OLYMPIA…Sen. Don Benton’s bill to ensure transparency in out-of-state campaign contributions won unanimous Senate approval today.

“This is basically a cleanup bill,” said Benton, R-Vancouver. “I’m closing a loophole in reporting requirements for out-of-state committees that report under the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Our state’s public disclosure law steps up the time between reports as Election Day gets closer. I just want to make sure voters know who is giving what to whom before it’s too late.”

Current law allows reporting to the FEC to satisfy state public disclosure requirements when a committee must report to the FEC. However, the timelines for reporting are not identical and the election could be over before donors to out-of-state committees would be known.

“People want to know and need to know the source of campaign money. This information may very well help a voter decide how he or she will vote. People should have access to this information for out-of-state contributors just as they do for in-state contributors,” Benton said.

SB 6522 is now in the House of Representatives for consideration.

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For more information contact Penny Drost at (360) 786-7522
or penny.drost@leg.wa.gov