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Chapter 390-05 WAC

Last Update: 12/8/23

GENERAL POLICIES AND DEFINITIONS

WAC Sections

HTMLPDF390-05-002Mission and purpose of the public disclosure commission.
HTMLPDF390-05-005Definition—Public disclosure commission.
HTMLPDF390-05-007Public disclosure commission—Description of organization.
HTMLPDF390-05-010Purpose of rules.
HTMLPDF390-05-020General administrative policy.
HTMLPDF390-05-050Commission status under SEPA.
HTMLPDF390-05-100Public disclosure commission—Organization and structure—Officers—Terms.
HTMLPDF390-05-120Public disclosure commission—Role of the executive director.
HTMLPDF390-05-190Definition—Agent.
HTMLPDF390-05-192Definition—Aggregate.
HTMLPDF390-05-200Definition—Candidates for public office—Time of filing.
HTMLPDF390-05-205Definition—Consumable.
HTMLPDF390-05-210Definition—Contribution.
HTMLPDF390-05-215Receipt of a campaign contribution.
HTMLPDF390-05-220Definition—Consideration.
HTMLPDF390-05-222Definition—Domestic partner.
HTMLPDF390-05-225Registered voters—Count or number of.
HTMLPDF390-05-235Definition—Fair market value.
HTMLPDF390-05-243Ministerial functions by persons holding administrative offices.
HTMLPDF390-05-245Definition—Officer of a candidate's committee or of a political committee.
HTMLPDF390-05-255Definition—"Day" and "business day."
HTMLPDF390-05-271General applications of RCW 42.17A.555.
HTMLPDF390-05-273Definition—Normal and regular conduct.
HTMLPDF390-05-274Party affiliation, party preference, etc.
HTMLPDF390-05-275Definition—Party organization.
HTMLPDF390-05-290Political advertising definitions.
HTMLPDF390-05-300Suspension of reporting requirements for small jurisdictions.
HTMLPDF390-05-305Petition for disclosure—Form.
HTMLPDF390-05-400Changes in dollar amounts.
HTMLPDF390-05-500Definition—Debate or forum.
HTMLPDF390-05-505Electioneering communication exclusions.
HTMLPDF390-05-507Definition—Funding sources for electioneering communications.
HTMLPDF390-05-510Definition—General treasury funds.
HTMLPDF390-05-515Exclusion from contributions, independent expenditures, and electioneering communications—Communications within membership organizations.
HTMLPDF390-05-518Definition—Nonreimbursed public office related expense.
HTMLPDF390-05-520Definition—Periodical.
HTMLPDF390-05-521Definition—Payments received by incidental committees.
HTMLPDF390-05-522Definition—Place of business.
HTMLPDF390-05-525Definition—Public service announcement.
HTMLPDF390-05-535Definition—Nonprofit organization within the meaning of incidental committee.
DISPOSITION OF SECTIONS FORMERLY CODIFIED IN THIS TITLE
390-05-030Enforcement policy. [Order 62, § 390-05-030, filed 8/26/75.] Repealed by Order 72, filed 4/26/76.
390-05-040Public Disclosure Act—Violation of other law. [Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-05-040, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12; Order 62, § 390-05-040, filed 8/26/75.] Repealed by WSR 18-24-074, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304.
390-05-195Date of receipt of mailed items. [Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-195, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 17-01-159, § 390-05-195, filed 12/21/16, effective 1/21/17.] Repealed by WSR 20-02-062, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261.
390-05-196Bona fide political party—Application of term. [Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 11-05-048, § 390-05-196, filed 2/10/11, effective 3/13/11.] Repealed by WSR 12-03-002, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110.
390-05-230Definition—Elected official. [Order 62, § 390-05-230, filed 8/26/75.] Repealed by WSR 85-15-020 (Order 85-03), filed 7/9/85. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1).
390-05-240Definition—Person. [Order 62, § 390-05-240, filed 8/26/75.] Repealed by WSR 85-15-020 (Order 85-03), filed 7/9/85. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1).
390-05-250Definition—Public disclosure commission. [Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-05-250, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-15-020 (Order 85-03), § 390-05-250, filed 7/9/85; Order 62, § 390-05-250, filed 8/26/75.] Repealed by WSR 18-24-074, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304.
390-05-260Definition—Public record. [Order 62, § 390-05-260, filed 8/26/75.] Repealed by WSR 85-15-020 (Order 85-03), filed 7/9/85. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1).
390-05-270Definition—Use of facilities. [Order 62, § 390-05-270, filed 8/26/75.] Repealed by WSR 79-02-056 (Order 79-01), filed 1/31/79. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1).
390-05-280Definition—Writing. [Order 62, § 390-05-280, filed 8/26/75.] Repealed by WSR 85-15-020 (Order 85-03), filed 7/9/85. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1).
390-05-295Definition—Promise or promise to pay. [Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-05-295, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 04-12-052, § 390-05-295, filed 5/28/04, effective 6/28/04.] Repealed by WSR 18-24-074, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304.
390-05-530Funding sources for electioneering communications. [Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-05-530, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.562. WSR 06-11-132, § 390-05-530, filed 5/23/06, effective 6/23/06.] Repealed by WSR 18-24-074, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304.

PDF390-05-002

Mission and purpose of the public disclosure commission.

(1) The public disclosure commission was created by the passage of Initiative 276 in 1972 for the principal purpose of providing the public with accurate information about certain financial affairs of candidates and elected officials, about the financing of election campaigns and the sponsors of political advertising, and about expenditures made in the course of lobbying. The passage of Initiative 134 in 1992 further expounded the purpose of the commission and the law.
(2) The duties, responsibilities, and powers of the commission, and provisions for establishing the commission and appointing the members thereof, are set forth in chapter 42.17A RCW.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-05-002, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-002, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18.]


PDF390-05-005

Definition—Public disclosure commission.

The "public disclosure commission" is the commission appointed by the governor pursuant to RCW 42.17A.100. The public disclosure commission shall hereinafter be referred to as the commission.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-005, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18.]


PDF390-05-007

Public disclosure commission—Description of organization.

(1) The public disclosure commission is a five-member commission appointed by the governor with the consent of the senate. The commission is assisted by staff, who are managed by an executive director appointed by the commission.
(2) Electronic communications to the commission should be sent to pdc@pdc.wa.gov. The commission's website is located at https://www.pdc.wa.gov. Mailings to the commission should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Commission, P.O. Box 40908, Olympia, WA 98504-0908.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-05-007, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-007, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18.]


PDF390-05-010

Purpose of rules.

The purpose of these rules is to implement the provisions of chapter 42.17A RCW, referred to throughout as the act, by declaring the policies of the commission, particularly with regard to the interpretation and enforcement of the act by the commission.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-05-010, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-010, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-05-010, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12; Order 62, § 390-05-010, filed 8/26/75.]


