Title 390 WAC — Public Disclosure Commission

Chapter 390-05 General policies and definitions.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-002 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 Title 29B RCW.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-05-002, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. 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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-005 Definition—Public disclosure commission.

The "public disclosure commission" is the commission appointed by the governor pursuant to RCW 29B.20.010. The public disclosure commission shall hereinafter be referred to as the commission.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-05-005, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. 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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-007 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.

History

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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-010 Purpose of rules.

The purpose of these rules is to implement the provisions of Title 29B 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.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-05-010, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. 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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-020 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.

History

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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-050 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.

History

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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-100 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.

History

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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-120 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 Title 29B RCW, Title 390 WAC, or as prescribed or delegated by the commission.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-05-120, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. 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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-190 Definition—Agent.

"Agent," as that term is used in Titles 29B RCW and 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.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-05-190, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. 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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-192 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 29B.40.020, 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 29B.40.020 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 29B.25.120, 29B.50.080, and 29B.30.050, 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 29B.25.140 and 29B.50.070, 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 29B.50.100(1);

(11) RCW 29B.45.040, the total amount of all time and demand deposits in each financial institution on December 31st;

(12) RCW 29B.60.020, the total amount of monetary penalty that the commission may impose for multiple violations of the act.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-05-192, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. 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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-200 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 29B.10.090:

(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.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-05-200, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. 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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-205 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.

History

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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-210 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 29B.40.020 and 29B.40.030, 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 12 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 12 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 29B.10.380 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;

(d) The expenditure is made by or in consultation with any person who, during the 12 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 29B.10.380 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;

(d) An expenditure is made by, through, or in consultation with, any person who, during the 12 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 29B.10.380 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;

(d) An expenditure is made by, through, or in consultation with any person who, during the 12 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 29B.10.380 and WAC 390-05-243.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-05-210, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. 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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-215 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 29B.45.020, 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

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-05-215, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. 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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-220 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.

History

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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-222 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.

History

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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-225 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.

History

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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-235 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 29B.40.020 or 29B.40.030 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 29B.40.020 or 29B.40.030. 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 29B.40.070.

(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 30 days of making such calls.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-05-235, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. 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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-243 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 29B.10.380 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 29B.10.380, 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;

(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.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-05-243, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. 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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-245 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.

History

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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-255 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.

History

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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-271 General applications of RCW 29B.45.010.

(1) RCW 29B.45.010 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 29B.45.010 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.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-05-271, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. 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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-273 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 29B.45.010, 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.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-05-273, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. 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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-274 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.

History

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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-275 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 29B.10.070 and applied in WAC 390-05-210.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-05-275, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. 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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-290 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;

(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 30-day period; and

(g) Other mass means of disseminating political advertising, unless excluded under Title 29B RCW or 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 any 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.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-05-290, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. 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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-300 Suspension of reporting requirements for small jurisdictions.

The following reporting requirements do not apply in jurisdictions with fewer than 2,000 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 29B.55.010 and WAC 390-24-010, 390-24-020 and 390-24-025;

(2) The L-5 public agency lobbying reports required by RCW 29B.50.090 and WAC 390-20-120;

(3) The C-1 through C-4 campaign finance reports required for ballot issues by RCW 29B.25.020 through 29B.25.100 and 29B.40.080, 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 29B.25.120 and WAC 390-16-050.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-05-300, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. 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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-305 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 2,000 registered voters, as provided under RCW 29B.20.070 and this section.

(1) The commission shall reinstate the reporting requirements in a jurisdiction with fewer than 2,000 registered voters at its next regular or special meeting, if:

(a) A certified "petition for disclosure" containing the valid signatures of 15 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 30 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 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 15 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 29B.20.070 and WAC 390-05-305."

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-05-305, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. 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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-400 Changes in dollar amounts.

Pursuant to the authority in RCW 29B.20.050 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:

| RCW 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 | | | | | | 29B.10.160 | Limit for the value of volunteer services excluded from the definition of "Contribution" | $50 (1989) | n/a | $200 | | 29B.10.220 | Reporting threshold for "Electioneering Communication" | $1,000 (2011) | n/a | $2,000 | | 29B.10.310 | Reporting threshold for "Independent Expenditure" | $1,000 (2019) | n/a | $2,000 | | 29B.10.310 | Limit for the value of volunteer campaign worker expenses exempted from threshold for "Independent Expenditure" | $250 (2018) | n/a | $350 | | 29B.10.470 | Maximum limit for qualification as a "Remediable Violation" where no contribution limit applies | $1,000 (2018) | n/a | $1,500 | | 29B.20.030(8) & 29B.20.070(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 | | 29B.25.030 (1)(a)(i) | Incidental committee - Threshold of expenditures for registration | $25,000 (2018) | n/a | $35,000 | | 29B.25.090(1) | Incidental committee - Threshold for reporting top 10 contributors | $10,000 (2018) | n/a | $15,000 | | 29B.25.090 (3)(b) | Incidental committee - Threshold for regular monthly reporting of contributions or expenditures | $200 (2018) | n/a | $500 | | 29B.25.060(4) | Limit for retaining accumulated unidentified contributions | $300 (1973) | n/a | $500 | | 29B.25.070(2) | Continuing PAC - Regular monthly campaign reports - Threshold for regular monthly reporting of contributions or expenditures | $200 (1982) | n/a | $750 | | 29B.25.090 (3)(a) | Regular monthly campaign reports - Threshold for regular monthly reporting of contributions or expenditures - PAC | $200 (1982) | n/a | $750 | | 29B.25.080(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) | | 29B.25.080(4) | Contributions fund-raising - Threshold for reporting identity of contributors | $50 (1989) | n/a | $150 | | 29B.25.090(5) & 29B.25.100(2) | Contributions - Threshold for required reporting identity of contributors | $25 (1982) | n/a | $100 | | 29B.25.100(2) | Threshold for reporting pledges | $100 (2019) | n/a | $150 | | 29B.25.100(7) | Threshold for reporting expenditure activity | $50 (1982) | n/a | $200 | | 29B.25.100(9) | Threshold for reporting source of debt | $750 (2018) | n/a | $1,000 | | 29B.25.110 | 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) | | 29B.25.140 | "Last-minute contribution" - Reporting threshold (see also RCW 29B.50.070) | $1,000 (2001) | n/a | $1,500 | | 29B.25.120(1) | Independent expenditure ("not otherwise reported") - Threshold for including incidental volunteer expenses | $50 (1995) | n/a | $200 | | 29B.25.120(2) | Independent expenditure ("not otherwise reported") - Threshold for reporting | $100 (1973) | n/a | $1,000 | | 29B.25.120(5) | Independent expenditure ("not otherwise reported") - Threshold for itemized expenditures | $50 (1989) | n/a | $200 | | 29B.25.130 | Independent expenditure (political advertising) - Threshold for reporting | $1,000 (2001) | n/a | $2,000 | | 29B.30.020 | Independent expenditure (electioneering communication) - Threshold for reporting the source of funding from special solicitations or other (nongeneral treasury) funds | $250 (2005) | n/a | $400 | | 29B.30.020 | Independent expenditure (electioneering communication) - Threshold for detailed reporting of expenditure | $100 (2005) | n/a | $200 | | 29B.50.070 | Threshold for lobbyists and lobbyist employers reporting making a last-minute contribution | $1,000 (2001) | n/a | $1,500 | | 29B.50.080(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 | | | | 29B.50.080(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 | | | | | | 29B.40.020(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 | | 29B.40.030(1) | - Candidates for judicial office | $1,600 (2010) | $2,000 | $2,400 | | 29B.40.020(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 | | 29B.40.020(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 | | 29B.40.020(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 | | 29B.40.020(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 | | 29B.40.020(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) | | 29B.40.070 | Limits on large contributions: | | | | | | - Statewide office | $50,000 - (2010) | n/a | $75,000 | | | - Other (nonstatewide) office | $5,000 - other (2010) | n/a | $7,500 | | 29B.40.120 | 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) | | 29B.40.130(3) | Maximum limit for reimbursement of candidate loan to own campaign | $4,700 (2010) | $6,000 | $7,500 | | 29B.40.190 | Contribution must be made by written instrument | $100 (2019) | n/a | $100 | | 29B.50.010 through 29B.50.100 | Lobbying disclosure and restrictions - See WAC 390-20-150 | | | | | 29B.55.030 | Code values for statement of personal financial affairs - See WAC 390-24-301 | | | |

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-05-400, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. 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). 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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-500 Definition—Debate or forum.

"Debate or forum" means qualifying events under RCW 29B.10.220 where candidates are invited based upon predefined objective criteria, including where only one candidate in an uncontested race participates.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-05-500, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. 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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-505 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.

History

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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-507 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.

History

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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-510 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.

History

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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-515 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 within chapter 29B.10 RCW 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

(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.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-05-515, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. 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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-518 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.

