April 6, 2006

OLYMPIA… A bill to ensure voters know who is donating to out-of-state political action committees spending money for or against Washington candidates and ballot measures has been signed into law.

The underlying measure, House Bill 1226, to which Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, successfully amended his bill to close a loophole in public disclosure requirements for out-of-state political action committees, deals with limiting campaign contributions for certain candidates for county offices and port district offices, and for all judicial offices.

“My amendment gives the bill a key provision which I call ‘a voters’ right to know,’” Benton said. “My amendment is critical to open and transparent government because it makes sure Washington voters know before the election is over who is donating to out-of-state campaign committees that are supporting or opposing candidates in Washington.”

Throughout the recently completed session, Benton pushed hard for his political action transparency bill, winning the support of the chair of the Senate Government Operations and Elections Committee, on which Benton serves, for his amendment to HB 1226 when his bill languished in the House of Representatives. Benton’s bill, Senate Bill 6522, passed the Senate on a unanimous vote.

The new reporting requirements for out-of-state political action committees take effect on June 7, 2006, in time for this year’s campaigns.

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