PDF390-05-020

General administrative policy.

Whereas the act was adopted by the people for the general betterment of local and state government, it shall be the policy of the commission to carry out and effectuate that policy to the full extent of its delegated powers, through efficient administration, appropriate regulations and rulings, and through strict, vigorous, uniform and fair enforcement of the provisions of the act.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-020, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18; Order 62, § 390-05-020, filed 8/26/75.]


PDF390-05-050

Commission status under SEPA.

(1) The public disclosure commission recognizes its responsibilities under RCW 43.21C.120 to adopt rules pertaining to the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) as that act relates to activities under the commission's jurisdiction. The commission has reviewed SEPA and its own programs and concludes that all actions which the commission is authorized to undertake are exempt. The commission, as an administrative agency, has statutory authority for information gathering, recordkeeping, and investigative and hearing procedures with respect to elected officials, candidates, political committees, and persons and entities involved in lobbying activities. None of these activities are potentially subject to the environmental impact statement requirements of RCW 43.21C.030.
(2) In accordance with WAC 197-11-904(4), the commission adopts this statement in compliance with the requirements of chapter 43.21C RCW.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-050, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18; Order 77, § 390-05-050, filed 6/2/76.]


PDF390-05-100

Public disclosure commission—Organization and structure—Officers—Terms.

The officers of the public disclosure commission shall be chair and vice chair. Their terms shall be one year or until a successor is elected. Elections to fill commission offices shall be held annually at the regular June meeting of the commission, or at a special election called for that purpose between May 1st and June 30th of the calendar year in which the new terms will commence. Vacancies in said offices may be filled by a vote of the commission at any regular meeting or any special meeting called for that purpose.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-100, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18.]


PDF390-05-120

Public disclosure commission—Role of the executive director.

(1) The executive director acts as the commission's chief administrative officer and is accountable to the commission for agency administration. In addition, the executive director will:
(a) Act as the appointing authority for agency staff, including the authority to hire, set salaries, promote, assign work, evaluate, take corrective action and, where appropriate, terminate staff.
(b) Propose agency budgets for commission approval and oversee fiscal management of the agency.
(c) Exercise such other management oversight, decision-making and administrative action to provide timely and meaningful public access to accurate information about the financing of political campaigns, lobbyist expenditures, and the financial affairs of public officials and candidates, and to ensure compliance with and equitable enforcement of the act.
(d) Determine when appropriate and authorize enforcement alternatives set out in chapter 390-37 WAC to resolve complaints filed with the commission.
(e) Act as liaison between the commission and other public agencies.
(f) Research, develop, and draft policy positions, administrative rules, interpretations and advisory options for presentation to the commission.
(g) Enter into contracts and agreements on behalf of the commission.
(2) The executive director may delegate authority to subordinates, consistent with agency delegation of authority protocols as adopted by the commission, to act for the executive director as needed and appropriate.
(3) The executive director may perform other duties as authorized by chapter 42.17A RCW, Title 390 WAC, or as prescribed or delegated by the commission.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-120, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18.]


PDF390-05-190

Definition—Agent.

"Agent," as that term is used in chapter 42.17A RCW and Title 390 WAC, means a person, whether the authority or consent is direct or indirect, express or implied, oral or written, who:
(1) Is authorized by another to act on their behalf; or
(2) Represents and acts for another with the authority or consent of the person represented.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-190, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-05-190, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 96-09-015, § 390-05-190, filed 4/8/96, effective 5/9/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-22-002, § 390-05-190, filed 10/20/93, effective 11/20/93; WSR 93-16-064, § 390-05-190, filed 7/30/93, effective 8/30/93.]


PDF390-05-192

Definition—Aggregate.

The term "aggregate," as used in the act and in these rules, means, for purposes of:
(1) A candidate for state or local office subject to contribution limits under RCW 42.17A.405, the total amount of contributions received by the candidate, an agent of the candidate and any political committee affiliated with the candidate from the beginning of the election cycle;
(2) A candidate for local office not subject to contribution limits under RCW 42.17A.405 or judicial office, the total amount of contributions received by the candidate, an agent of the candidate and any political committee affiliated with the candidate from the beginning of the candidate's campaign;
(3) A bona fide political party or caucus political committee, the total amount of contributions received by the committee from January 1st of the current calendar year;
(4) A political committee, the total amount of contributions received by the committee from the date of organization;
(5) A continuing political committee, the total amount of contributions received by the committee from January 1st of the current calendar year;
(6) A contributor, the total amount of all contributions received from a person, and any person affiliated with the person, to any one candidate or political committee;
(7) A person making independent expenditures with respect to a candidate and the reporting and disclosure provisions of RCW 42.17A.255, 42.17A.630, and 42.17A.320, an independent expenditure made by a person in support of a candidate that shall be added to any independent expenditure by the same person in opposition to one or more of the candidate's opponents; and, for purposes of a person making independent expenditures with respect to a ballot proposition, an independent expenditure made by a person in support of a ballot proposition that shall be added to any independent expenditure by the same person in opposition to the ballot proposition or in support of an alternative ballot proposition;
(8) The special reports required by RCW 42.17A.265 and 42.17A.625, the total amount of contributions received or expenditures made by a single person or entity during the special reporting period;
(9) An employer of a registered lobbyist, the total amount of all contributions made to a political committee supporting or opposing a candidate for state office, or to a political committee supporting or opposing a statewide ballot proposition during the preceding calendar year;
(10) The sponsor of a grass roots lobbying campaign, the total amount of contributions received since the beginning of the campaign and the total amount of expenditures made during the time frames specified in RCW 42.17A.640(1);
(11) RCW 42.17A.570, the total amount of all time and demand deposits in each financial institution on December 31st;
(12) RCW 42.17A.755, the total amount of monetary penalty that the commission may impose for multiple violations of the act.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-192, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18.]


PDF390-05-200

Definition—Candidates for public office—Time of filing.

The following circumstances shall give rise to presumption that an individual is a "candidate" as that term is defined in RCW 42.17A.005:
(1) The existence of a political committee promoting the election of such individual for public office with the knowledge and consent of that individual; or
(2) A public declaration of candidacy by an individual even if the candidacy is conditioned on a future occurrence; or
(3) Meeting the requirements set forth in WAC 390-16-230.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-200, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-05-200, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 02-03-018, § 390-05-200, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/4/02; WSR 96-05-001, § 390-05-200, filed 2/7/96, effective 3/9/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-16-064, § 390-05-200, filed 7/30/93, effective 8/30/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-15-020 (Order 85-03), § 390-05-200, filed 7/9/85; Order 62, § 390-05-200, filed 8/26/75.]


PDF390-05-205

Definition—Consumable.