History

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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-520 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.

History

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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-521 Definition—Payments received by incidental committees.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section for the purpose of reporting the top 10 largest sources of payments to an incidental committee, pursuant to RCW 29B.25.090, 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.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-05-521, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. 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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-522 Definition—Place of business.

"A place of business in the state of Washington" as that term is used in reference to out-of-state political committees in RCW 29B.25.110 (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 $250 to an out-of-state political committee that is subject to reporting under RCW 29B.25.110, the out-of-state committee is not required to disclose the national corporation as a contributor under RCW 29B.25.110 (1)(f).

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-05-522, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. 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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-525 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.

History

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.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-05-535 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 29B.10.290, 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.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-05-535, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. 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.

Chapter 390-12 Administrative procedures.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-12-010 Public disclosure commission—Meetings.

(1) Pursuant to RCW 42.30.075, regular meetings of the public disclosure commission are scheduled to be held monthly on the fourth Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m. unless a different time is noted on an agenda, except November and December when a combined meeting may be scheduled to be held during the first or second week of December.

(2) Commissioners meet monthly to consider and act on policy matters, enforcement matters, rule makings and interpretations, adjudicative proceedings, modification requests, agency management, budget, legislative matters, public and stakeholder input, education and assistance, and other matters consistent with its oversight responsibilities to ensure the agency's mission is fulfilled and to ensure compliance with, and equitable and effective enforcement of, the act. All meetings are conducted in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act (chapter 42.30 RCW) the Administrative Procedure Act (chapter 34.05 RCW), and Sturgis Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure. The passage of any motion adopting, amending or repealing any rule, or recommending changes to the act shall require a majority vote of the members of the commission as distinguished from a quorum of the commissioners.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-12-010, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.690. WSR 06-07-001, § 390-12-010, filed 3/1/06, effective 4/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 04-12-053, § 390-12-010, filed 5/28/04, effective 6/28/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 94-05-010, § 390-12-010, filed 2/3/94, effective 3/6/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-15-020 (Order 85-03), § 390-12-010, filed 7/9/85
WSR 82-05-001 (Order 82-01), § 390-12-010, filed 2/4/82
WSR 80-06-119 (Order 80-06), § 390-12-010, filed 5/30/80
WSR 79-10-070 (Order 79-06), § 390-12-010, filed 9/19/79
Order 62, § 390-12-010, filed 8/26/75
Order 14, § 390-12-010, filed 7/31/73.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-12-250 Declaratory order—Petition requisites—Consideration—Disposition.

(1) Any person may submit a petition for a declaratory order pursuant to RCW 34.05.240 in any form so long as it:

(a) Clearly states the question the declaratory order is to answer; and

(b) Provides a statement of the facts which raise the question.

(2) The executive director may conduct an independent investigation in order to fully develop the relevant facts.

(3) The executive director will present the petition to the commission at the first meeting when it is practical to do so and will provide the petitioner with at least five business days notice of the time and place of such meeting. Such notice may be waived by the petitioner.

(4) The petitioner may present additional material and/or argument at any time prior to the issuance of the declaratory order.

(5) The commission may issue either a binding or a nonbinding order or decline to issue any order.

(6) The commission may decide that a public hearing would assist its deliberations and decisions. If such a hearing is ordered, it will be placed on the agenda of a meeting and at least five business days notice of such meeting shall be provided to the petitioner.

(7) If an order is to be issued, the petitioner shall be provided a copy of the proposed order and invited to comment.

(8) The declaratory order cannot be a substitute for a compliance action and is intended to be prospective in effect.

(9) The commission will decline to consider a petition for a declaratory order or to issue an order when (a) the petition requests advice regarding a factual situation which has actually taken place, or (b) when a pending investigation or compliance action involves a similar factual situation.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-12-250, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 17-03-028, § 390-12-250, filed 1/6/17, effective 2/6/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 90-16-083, § 390-12-250, filed 7/31/90, effective 8/31/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-15-020 (Order 85-03), § 390-12-250, filed 7/9/85
WSR 81-18-043 (Order 81-03), § 390-12-250, filed 8/28/81.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-12-255 Petitions for rule making, amendment or repeal—Form—Consideration—Disposition.

Any person may submit a petition requesting the adoption, amendment or repeal of any rule by the commission, pursuant to RCW 34.05.330 and the uniform rules adopted by the office of financial management that are set forth in chapter 82-05 WAC.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 99-12-056, § 390-12-255, filed 5/27/99, effective 6/27/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 90-16-083, § 390-12-255, filed 7/31/90, effective 8/31/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 81-18-043 (Order 81-03), § 390-12-255, filed 8/28/81.

