered separate contributions.
(2) Contributions by unemancipated children under 18 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.
[
2024 c 164 s 456
;
2018 c 304 s 11
;
1993 c 2 s 5
(Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992). Formerly RCW 42.17A.450, 42.17.650
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
Construction
—
Rules remain valid
—
Effective date
—
2024 c 164:
See notes following RCW 29B.10.010
.
Finding
—
Intent
—
2018 c 304:
See note following RCW 29B.25.090
.
Short title
—
1993 c 2:
See note following RCW 29B.40.010
.
RCW 29B.40.150
Attribution of contributions by controlled entities.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
For purposes of this title:
(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 29B.20.030
(1).
[
2024 c 164 s 457
;
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 42.17A.455, 42.17.660
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
Construction
—
Rules remain valid
—
Effective date
—
2024 c 164:
See notes following RCW 29B.10.010
.
Effective date
—
2010 c 204 ss 101-504, 506-601, 603-702, and 801-1103:
See note following RCW 29B.15.010
.
Effective dates
—
2005 c 445:
See note following RCW 29B.30.010
.
Short title
—
1993 c 2:
See note following RCW 29B.40.010
.
RCW 29B.40.160
Attribution of contributions generally
—
"Earmarking."
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
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.
[
2024 c 164 s 458
;
1993 c 2 s 7
(Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992). Formerly RCW 42.17A.460, 42.17.670
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
Construction
—
Rules remain valid
—
Effective date
—
2024 c 164:
See notes following RCW 29B.10.010
.
Short title
—
1993 c 2:
See note following RCW 29B.40.010
.
RCW 29B.40.170
Restriction on loans.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
(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 title. 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 title.
[
2024 c 164 s 459
;
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 42.17A.465, 42.17.720
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
Construction
—
Rules remain valid
—
Effective date
—
2024 c 164:
See notes following RCW 29B.10.010
.
Effective date
—
2010 c 204 ss 101-504, 506-601, 603-702, and 801-1103:
See note following RCW 29B.15.010
.
Effective date
—
1995 c 397:
See note following RCW 29B.40.020
.
Short title
—
1993 c 2:
See note following RCW 29B.40.010
.
RCW 29B.40.180
Contributions on behalf of another.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
(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.
[
2024 c 164 s 460
;
1993 c 2 s 13
(Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992). Formerly RCW 42.17A.470, 42.17.730
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
Construction
—
Rules remain valid
—
Effective date
—
2024 c 164:
See notes following RCW 29B.10.010
.
Short title
—
1993 c 2:
See note following RCW 29B.40.010
.
RCW 29B.40.190
Certain contributions required to be by written instrument.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
(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.
[
2024 c 164 s 461
;
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 42.17A.475, 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 29B.20.050
. For current dollar amounts, see WAC 390-05-400.
Intent
—
Construction
—
Rules remain valid
—
Effective date
—
2024 c 164:
See notes following RCW 29B.10.010
.
Finding
—
Effective date
—
2019 c 428:
See notes following RCW 29B.20.110
.
Effective date
—
2010 c 204 ss 101-504, 506-601, 603-702, and 801-1103:
See note following RCW 29B.15.010
.
Effective date
—
1995 c 397:
See note following RCW 29B.40.020
.
Short title
—
1993 c 2:
See note following RCW 29B.40.010
.
RCW 29B.40.200
Solicitation of endorsement fees.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
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.
[
2024 c 164 s 462
;
1995 c 397 s 25
;
1993 c 2 s 17
(Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992). Formerly RCW 42.17A.480, 42.17.770
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
Construction
—
Rules remain valid
—
Effective date
—
2024 c 164:
See notes following RCW 29B.10.010
.
Effective date
—
1995 c 397:
See note following RCW 29B.40.020
.
Short title
—
1993 c 2:
See note following RCW 29B.40.010
.
RCW 29B.40.210
Reimbursement for contributions.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
A person may not, directly or indirectly, reimburse another person for a contribution to a candidate for public office, political committee, or political party.
[
2024 c 164 s 463
;
1995 c 397 s 26
;
1993 c 2 s 18
(Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992). Formerly RCW 42.17A.485, 42.17.780
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
Construction
—
Rules remain valid
—
Effective date
—
2024 c 164:
See notes following RCW 29B.10.010
.
Effective date
—
1995 c 397:
See note following RCW 29B.40.020
.
Short title
—
1993 c 2:
See note following RCW 29B.40.010
.
RCW 29B.40.220
Prohibition on use of contributions for a different office.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
(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 29B.40.090
.
[
2024 c 164 s 464
;
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 42.17A.490, 42.17.790
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
Construction
—
Rules remain valid
—
Effective date
—
2024 c 164:
See notes following RCW 29B.10.010
.
Effective date
—
2010 c 204 ss 101-504, 506-601, 603-702, and 801-1103:
See note following RCW 29B.15.010
.
Effective date
—
1995 c 397:
See note following RCW 29B.40.020
.
Short title
—
1993 c 2:
See note following RCW 29B.40.010
.
RCW 29B.40.230
Limitations on employers or labor organizations.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
(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.
[
2024 c 164 s 465
;
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 42.17A.495, 42.17.680
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
Construction
—
Rules remain valid
—
Effective date
—
2024 c 164:
See notes following RCW 29B.10.010
.
Effective date
—
2010 c 204 ss 101-504, 506-601, 603-702, and 801-1103:
See note following RCW 29B.15.010
.
Effective date
—
2002 c 156:
"This act takes effect July 1, 2002." [
2002 c 156 s 2
.]
Short title
—
1993 c 2:
See note following RCW 29B.40.010
.
RCW 29B.40.240
Agency shop fees as contributions.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
(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.
[
2024 c 164 s 466
;
2007 c 438 s 1
;
1993 c 2 s 16
(Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992). Formerly RCW 42.17A.500, 42.17.760
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
Construction
—
Rules remain valid
—
Effective date
—
2024 c 164:
See notes following RCW 29B.10.010
.
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
.]
Short title
—
1993 c 2:
See note following RCW 29B.40.010
.
RCW 29B.40.250
Use of public funds for political purposes.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
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.
[
2024 c 164 s 467
;
2008 c 29 s 1
;
1993 c 2 s 24
(Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992). Formerly RCW 42.17A.550, 42.17.128
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
Construction
—
Rules remain valid
—
Effective date
—
2024 c 164:
See notes following RCW 29B.10.010
.
Short title
—
1993 c 2:
See note following RCW 29B.40.010
.