The definition of contribution in the act excludes the actual cost of consumables furnished at a ticketed fund-raising event. This exclusion applies to the amount paid for food, beverages, preparation, catering or entertainment furnished at the event. For this purpose of the act and these rules, the term "consumable" includes the amount paid for food, beverages, event preparation, catering or entertainment cost furnished at the event.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-05-205, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-205, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-05-205, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 02-03-018, § 390-05-205, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/4/02; WSR 96-05-001, § 390-05-205, filed 2/7/96, effective 3/9/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-16-064, § 390-05-205, filed 7/30/93, effective 8/30/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-15-020 (Order 85-03), § 390-05-205, filed 7/9/85; Order 63, § 390-05-205, filed 9/10/75.]


PDF390-05-210

Definition—Contribution.

(1) The term "contribution" as defined in the act and used in these rules shall be deemed to include, among other things, furnishing services, property or rights on an unequal basis or at less than their fair market value as defined in WAC 390-05-235, for the purpose of assisting any candidate or political committee. When such in-kind contribution is provided, it shall be reported at its fair market value per WAC 390-05-235 and, pursuant to RCW 42.17A.405 and 42.17A.410, the fair market value is the amount of the contribution to be allocated to the contributor in determining compliance with the contributor's contribution limit.
(2) Duplicating political advertising. 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 prepared by a candidate, a political committee, or the authorized agent of a candidate or political committee, is a contribution to the candidate or political committee.
(3) Consulting with a candidate. An expenditure made by a person in cooperation, consultation, concert, or collaboration with, or at the request or suggestion of a candidate, or the candidate's authorized committee or agent, is a contribution to such candidate. An expenditure is presumed to be made in cooperation, consultation, concert, or collaboration with, or at the request or suggestion of a candidate, or the candidate's authorized committee or agent, when:
(a) Any arrangement, coordination, or direction by the candidate, or the candidate's authorized committee or agent, is given to the expending person prior to the publication, distribution (digital or otherwise), display or broadcast, of political advertising or electioneering communications or prior to an expenditure being made by that person supporting that candidate or opposing one or more of that candidate's opponents;
(b) An expenditure is made based on information about the candidate's plans, projects, or needs provided to the expending person by the candidate, or the candidate's authorized committee or agent, with a view toward having an expenditure made;
(c) An expenditure is made by, through, in consultation with, or with the assistance of, including the fund-raising assistance of, any person who, during the twelve months preceding the expenditure, is or has been an officer of the candidate's authorized committee; or
(d) An expenditure is made by or in consultation with any person who, during the twelve months preceding the expenditure, is or has been receiving any form of campaign-related compensation or reimbursement from the candidate, or the candidate's authorized committee or agent. However, there is no presumption that an expenditure is made in cooperation, consultation, concert, or collaboration with, or at the request or suggestion of a candidate, or the candidate's authorized committee or agent, when a person performs only ministerial functions for two or more candidates or political committees pursuant to RCW 42.17A.005 and WAC 390-05-243.
(4) Consulting with a caucus political committee. An expenditure, not otherwise qualifying as a contribution to a candidate under subsection (3) of this section, made by a person in cooperation, consultation, concert, or collaboration with, or at the request or suggestion of a caucus political committee or its agent, is a contribution to such caucus political committee. An expenditure is presumed to be made in cooperation, consultation, concert, or collaboration with, or at the request or suggestion of a caucus political committee or its agent, when:
(a) Any arrangement, coordination, or direction by the caucus political committee, its agent, or another political committee financed, controlled or operated by the caucus, is given to the expending person prior to the publication, distribution, display, or broadcast of political advertising or electioneering communications, or prior to an expenditure being made by that person supporting that caucus political committee, or one or more of the candidates supported by it, or opposing one or more of those candidates' opponents;
(b) An expenditure is made based on information about the caucus political committee's plans, projects, or needs provided to the expending person by the caucus political committee, its agent, or another political committee financed, controlled, or operated by the caucus with a view toward having an expenditure made;
(c) An expenditure is made by, through, in consultation with, or with the assistance of, including the fund-raising assistance of, any person who, during the twelve months preceding the expenditure, is or has been an officer of the caucus political committee or another political committee financed, controlled, or operated by the caucus; or
(d) The expenditure is made by or in consultation with any person who, during the twelve months preceding the expenditure, is or has been receiving any form of campaign-related compensation or reimbursement from the caucus political committee, its agent, or another political committee financed, controlled, or operated by the caucus. However, there is no presumption that an expenditure is made in cooperation, consultation, concert, or collaboration with, or at the request or suggestion of a caucus political committee or its agent, when a person performs only ministerial functions for two or more candidates or political committees pursuant to RCW 42.17A.005 and WAC 390-05-243.
(5) Consulting with a bona fide political party. An expenditure, not otherwise qualifying as a contribution to a candidate under subsection (3) of this section, made by a person in cooperation, consultation, concert, or collaboration with, or at the request or suggestion of a bona fide political party or its agent, is a contribution to such bona fide political party. An expenditure is presumed to be made in cooperation, consultation, concert, or collaboration with, or at the request or suggestion of a bona fide political party, when:
(a) Any arrangement, coordination or direction by the bona fide political party, its agent, or a political committee financed, controlled or operated by the party is given to the expending person prior to the publication, distribution, display, or broadcast of political advertising or electioneering communications or prior to an expenditure being made by that person supporting that bona fide political party, or one or more of the candidates supported by it, or opposing one or more of those candidates' opponents;
(b) An expenditure is made based on information about the bona fide political party's plans, projects, or needs provided to the expending person by the bona fide political party or its agent with a view toward having an expenditure made;
(c) An expenditure is made by, through, in consultation with, or with the assistance of, including the fund-raising assistance of, any person who, during the twelve months preceding the expenditure, is or has been an officer of the bona fide political party or a political committee financed, controlled, or operated by the bona fide political party; or
(d) An expenditure is made by, through, or in consultation with, any person who, during the twelve months preceding the expenditure, is or has been receiving any form of campaign-related compensation or reimbursement from the bona fide political party, its agent, or a political committee financed, controlled, or operated by the bona fide political party. However, there is no presumption that an expenditure is made in cooperation, consultation, concert, or collaboration with, or at the request or suggestion of the bona fide political party, a political committee financed, controlled, or operated by a bona fide political party or their agents, when a person performs only ministerial functions for two or more candidates or political committees pursuant to RCW 42.17A.005 and WAC 390-05-243.
(6) Consulting with other political committees. An expenditure made by a person in cooperation, consultation, concert, or collaboration with, or at the request or suggestion of a political committee is a contribution to such political committee. An expenditure is presumed to be made in cooperation, consultation, concert, or collaboration with, or at the request or suggestion of a political committee when:
(a) Any arrangement, coordination, or direction by the political committee, its agent, or another political committee financed, controlled, or operated by the committee is given to the expending person prior to the publication, distribution (digital or otherwise), display, or broadcast of political advertising, or prior to an expenditure being made by that person benefiting that political committee;
(b) An expenditure is made based on information about the political committee's plans, projects, or needs provided to the expending person by the political committee or its agent with a view toward having an expenditure made;
(c) An expenditure is made by, through, in consultation with, or with the assistance of, including the fund-raising assistance of, any person who, during the twelve months preceding the expenditure, is or has been an officer of the political committee or another political committee financed, controlled or operated by the committee; or
(d) An expenditure is made by, through, or in consultation with any person who, during the twelve months preceding the expenditure, is or has been receiving any form of campaign-related compensation or reimbursement from the political committee, its agent, or another political committee financed, controlled, or operated by the committee. However, there is no presumption that an expenditure is made in cooperation, consultation, concert, or collaboration with, or at the request or suggestion of a political committee or its agent, when a person performs only ministerial functions for two or more candidates or political committees pursuant to RCW 42.17A.005 and WAC 390-05-243.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-05-210, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-210, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-05-210, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 08-01-069, § 390-05-210, filed 12/14/07, effective 1/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.562. WSR 06-11-132, § 390-05-210, filed 5/23/06, effective 6/23/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 96-09-015, § 390-05-210, filed 4/8/96, effective 5/9/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-16-064, § 390-05-210, filed 7/30/93, effective 8/30/93; WSR 91-14-041, § 390-05-210, filed 6/27/91, effective 7/28/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 88-14-064 (Order 88-02), § 390-05-210, filed 7/1/88; WSR 85-15-020 (Order 85-03), § 390-05-210, filed 7/9/85; Order 62, § 390-05-210, filed 8/26/75.]