Chapter 390-14 Access to public records of the public disclosure commission.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-14-011 Purpose of this chapter—To implement the Public Records Act and describe the commission.

(1) The purpose of chapter 390-14 WAC is to establish the commission's procedures to provide full access to its public records and to implement the provisions of the Public Records Act under chapter 42.56 RCW for the commission.

(2) The commission implements and enforces Title 29B RCW, the laws governing campaign finance, lobbying, reporting by public treasurers, and personal financial affairs disclosures. A description of the commission organization, general operations and procedures is under chapter 390-12 WAC. More information is located on its website at www.pdc.wa.gov. The commission does not implement or enforce the Public Records Act for other public agencies.

(3) If you wish to obtain general information or copies of records, you do not need to submit a formal public records request. You will often find such information on the commission's website, or you may make an informal routine inquiry by contacting the commission office.

(a) The commission is a disclosure agency. The commission is required to operate a website. Therefore, the commission routinely places numerous categories of records on its website. You are strongly encouraged to review the website prior to making a public records request. The website provides records and other information that can be viewed at no cost, including: The agency's organizational chart; contact information; statutes; rules and rule-making activity; final orders; enforcement case information and records; declaratory orders; interpretive statements; external policies; manuals; fact books; brochures; videos; commission meeting agendas, materials, and minutes; strategic plans; reports; campaign finance data, reports, and forms; lobbying data, reports and forms; other forms and reports; news releases; and, filer information. Information on the website is updated regularly.

(b) You may also contact the commission office to make an informal routine inquiry for a record.

(i) For example, informal routine inquiries generally seek a particular form, brochure, manual, report, lobbyist directory, or other similar readily available record specifically filed or created for the public under Title 29B RCW and they can often be responded to on the same or next business day by providing the record. Informal routine inquiries do not seek a record that includes any exempt information, require any clarification, require providing records in installments, or require a search of different types of agency records or records sent to storage. In addition, informal routine inquiries do not provide any fair notice that the inquiry is a formal public records request submitted under the Public Records Act under chapter 42.56 RCW.

(ii) If your informal routine inquiry concerns a record or information on the commission's website, agency staff may direct you to its online location.

(iii) Informal routine inquiries are not subject to the time periods or other procedures in the Public Records Act.

(4) If you want to make a formal request for a record under the Public Records Act, see WAC 390-14-025.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-14-011, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.56.100, 42.56.040, and 42.17A.110. WSR 12-18-015, § 390-14-011, filed 8/24/12, effective 9/24/12.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-14-015 Public records officer.

(1) The commission's public records officer is responsible for implementing the commission's rules regarding release of public records, coordinating the staff of the commission in this regard, and insuring the agency's compliance with the public records disclosure requirements of chapter 42.56 RCW. In fulfilling these responsibilities, the public records officer may contact you to confirm receipt of your request. Depending upon the nature of the request, the public records officer may also do any of the following: Contact you to clarify your request, if needed, and let you know whether the records will be provided in one or more installments; contact you to provide you an estimate of time for further response; notify other persons or agencies of your request; oversee the search for potentially responsive records and the review of whether any information in the records may be exempt from disclosure; make arrangements with you for inspection, copying, payment, and pickup or delivery of the records; or deny your request.

(2) You may contact the public records officer through any of the following means:

• By email at pdc@pdc.wa.gov;

• In writing at P.O. Box 40908, 711 Capitol Way, Room 206, Evergreen Plaza Building, Olympia, Washington 98504-0908;

• By facsimile at 360-753-1112;

• By telephone at 360-753-1111, toll-free 1-877-601-2828.

(3) The name of the current public records officer is on file with the code reviser in accordance with RCW 42.56.580 and is published in the Washington State Register which is available online at www.leg.wa.gov/codereviser.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.56.100, 42.56.040, and 42.17A.110. WSR 12-18-015, § 390-14-015, filed 8/24/12, effective 9/24/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-14-015, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 99-12-057, § 390-14-015, filed 5/27/99, effective 6/27/99
WSR 85-15-020 (Order 85-03), § 390-14-015, filed 7/9/85
Order 62, § 390-14-015, filed 8/26/75.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-14-020 Procedures and hours for inspecting and copying records.