PDF390-05-215

Receipt of a campaign contribution.

"Receipt" of a campaign contribution, as that term is used in the act and in these rules, shall be deemed to occur as follows:
(1) 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) For all other contributions, receipt shall be deemed to occur at the earliest date of the following:
(a) The date that the candidate, treasurer, deputy treasurer, campaign manager, campaign chairperson, or agent obtains possession of the contribution;
(b) The date that the candidate, treasurer, deputy treasurer, campaign manager, campaign chairperson, or agent is informed of the contribution, or becomes aware that the campaign, or in the case of an earmarked contribution, the intermediary or conduit has possession of the contribution; or
(c) The date that the contribution becomes available for use by the candidate or committee.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-05-215, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-215, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-05-215, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-16-064, § 390-05-215, filed 7/30/93, effective 8/30/93; WSR 92-05-081, § 390-05-215, filed 2/18/92, effective 3/20/92.]


PDF390-05-220

Definition—Consideration.

"Consideration" as that term is used in the act and in these rules shall be deemed to include anything of value promised, paid, or transferred in return for a person's property or services rendered or to be rendered including, but not limited to, reimbursement for traveling or other expenses.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-05-220, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-220, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-15-020 (Order 85-03), § 390-05-220, filed 7/9/85; Order 62, § 390-05-220, filed 8/26/75.]


PDF390-05-222

Definition—Domestic partner.

"Domestic partner" or "domestic partners," as those terms are used in the act and in these rules, means "state registered domestic partners" as defined in RCW 26.60.020.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-222, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-05-222, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 2008 c 6 § 1303. WSR 09-01-063, § 390-05-222, filed 12/11/08, effective 1/11/09.]


PDF390-05-225

Registered voters—Count or number of.

In accordance with RCW 29A.08.130, the count or number of registered voters, as used in the act or in these rules, shall not include inactive voters.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-225, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-05-225, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 08-04-021, § 390-05-225, filed 1/28/08, effective 2/28/08.]


PDF390-05-235

Definition—Fair market value.

(1) "Fair market value" as that term is used in the act and in these rules means the amount of money which a purchaser willing, but not obliged, to buy would pay a seller willing, but not obligated, to sell, for property, goods, or services.
(2)(a) In reference to real property, "fair market value" or "value," as used in the act and in these rules is the present cash value that a well-informed buyer or lessee, willing but not obligated to buy or lease that property, would pay, and that a well-informed seller, or lessor, willing but not obligated to sell or lease it, would accept, taking into consideration all uses to which the property is adapted and might in reason be applied.
(b) If, in determining "fair market value" or "value," the amount a buyer would pay and the amount a seller would accept would be based on varying standards, then the fair market value of the contribution shall be based on the amount the contributor would ordinarily accept for selling the property, rather than the amount the candidate or political committee would ordinarily pay. For example, if a contributor who sells property in the ordinary course of their business at a wholesale price donates such property to a candidate or political committee who would ordinarily pay the retail price as a consumer, then the fair market value of the contribution shall be the wholesale price.
(3)(a) Any person who donates an item for sale, raffle, auction or awarding at a fund-raising event is making a contribution to the recipient candidate or political committee in an amount equal to the fair market value of the item donated.
(b) Any person who buys a donated item makes a contribution equal in value to the difference between the purchase or auction price and the fair market value of the donated item.
(c) If the purchase or auction price is the same as the fair market value, the buyer's contribution is zero. If the purchase or auction price is less than the fair market value, the buyer's contribution is zero and the donor's contribution is reduced to the amount of the sale or auction price.
(4) The value of any in-kind contribution donated to any candidate or political committee subject to contribution limits pursuant to RCW 42.17A.405 or 42.17A.410 shall not, when combined with other contributions to that candidate or political committee, exceed the donor's applicable contribution limit as set forth in RCW 42.17A.405 or 42.17A.410. The value of an in-kind contribution donated as an exempt contribution to a bona fide political party committee or other political committee eligible to receive exempt funds is only subject to the limit imposed by RCW 42.17A.420.
(5)(a) Except as provided in WAC 390-16-207, if a person permits a candidate, a candidate's authorized committee, or a political committee to use the telephones of a business, union, organization, or other entity without charge for the purpose of making local campaign-related calls, the telephone usage is an in-kind contribution and shall be valued at its fair market value or, if no fair market value is ascertainable, one dollar per telephone per calendar day or part thereof.
(b) If calls are permitted with assessed charges, the charges are also an in-kind contribution unless the candidate, the candidate's authorized committee, or the political committee reimburses the person in full within thirty days of making such calls.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-05-235, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-235, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-05-235, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 94-11-018, § 390-05-235, filed 5/5/94, effective 6/5/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-22-002, § 390-05-235, filed 10/20/93, effective 11/20/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 79-08-046 (Order 79-03), § 390-05-235, filed 7/19/79.]


PDF390-05-243

Ministerial functions by persons holding administrative offices.