(1) You can inspect and copy public records in the commission office during customary business hours. Customary business hours are typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays or other days the agency is closed. Contact the public records officer to make arrangements for inspection or copying of records at the commission office.

(2) Records and information posted on the commission website are available to you at any time for inspection and copying from your personal computer or computer terminals publicly available, such as public libraries. A public computer terminal is available in the commission office for you to inspect commission website records. The terminal is available on a no cost, first-come, first-served basis.

(3) The commission will take reasonable actions to protect records from damage and disorganization while records are being inspected and copied including, but not limited to, the following:

(a) If you seek time at the commission office to inspect records, or if more than one person wants to use the agency's public computer terminal to inspect records on the commission's website, the public records officer will work with you to provide a schedule. The schedule will take into account the space or time needed to inspect the records, any staff assistance needed, and other demands on the agency.

(b) You may not remove public records from the area the public records officer makes available for inspection. The public records officer has the discretion to designate the means and the location for the inspection of records.

(d) Public records may not be marked or altered in any manner during inspection.

(e) After inspection is complete, the public records officer or designee will make requested copies or arrange for copying and pickup or delivery. Copying and mailing charges apply. See WAC 390-14-030.

(f) Public records that are maintained in a file or jacket, or in chronological order, may not be dismantled except by a designated agency employee for purposes of copying.

(g) Depending upon the specific nature or scope of the request, the public records officer may make other arrangements or provide other procedures to provide full public access to public records, protect public records from damage or disorganization, and prevent excessive interference with other essential functions of the agency or unreasonable disruption of the agency. The public records officer may take into account the volume of records responsive to your request, the availability of staff, and other factors. Such procedures may include making records available on a partial or installment basis.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.56.100, 42.56.040, and 42.17A.110. WSR 12-18-015, § 390-14-020, filed 8/24/12, effective 9/24/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 99-12-058, § 390-14-020, filed 5/27/99, effective 6/27/99
WSR 85-15-020 (Order 85-03), § 390-14-020, filed 7/9/85
Order 62, § 390-14-020, filed 8/26/75.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-14-025 How do I make a public records request for commission records under the Public Records Act?

(1) Making a public records request. You may make a request to inspect or copy public records in person by completing the public records request form, or by sending the form or a letter, fax or email to the public records officer.

The commission office is located at 711 Capitol Way, Room 206, Evergreen Plaza Building, Olympia, Washington. The mailing address is: Public Disclosure Commission, P.O. Box 40908, Olympia, Washington 98504-0908. Telephone number: 360-753-1111. Toll-free telephone number: 1-877-601-2828. Facsimile number: 360-753-1112. Email: pdc@pdc.wa.gov. Mark your request to the attention of the public records officer. Include contact information such as your name, address, email address and telephone number, or other contact information. Your request must identify the public records requested, the date of your request, and describe whether you want copies or if you want only to inspect the records.

(2) Form. A public records request form is available for you at the commission office and online at www.pdc.wa.gov.

(3) Email requests.

(a) Send your email request to pdc@pdc.wa.gov. Do not send your request to other commission email addresses. This procedure helps the agency see your request so it can respond timely. Include the information described in subsection (1) of this section. Email requests sent to agency email addresses other than pdc@pdc.wa.gov will not be considered a public records request under chapter 42.56 RCW but will be responded to as an informal routine inquiry or a general request for information.

(b) Public records requests received via email after regular business hours or on nonbusiness days will be considered received the next business day.

(4) Making oral requests. To avoid misunderstandings about what records you seek, you are strongly encouraged to make a public records request in writing. If you make an oral request, the public records officer will ask you to confirm it before beginning to process it. Your request will be processed after the agency verifies your request in writing.

(5) Records posted on the commission website. You are strongly encouraged to review the commission's website at www.pdc.wa.gov prior to making a request to see if the records you seek are already posted.

(6) Assistance. Whenever you request assistance in making a public records request, the public records officer will assist you in identifying the appropriate public record.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 42.56.040 (1)(d), and 42.56.120 as amended by 2017 c 304 § 3. WSR 18-04-106, § 390-14-025, filed 2/6/18, effective 3/9/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.56.100, 42.56.040, and 42.17A.110. WSR 12-18-015, § 390-14-025, filed 8/24/12, effective 9/24/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-14-025, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 02-03-018, § 390-14-025, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/4/02
WSR 99-12-059, § 390-14-025, filed 5/27/99, effective 6/27/99
WSR 85-15-020 (Order 85-03), § 390-14-025, filed 7/9/85
Order 64, § 390-14-025, filed 11/25/75
Order 62, § 390-14-025, filed 8/26/75.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-14-026 Access goals to campaign and lobbying reports.

The commission sets the following goals for access to all reports, copies or reports, or copies of data or information included in reports, filed under RCW 29B.25.020, 29B.25.070, 29B.25.090, 29B.25.120, 29B.25.140, 29B.50.010, 29B.50.050, 29B.50.070, and 29B.50.080.

(1) In January of 2001, when reports are filed with the commission, staff will endeavor to make the report available as follows:

(a) Submitted by electronic means:

(i) Available in the commission office within two business days and;

(ii) Available on the commission website within four business days.

(b) Submitted on paper:

(i) Available in the commission office within four business days and;

(ii) Available on the commission website within seven business days.

(2) In January of 2002, when reports are filed with the commission, staff will endeavor to make the report available as follows:

(a) Submitted by electronic means available in the commission office and on the commission website within two business days and;

(b) Submitted by paper, available in the commission office and on the commission website within four business days.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-14-026, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-14-026, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 00-22-058, § 390-14-026, filed 10/27/00, effective 11/27/00.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-14-027 How will my public records request be processed?

(1) The public records officer may confirm receipt of your request for public records within five business days. Depending upon the nature of the request, the public records officer may also take any of the steps listed in WAC 390-14-015. A search for potentially responsive records begins when the public records officer determines that your request seeks clearly identifiable records. The public records officer may determine that a search can begin when the records you seek are clearly identifiable in the text of your initial request, or when you have provided the officer adequate clarification about your request.

(2) The commission will generally provide records in the format you request, to the extent feasible and reasonable and within current resources. If the commission cannot provide the records to you in the format you request, the commission at its option may provide the records in another format. See WAC 390-14-028. The commission may provide records in a format in which the record is maintained by the commission for its business purposes. The commission is not required to create new records in order to respond to your request. The public records officer will explain why any records are withheld in whole or in part. See WAC 390-14-035. You must pay applicable charges for records you receive. See WAC 390-14-030. There is no cost to you for inspecting records at the commission office or on the website.

(3) The public records officer will close your request when:

(a) You have been provided the requested records;

(b) You withdraw the request or ask that the processing end; or

(i) Provide clarification or otherwise respond to the public records officer when requested;

(ii) Inspect or pay for an installment of records; or

(iii) Pay any requested deposit.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.56.100, 42.56.040, and 42.17A.110. WSR 12-18-015, § 390-14-027, filed 8/24/12, effective 9/24/12.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-14-028 How are responsive public records produced?

(1) Providing electronic records. The commission may provide records to you electronically or may provide paper copies. The following general procedures apply to production of electronic copies:

(a) Records provided on the commission's website have been provided to you electronically. The commission will not provide those records in another electronic format. The public records officer will identify the link to the website location of the records you request.

(b) If you request an electronic record that is not on the website and not reasonably translatable into the format you request, or the commission cannot provide the record in electronic format you request, then at the commission's option either:

(i) Electronic copies will be provided to you in a format currently used by the commission; or

(ii) Paper copies will be provided to you.

(c) The commission does not have an obligation to convert an electronic record to a digital format that is different than a format maintained by the commission.

(d) The commission does not have an obligation to purchase additional software, equipment, licenses or other items to respond to your requests for records.

(2) Exempt information in electronic records. When electronic records you request require redaction to withhold exempt information and redactions cannot be provided electronically, or the records are contained in a database or program that contains exempt or proprietary information, the commission may provide you paper copies with any redactions noted on those copies.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 42.56.040 (1)(d), and 42.56.120 as amended by 2017 c 304 § 3. WSR 18-04-106, § 390-14-028, filed 2/6/18, effective 3/9/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.56.100, 42.56.040, and 42.17A.110. WSR 12-18-015, § 390-14-028, filed 8/24/12, effective 9/24/12.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-14-030 What are the charges for inspecting or copying public records?

(1) The commission does not charge a fee for the inspection of public records made available in the commission office or on the commission website.

(2) The commission does not charge a fee for locating public records and making them available to you for copying.

(3)(a) The commission may charge fees for production of copies of public records consistent with the fee schedule established in RCW 42.56.120.

(b) Pursuant to RCW 42.56.120(2), the commission declares for the following reasons that it would be unduly burdensome for it to calculate the actual costs it charges for providing copies of public records: Funds were not allocated by the legislature for performing a study to calculate such actual costs and the agency lacks the necessary funds to perform a study and to calculate costs; and a study would interfere with and disrupt other essential agency functions.