As used in the act and in these rules:
(1) "Ministerial functions" means the activities and duties of an administrative office that satisfy RCW 42.17A.005 and require:
(a) Data entry for a candidate or political committee;
(b) Filing reports that have been reviewed and approved for filing by the candidate or political committee officer;
(c) Maintaining campaign finance and other similar records including making them available for inspection upon direction by the candidate or political committee officer;
(d) Writing and depositing checks at the direction of the candidate or political committee officer;
(e) Communications related to ministerial functions (to respond to questions about data entry, to discuss or review a candidate or committee's bank account balance, to schedule times to receive contribution checks at events, to review reports with the candidate or committee prior to filing, and similar communications) but do not involve attending strategy or campaign planning meetings or portions of meetings with candidates or political committee officers or their agents; or
(f) Other similar campaign finance activities and duties.
(2) "Administrative office" means a person performing campaign finance related clerical support or recordkeeping activities on behalf of candidates and political committees, when, for the purposes of RCW 42.17A.005, those activities:
(a) Are directed by the candidate or political committee officer and require performance of activities by the administrative office in a prescribed manner;
(b) Are approved by the candidate or political committee officer for whom the services are performed;
(c) Do not involve the exercise of personal judgment or discretion, including authorizing expenditures;
(d) Do not involve the disclosure, except as required by law, of any information regarding a candidate 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, or otherwise engage in activity that is a contribution; and
(e) Do not involve the performance of functions other than ministerial functions.
(3) A person performing only ministerial functions on behalf of two or more candidates or political committees is not:
(a) Considered an agent so long as they have no authority to authorize expenditures or make decisions on behalf of the candidate or committee; or
(b) An officer pursuant to WAC 390-05-245. However, that person's name, address and title must be reported on the C-1 or C-1pc registration form.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-243, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-05-243, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 08-01-069, § 390-05-243, filed 12/14/07, effective 1/14/08.]


PDF390-05-245

Definition—Officer of a candidate's committee or of a political committee.

As used in the act and in these rules, "officer of a candidate's authorized committee," or "officer of a candidate's committee" or "officer of a political committee" includes the following persons: Any person designated by the committee as an officer on the C-1 or C-1pc registration statement and any person who alone or in conjunction with other persons makes, directs, or authorizes contribution, expenditure, strategic or policy decisions on behalf of the committee.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-245, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-05-245, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 08-01-069, § 390-05-245, filed 12/14/07, effective 1/14/08; WSR 96-09-015, § 390-05-245, filed 4/8/96, effective 5/9/96.]


PDF390-05-255

Definition—"Day" and "business day."

(1) "Day" as that term is used in the act and in these rules, unless otherwise specified, means a calendar day, including Saturday, Sunday and legal holidays.
(2) "Business day" as used in the act and in these rules, means a calendar day, excluding Saturday, Sunday and legal holidays defined in WAC 357-31-005.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-255, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 17-03-028, § 390-05-255, filed 1/6/17, effective 2/6/17.]


PDF390-05-271

General applications of RCW 42.17A.555.

(1) RCW 42.17A.555 does not restrict the right of any individual to express their own personal views concerning, supporting, or opposing any candidate or ballot proposition, if such expression does not involve a use of the facilities of a public office or agency.
(2) RCW 42.17A.555 does not prevent a public office or agency from (a) making facilities available on a nondiscriminatory, equal access basis for political uses or (b) making an objective and fair presentation of facts relevant to a ballot proposition, if such action is part of the normal and regular conduct of the office or agency.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-271, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-05-271, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 80-02-055 (Order 80-01), § 390-05-271, filed 1/17/80; WSR 79-02-056 (Order 79-01), § 390-05-271, filed 1/31/79.]


PDF390-05-273

Definition—Normal and regular conduct.

Normal and regular conduct of a public office or agency, as that term is used in the proviso to RCW 42.17A.555, means conduct which is (1) lawful, i.e., specifically authorized, either expressly or by necessary implication, in an appropriate enactment, and (2) usual, i.e., not effected or authorized in or by some extraordinary means or manner. No local office or agency may authorize a use of public facilities for the purpose of assisting a candidate's campaign or promoting or opposing a ballot proposition, in the absence of a constitutional, charter, or statutory provision separately authorizing such use.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-273, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-05-273, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 79-02-056 (Order 79-01), § 390-05-273, filed 1/31/79.]


PDF390-05-274

Party affiliation, party preference, etc.

(1) "Party affiliation," as used in the act and in these rules, means the candidate's party preference as expressed on their declaration of candidacy. A candidate's preference does not imply that the candidate is nominated or endorsed by that party, or that the party approves of or associates with that candidate.
(2) A reference to "political party affiliation," "political party," or "party" on disclosure forms adopted by the commission and in Title 390 WAC refers to the candidate's self-identified party preference.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-274, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-05-274, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 11-05-047, § 390-05-274, filed 2/10/11, effective 3/13/11.]


PDF390-05-275

Definition—Party organization.

"Party organization," as that term is used in the act and in these rules, means a bona fide political party as defined in RCW 42.17A.005 and applied in WAC 390-05-210.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-275, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-05-275, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 11-05-049, § 390-05-275, filed 2/10/11, effective 3/13/11; WSR 07-08-044, § 390-05-275, filed 3/28/07, effective 4/28/07.]


PDF390-05-290

Political advertising definitions.

(1) "Mass communication," as that term is used in the act and in these rules, means a communication, digital or otherwise, intended to reach a large audience through any of the following methods:
(a) Advertising displays, newspaper advertising, billboards, signs;
(b) Brochures, articles, tabloids, fliers, periodicals;
(c) Radio or television presentations;
(d) Sample ballots (see WAC 390-17-030);
(e) Online or other electronic transmission methods;
(f) One hundred or more letters, emails, text messages or similar communications that are identical or substantially similar in nature, directed to specific recipients, and sent within a thirty-day period; and
(g) Other mass means of disseminating political advertising, unless excluded by chapter 42.17A RCW or Title 390 WAC.
(2) "Online" means disseminating through a network of interconnected computers or devices, such as the internet or similar systems enabling electronic dissemination or exchange of communications. Examples include, but are not limited to, internet websites, social media, and other digital platforms, emails, and text messages.
(3) "Political advertising" as that term is defined in the act and used in these rules includes a 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.
Political advertising does not include letters to the editor, news or feature articles, editorial comment or replies thereto, in a regularly published print or electronic medium, or on a radio or television broadcast, where payment for the space or time of such content is not normally required.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-05-290, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-290, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.320. WSR 13-12-017, § 390-05-290, filed 5/24/13, effective 6/24/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-15-020 (Order 85-03), § 390-05-290, filed 7/9/85.]


PDF390-05-300

Suspension of reporting requirements for small jurisdictions.