(4) Before beginning to make copies, the public records officer may require you to deposit up to ten percent of the estimated costs of copying and transmitting the records responsive to your request. The public records officer may also require you to pay the remainder of the copying costs before providing you all the records, or require you to pay the costs of providing an installment of records before providing you that installment. If you do not retrieve or pay for an installment of records within the time frame set by the public records officer, the balance of the request will not be fulfilled and your request will be closed.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 42.56.040 (1)(d), and 42.56.120 as amended by 2017 c 304 § 3. WSR 18-04-106, § 390-14-030, filed 2/6/18, effective 3/9/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.56.100, 42.56.040, and 42.17A.110. WSR 12-18-015, § 390-14-030, filed 8/24/12, effective 9/24/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 99-12-060, § 390-14-030, filed 5/27/99, effective 6/27/99
WSR 85-15-020 (Order 85-03), § 390-14-030, filed 7/9/85
WSR 82-18-031 (Order 82-06), § 390-14-030, filed 8/25/82
WSR 82-05-001 (Order 82-01), § 390-14-030, filed 2/4/82
Order 62, § 390-14-030, filed 8/26/75.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-14-035 What records are exempt from public inspection and copying?

(1) The public records officer may redact information from any record prior to permitting public inspection or copying if the information is exempt from disclosure according to RCW 42.56.210, another section of chapter 42.56 RCW or other applicable law. After such information is redacted, the remainder of the record may be made available. It is possible a record may be withheld in its entirety.

(2) If the agency denies all or part of your request, you will be provided a written statement specifying the reason for the denial, including a statement of the specific exemption authorizing the withholding of the record and a brief explanation of how the exemption applies to the record withheld.

(3) Examples of exemptions that the agency may cite include, but are not limited to: Records related to a pending investigation (RCW 42.56.240(1)); records protected by the attorney client privilege or attorney work product (RCW 42.56.290 and 5.60.060); personal information in any files maintained for employees, appointees or elected officials to the extent that disclosure would violate their right to privacy (RCW 42.56.230); and bank account, credit card or similar numbers (RCW 42.56.230).

(4) During the course of any investigation, records generated or collected as a result of that investigation are exempt from public inspection and copying under RCW 42.56.240(1), until the investigation is completed. See WAC 390-37-060(4).

(5) If you make a request for a record that implicates the privacy of an individual as defined in RCW 42.56.050, the agency may provide written notice of the request to allow the individual to request a protective order from a court under chapter 42.56 RCW.

(6) The commission is required by law to return certain documents provided to the commission by candidates, campaigns, or political committees within one week of the completion of an audit or field investigation; therefore, those records may not be in the agency's possession if a records request is made after that time. See RCW 29B.20.020.

(7) The agency is prohibited by RCW 42.56.070 from disclosing lists of individuals for commercial purposes. If you request such records you may be required to sign an affidavit attesting that you will not use those records for commercial purposes.

(8) The commission may, in its discretion, release requested records despite the applicability of exemptions, if it determines that it is in the public interest and that the rights of third parties will not be prejudiced. This provision does not apply to releases of lists of individuals for commercial purposes.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-14-035, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.56.100, 42.56.040, and 42.17A.110. WSR 12-18-015, § 390-14-035, filed 8/24/12, effective 9/24/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-14-035, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 99-12-061, § 390-14-035, filed 5/27/99, effective 6/27/99
WSR 85-15-020 (Order 85-03), § 390-14-035, filed 7/9/85
Order 62, § 390-14-035, filed 8/26/75.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-14-040 What happens if my public records request is denied?

(1) If you object to the denial of all or part of your request for a public record you may petition the commission chair for prompt review of such decision by submitting a written request for review to the public records officer. Your request for review must be in writing and address the specific reasons given by the agency when it denied your original public records request. Because of the risk of misunderstandings in oral communications, the commission will not consider an oral request for review.

(2) The public records officer will immediately refer your written request for review of a decision denying a public record to the chair of the commission or the chair's designee. The chair or chair's designee will immediately consider the matter and either affirm or reverse, in whole or in part, such denial or call a special meeting of the commission as soon as legally possible to review the denial. In any case, the agency will provide you with a final decision within two business days following your petition for review of the original denial in accordance with RCW 42.56.520 unless you and the agency agree to a longer time period for this review.