The following reporting requirements do not apply in jurisdictions with fewer than two thousand registered voters, as of the date of the most recent general election in the jurisdiction:
(1) The F-1 financial reports of public officials required by RCW 42.17A.700 and WAC 390-24-010, 390-24-020 and 390-24-025;
(2) The L-5 public agency lobbying reports required by RCW 42.17A.635 and WAC 390-20-120;
(3) The C-1 through C-4 campaign finance reports required for ballot issues by RCW 42.17A.205 through 42.17A.240 and 42.17A.425, and WAC 390-16-011, 390-16-031, 390-16-036, 390-16-041, and independent campaign expenditure reports (C-6) required for ballot issues by RCW 42.17A.255 and WAC 390-16-050.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-05-300, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-300, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-05-300, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 92-05-080, § 390-05-300, filed 2/18/92, effective 3/20/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-15-020 (Order 85-03), § 390-05-300, filed 7/9/85; WSR 82-16-032 (Order 82-05), § 390-05-300, filed 7/28/82.]


PDF390-05-305

Petition for disclosure—Form.

The registered voters of a jurisdiction where reporting requirements are suspended may petition the commission to reinstate the reporting requirements suspended in jurisdictions with fewer than two thousand registered voters, as provided under RCW 42.17A.135 and this section.
(1) The commission shall reinstate the reporting requirements in a jurisdiction with fewer than two thousand registered voters at its next regular or special meeting, if:
(a) A certified "petition for disclosure" containing the valid signatures of fifteen percent of the number of registered voters of the jurisdiction as of the date of the most recent general election in the jurisdiction is filed with the commission; or
(b) The jurisdiction has by ordinance, resolution, or other official action petitioned the commission to void the suspension with respect to elected officials, candidates and ballot propositions for the jurisdiction.
(2) If reporting requirements are reinstated by petition, the commission shall promptly notify all known affected candidates and incumbent elected officials of their duty to file disclosure reports, and direct such persons to file the required statements within thirty days of the commission order.
(3) A petition for disclosure shall be filed electronically using the means provided by the PDC, or if an electronic method has not been provided, the petition shall be filed on legible , on 8-1/2 x 11" paper. The petition must include the following information:
(a) The name of the jurisdiction;
(b) A request that public disclosure be required;
(c) The names and addresses of all known candidates and ballot proposition committees in the jurisdiction who will be required to report;
(d) The legibly printed name and address and the legal signature of at least fifteen percent of the number of registered voters in the jurisdiction as of the date of the most recent general election in the jurisdiction.
(4) The petition shall be verified and certified by the auditor or elections officer of the county or counties in which the jurisdiction is located. The signatures shall be verified by comparing the signatures on the petition to the signatures on the voter registration roll. The auditor shall place the auditor's seal on each verified page of the petition in order to certify it to the commission.
(5) A suggested form for petition is:
"We, the undersigned citizens and registered voters of (name of jurisdiction) , request that the Public Disclosure Commission order disclosure in (name of jurisdiction) ."
(6) A suggested form for the petition of a jurisdiction by ordinance, resolution, or other official action is:
"We, the (governing board) of (name of jurisdiction) request that the Public Disclosure Commission order disclosure in (name of jurisdiction) . This request is made pursuant to RCW 42.17A.135 and WAC 390-05-305."
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-05-305, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-305, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 92-05-080, § 390-05-305, filed 2/18/92, effective 3/20/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-15-020 (Order 85-03), § 390-05-305, filed 7/9/85; WSR 82-16-032 (Order 82-05), § 390-05-305, filed 7/28/82.]


PDF390-05-400

Changes in dollar amounts.

Pursuant to the authority in RCW 42.17A.125 that the commission may revise the monetary contribution limits and reporting thresholds and code values of the act to reflect changes in economic conditions, the previous and current amounts are:
Code Section
Subject
Value Set in Statute
(year last changed)
Previous Adjusted Value in Rule
(last set in 2016)
Current Adjusted Value
(last set in 2023)
Campaign Finance Reporting
 
 
 
.005(15)
Limit for the value of volunteer services excluded from the definition of "Contribution"
$50
(1989)
n/a
$200
.005(21)
Reporting threshold for "Electioneering Communication"
$1,000
(2011)
n/a
$2,000
.005(30)
Reporting threshold for "Independent Expenditure"
$1,000
(2019)
n/a
$2,000
.005(30)
Limit for the value of volunteer campaign worker expenses exempted from threshold for "Independent Expenditure"
$250
(2018)
n/a
$350
.005(46)(a)
Maximum limit for qualification as a "Remediable Violation" where no contribution limit applies
$1,000
(2018)
n/a
$1,500
.110(8)
.135(7)
Limit on eligibility for reporting exceptions by small campaigns ("mini reporting" pursuant to WAC 390-16-105 et seq.)
$5,000
(2010)
n/a
$7,000
.207(1)(a)(i)
Incidental committee - Threshold of expenditures for registration
$25,000
(2018)
n/a
$35,000
.235(1)
Incidental committee - Threshold for reporting top 10 contributors
$10,000
(2018)
n/a
$15,000
.235(3)(b)
Incidental committee - Threshold for regular monthly reporting of contributions or expenditures
$200
(2018)
n/a
$500
.220(4)
Limit for retaining accumulated unidentified contributions
$300
(1973)
n/a
$500
.225(2)
Continuing PAC - Regular monthly campaign reports - Threshold for regular monthly reporting of contributions or expenditures
$200
(1982)
n/a
$750
.235(3)(a)
Regular monthly campaign reports - Threshold for regular monthly reporting of contributions or expenditures - PAC
$200
(1982)
n/a
$750
.230(2)
Contributions fund-raising - Limit on amounts eligible for special reporting of fund-raising activities
$25 - event
$50 - auction
(1989)
n/a
$100 (event)
$150 (auction)
.230(4)
Contributions fund-raising - Threshold for reporting identity of contributors
$50
(1989)
n/a
$150
.235(5) &
.240(2)
Contributions - Threshold for required reporting identity of contributors
$25
(1982)
n/a
$100
.240(2)
Threshold for reporting pledges
$100
(2019)
n/a
$150
.240(7)
Threshold for reporting expenditure activity
$50
(1982)
n/a
$200
.240(9)
Threshold for reporting source of debt
$750
(2018)
n/a
$1,000
.250
Out-of-state PAC - Threshold for reporting contributions
$25 - In-state
(1983)
$2,550 - Out-of-state
(2010)
$2,680
(2016)
$100 (In-state)
$4,000 (Out-of-state)
.265
"Last-minute contribution" - Reporting threshold (see also RCW 42.17A.625)
$1,000
(2001)
n/a
$1,500
.255(1)
Independent expenditure ("not otherwise reported") - Threshold for including incidental volunteer expenses
$50
(1995)
n/a
$200
.255(2)
Independent expenditure ("not otherwise reported") - Threshold for reporting
$100
(1973)
n/a
$1,000
.255(5)
Independent expenditure ("not otherwise reported") - Threshold for itemized expenditures
$50
(1989)
n/a
$200
.260
Independent expenditure (political advertising) - Threshold for reporting
$1,000
(2001)
n/a
$2,000
.305
Independent expenditure (electioneering communication) - Threshold for reporting the source of funding from special solicitations or other (nongeneral treasury) funds
$250
(2005)
n/a
$400
.305
Independent expenditure (electioneering communication) - Threshold for detailed reporting of expenditure
$100
(2005)
n/a
$200
.625
Threshold for lobbyists and lobbyist employers reporting making a last-minute contribution
$1,000
(2001)
n/a
$1,500
.630(1)
Aggregate threshold for special report (C-7) by nonindividuals who make contributions or independent expenditures
$16,000/contributions per year
(2010)
$20,000/contributions per year
$24,000 per year
$800/independent expenditures per year
(2010)
$1,000/independent expenditures per year
$1,200 per year
.630(1)
Threshold for reporting compensation paid to elected officials (or family) on the C-7 special report
$800
(2010)
n/a
$1,200
Campaign Contribution Limits
 
 
 
.405(2)
Limits on contributions to candidates:
 
 
- Candidates for state legislative office
$800
(2010)
$1,000
$1,200
 
- Candidates for county office
$800
(2010)
$1,000
$1,200
 
- Candidates for other state office
$1,600
(2010)
$2,000
$2,400
 
- Candidates for special purpose districts
$1,600
(2010)
$2,000
$2,400
 
- Candidates for city council office
$800
(2010)
$1,000
$1,200
 
- Candidates for mayoral office
$800
(2010)
$1,000
$1,200
 
- Candidates for school board office
$800
(2010)
$1,000
$1,200
 
- Candidates for hospital district
$800
(2010)
$1,000
$1,200
.410(1)
- Candidates for judicial office
$1,600
(2010)
$2,000
$2,400
.405(4)
State and local party and caucus committee limits on contributions to a candidate:
 
- State parties and caucus committee
$0.80 × per registered voter (2010)
$1.00 per registered voter
$1.20 per registered voter
 
- County and legislative district parties
$0.40 × per registered voter (2010)
$0.50 per registered voter
$0.60 per registered voter
 
- Limit on aggregate of all county and legislative district parties to a candidate
$0.40 × per registered voter (2010)
$0.50 per registered voter
$0.60 per registered voter
.405(7)
Limits to political parties and caucus committees:
 
- To caucus committee
$800
(2010)
$1,000
$1,200
 
- To political party
$4,000
(2010)
$5,500
$6,000
.405(3)
Recall - Limits to state or local official or to PAC supporting recall:
 
- State legislative office and local office
$800
(2010)
$1,000
$1,200
 
- Other (nonlegislative) state office and port district
$1,600
(2010)
$2,000
$2,400
.405(5)
Recall - Limits for political parties and caucus committees to state or local officials or to PACs supporting recall:
 
- State parties and caucuses
$0.80 × per registered voter (2010)
$1.00 per registered voter
$1.20 per registered voter
 
- County and legislative district parties
$0.40 × per registered voter (2010)
$0.50 per registered voter
$0.60 per registered voter
 
- Limit for all county and legislative district parties to state official up for recall or political committee supporting recall
$0.40 × per registered voter (2010)
$0.50 per registered voter
$0.60 per registered voter
.405(12)
Threshold for contributions by political committees to be eligible to make a contribution
$10 (from 10 persons)
(1993)
n/a
$25 (from 10 persons)
.420
Limits on large contributions:
 
- Statewide office
$50,000 -
(2010)
n/a
$75,000
 
- Other (nonstatewide) office
$5,000 - other
(2010)
n/a
$7,500
.442
Threshold for one political committee to be eligible to make a contribution to another political committee
$10 (from 10 persons)
(2011)
n/a
$25 (from 10 persons)
.445(3)
Maximum limit for reimbursement of candidate loan to own campaign
$4,700
(2010)
$6,000
$7,500
.475
Contribution must be made by written instrument
$100
(2019)
n/a
$100
.600 - .640
Lobbying disclosure and restrictions - See WAC 390-20-150
.710
Code values for statement of personal financial affairs - See WAC 390-24-301
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110, 42.17A.125, 42.17A.615, and 42.17A.640. WSR 24-01-028, § 390-05-400, filed 12/8/23, effective 1/8/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]125. WSR 23-07-004, § 390-05-400, filed 3/1/23, effective 4/1/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.125. WSR 22-14-030, § 390-05-400, filed 6/24/22, effective 6/30/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-05-400, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-400, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110, 42.17A.125(1), and 42.17A.250 [(1)](g). WSR 16-04-080, § 390-05-400, filed 1/29/16, effective 2/29/16; WSR 14-01-010, § 390-05-400, filed 12/5/13, effective 1/5/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.125. WSR 13-05-012, § 390-05-400, filed 2/7/13, effective 3/10/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.110 and 42.17.125. WSR 12-10-041, § 390-05-400, filed 4/27/12, effective 5/28/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1) and 42.17.690. WSR 12-01-032, § 390-05-400, filed 12/13/11, effective 1/13/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1), 42.17.690, and 42.17.645. WSR 08-04-022, § 390-05-400, filed 1/28/08, effective 2/28/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 07-07-005, § 390-05-400, filed 3/8/07, effective 4/8/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.690. WSR 06-07-001, § 390-05-400, filed 3/1/06, effective 4/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.690. WSR 03-22-064, § 390-05-400, filed 11/4/03, effective 1/1/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.690. WSR 01-22-050, § 390-05-400, filed 10/31/01, effective 1/1/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 00-04-058, § 390-05-400, filed 1/28/00, effective 3/1/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.690. WSR 98-08-069, § 390-05-400, filed 3/30/98, effective 5/1/98; WSR 96-04-021, § 390-05-400, filed 1/30/96, effective 3/1/96.]


PDF390-05-500

Definition—Debate or forum.

"Debate or forum" means qualifying events under RCW 42.17A.005 where candidates are invited based upon predefined objective criteria, including where only one candidate in an uncontested race participates.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-500, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-05-500, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.562. WSR 06-11-132, § 390-05-500, filed 5/23/06, effective 6/23/06.]


PDF390-05-505

Electioneering communication exclusions.

"Electioneering communication," as defined in the act and used in these rules, does not include communications expressly excluded from the definition in the act, such as communications conveyed through websites, emails, telephone calls, or in-person leaflet/pamphlet drops at street addresses.
[Statutory Authority:RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-05-505, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-505, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-05-505, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.562. WSR 06-11-132, § 390-05-505, filed 5/23/06, effective 6/23/06.]


PDF390-05-507

Definition—Funding sources for electioneering communications.

(1) "Source of funds" for purposes of reporting a payment of promise to pay for an electioneering communication means a person who contributes anything of value for the communication, including a loan, gift, advance, payment, pledge, or personal or professional services for less than full consideration.
(2) Goods, services, property, or rights other than money or its equivalent are deemed to have a monetary value equivalent to their fair market value.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-05-507, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-507, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18.]


PDF390-05-510

Definition—General treasury funds.

"General treasury funds," as used in the act and in these rules, means a collective designation of all of the assets of an organization which furnish the means for defraying the necessary, usual, ordinary running and incidental expenses of an organization. General treasury funds are typically not derived from a special solicitation, effort, or receipt, but derive from regular, planned for, and ongoing revenue streams or sources.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-510, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.562. WSR 06-11-132, § 390-05-510, filed 5/23/06, effective 6/23/06.]


PDF390-05-515

Exclusion from contributions, independent expenditures, and electioneering communications—Communications within membership organizations.

(1) In determining whether an organization's political communications are limited to its "members" for purposes of communications that are excluded from the definitions of a contribution, independent expenditure, or electioneering communication, as provided in RCW 42.17A.005 of the act and used in these rules, the commission will examine whether the organization is a legitimate membership organization with common interest goals and objectives, taking into account such factors as the organization's permanence, structure and formal organizing documents, membership criteria, and services it provides its members. An organization will not be considered a membership organization if it is primarily a commercial entity or for-profit entity selling products to customers even though it may refer to its customers as "members."
(2) With respect to the status of members of an organization, the commission will examine whether a valid, active relationship exists between the organization and its members or classes of members for purposes other than influencing the outcome of an election, taking into account:
(a) Whether the members affirmatively accept membership;
(b) The rights and obligations conferred on members by the organization, including whether members have the right to vote for:
(i) Election of directors or officers;
(ii) Changes to the articles or bylaws; or
(iii) The disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the organization or on a merger or dissolution; and
(c) A required payment of a predetermined amount of membership dues.
(3) If an organization and its members satisfy the criteria regarding "membership associations" and "members" established by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) in 11 C.F.R. Sec. 100.134 (e)-(g), the commission will consider these FEC criteria as indicators of legitimate membership organizations or valid members.
(4) In determining whether an internal political communication is "primarily" limited to the members of an organization or political committee, the commission will consider whether any distribution to nonmembers is incidental and isolated.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-05-515, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-515, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-05-515, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 09-04-022, § 390-05-515, filed 1/27/09, effective 2/27/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.562. WSR 06-11-132, § 390-05-515, filed 5/23/06, effective 6/23/06.]


PDF390-05-518

Definition—Nonreimbursed public office related expense.

A "nonreimbursed public office related expense" is an expenditure incurred by an elected or appointed official, or a member of the official's immediate family, solely because of being an official.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-05-518, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20.]


PDF390-05-520

Definition—Periodical.

For electioneering communications and other political advertising, "periodical" means a digital or paper publication that is serial in nature and appears or is intended to appear indefinitely, issued regularly or at stated intervals at least once every three months.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-05-520, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.320. WSR 13-12-017, § 390-05-520, filed 5/24/13, effective 6/24/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.562. WSR 06-11-132, § 390-05-520, filed 5/23/06, effective 6/23/06.]


PDF390-05-521

Definition—Payments received by incidental committees.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section for the purpose of reporting the top ten largest sources of payments to an incidental committee, pursuant to RCW 42.17A.235, a "payment" means any monetary transfer or in-kind value accepted by the incidental committee, regardless of the donative intent or benefit received by the person making the transfer.
(2) A "payment" does not include:
(a) A source of funding the nonprofit organization is legally bound and explicitly prohibited from using for the purpose of supporting or opposing a candidate or ballot proposition campaign; or
(b) The fair market appreciation of assets held by an incidental committee such as in an investment account, including a brokerage account, and the sale or transfer of such assets from the account to the incidental committee.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 111. WSR 19-08-092, § 390-05-521, filed 4/3/19, effective 5/4/19.]


PDF390-05-522

Definition—Place of business.

"A place of business in the state of Washington" as that term is used in RCW 42.17A.250 (1)(f) means the business is headquartered in or has a primary place of business in Washington state.
For example, if a national corporation headquartered outside of Washington state has retail outlets in Washington and that national corporation contributes two hundred fifty dollars to an out-of-state political committee that is subject to reporting under RCW 42.17A.250, the out-of-state committee is not required to disclose the national corporation as a contributor under RCW 42.17A.250 (1)(f).
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-522, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-05-522, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.093 (1)(i). WSR 06-18-035, § 390-05-522, filed 8/28/06, effective 9/28/06.]


PDF390-05-525

Definition—Public service announcement.

(1) "Public service announcement," as that term is used in the act and in these rules, means a communication that is all of the following:
(a) Designed to benefit or promote the community's health, safety, or welfare or nonprofit community events;
(b) Not selling a product or service;
(c) Sponsored by an organization with a history of routinely providing the community such outreach public service messages in the service area of the organization;
(d) Of primary interest to the public and is not targeted to reach only voters or voters in a specific jurisdiction;
(e) Not coordinated with or controlled or paid for by a candidate's authorized committee or political committee;
(f) Subject to the policies for public service announcements of the entity broadcasting, transmitting, mailing, erecting, distributing, digitally communicating, or otherwise publishing the communication including policies regarding length, timing and manner of distribution; and
(g) One for which the arrangements to include a reference or depiction of the candidate or candidates in the communication were made at least six months before the candidate became a candidate.
(2) Examples of public service announcements include but are not limited to communications regarding nonprofit community events, outreach, or awareness activities.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-05-525, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-05-525, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.562. WSR 06-11-132, § 390-05-525, filed 5/23/06, effective 6/23/06.]


PDF390-05-535

Definition—Nonprofit organization within the meaning of incidental committee.

A "nonprofit organization," as the term is used in the definition of incidental committee in RCW 42.17A.005, means an entity that meets one or more of the following criteria:
(1) An entity that is exempt from income tax under Title 26 U.S.C. Sec. 501(c) of the federal Internal Revenue Code;
(2) An organization, association or corporation whose income is not paid directly or indirectly to its members, stockholders, officers, directors or trustees except in the form of services rendered by the organization, association, or corporation in accordance with its purposes and bylaws and the salary or compensation paid to officers of such organization, association or corporation is for actual services rendered and compares to the salary or compensation of like positions within the public services of the state; or
(3) A limited partnership or limited liability company where an entity described in subsection (1) or (2) of this section is a general partner or managing member, respectively.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 111. WSR 19-08-092, § 390-05-535, filed 4/3/19, effective 5/4/19.]
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