(3) The agency may also consider, and you are encouraged to consider, using alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to address the issues in your request for review.

(4) If the agency denies you access to public records because it claims the record is exempt in whole or in part from disclosure, you may request the attorney general's office to review the matter under RCW 42.56.530. See WAC 44-06-160.

(5) You may seek court review of a denial of a public records request under RCW 42.56.550 beginning two business days after the agency initially denies your request, regardless of any internal administrative appeal.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.56.100, 42.56.040, and 42.17A.110. WSR 12-18-015, § 390-14-040, filed 8/24/12, effective 9/24/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-14-040, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 99-12-062, § 390-14-040, filed 5/27/99, effective 6/27/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 94-05-010, § 390-14-040, filed 2/3/94, effective 3/6/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-15-020 (Order 85-03), § 390-14-040, filed 7/9/85
Order 62, § 390-14-040, filed 8/26/75.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-14-045 What is the records index?

(1) The commission has implemented an indexing system for the identification and location of the following records:

(a) All records issued before July 1, 1990, for which the commission has maintained an index.

(b) Final adjudicative orders and declaratory orders issued after June 30, 1990, that contain an analysis or decision of substantial importance to the commission in carrying out its duties.

(2) Final and declaratory orders are evaluated by the executive director or executive director's designee. Those orders which are determined to have substantial importance are indexed and posted on the agency's website.

(3) Final orders are indexed by the name of the person against whom the order was issued and by citation to the law involved.

(4) Declaratory orders are indexed by number, subject matter, phrase describing the issue or holding and citation to the law involved.

(5) Interpretive statements and policy statements are indexed by number and subject matter and are available on the agency's website.

(6) Most indexes are available online and the indexes are available for public inspection and copying weekdays, excluding legal holidays or other days the agency is closed, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at the Public Disclosure Commission, 711 Capitol Way, Room 206, Evergreen Plaza Building, Olympia, Washington 98504-0908.

(7) The indexes are updated periodically. In addition to the indexing system, the commission also maintains and continually updates its website at www.pdc.wa.gov, which includes commission rules, manuals and brochures; commission meeting agendas and materials; historical data, reports and other agency documents.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.56.100, 42.56.040, and 42.17A.110. WSR 12-18-015, § 390-14-045, filed 8/24/12, effective 9/24/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 02-03-018, § 390-14-045, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/4/02
WSR 99-12-063, § 390-14-045, filed 5/27/99, effective 6/27/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 91-16-072, § 390-14-045, filed 8/2/91, effective 9/2/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-15-020 (Order 85-03), § 390-14-045, filed 7/9/85
Order 62, § 390-14-045, filed 8/26/75.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-14-100 List of elected public officials.

(1) The public disclosure commission shall prepare a list of all state elected officials of the state of Washington. The list shall be updated annually by January 15th.

(2) The list shall contain the names of those entities that are reported by state elected officials and successful candidates for state office pursuant to RCW 29B.55.030 (1)(g).

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-14-100, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-14-100, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 99-12-064, § 390-14-100, filed 5/27/99, effective 6/27/99
WSR 85-15-020 (Order 85-03), § 390-14-100, filed 7/9/85
WSR 80-05-097 (Order 80-05), § 390-14-100, filed 5/2/80
WSR 79-10-017 (Order 79-05), § 390-14-100, filed 9/7/79
Order 62, § 390-14-100, filed 8/26/75.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-14-110 List of elected public officials—Name not on list, impact.

(1) The commission has as part of its authority the power to suspend or modify reporting requirements of chapter 29B.20 RCW, if it finds after hearing that literal application of the act would work a manifestly unreasonable hardship and suspension or modification will not frustrate the purposes of the act.

(2) The commission shall presume it is a manifestly unreasonable hardship for a lobbyist employer or other person filing PDC Form C-7 pursuant to RCW 29B.50.080 to report the compensation paid to a state elected official, a successful candidate for state office, an immediate family member of a state elected official or successful candidate for state office, or a corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, union or other entity in which one of these individuals holds any office, directorship, general partnership interest, or an ownership interest of 10 percent or more, if:

(a) The name of such official, candidate, family member or entity does not appear on the most recent list of state elected officials prepared by the commission pursuant to WAC 390-14-100; and

(b) The lobbyist employer or other filer does not have actual knowledge of compensation being paid to such official, candidate, family member or entity.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-14-110, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-14-110, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 99-12-065, § 390-14-110, filed 5/27/99, effective 6/27/99
WSR 80-05-097 (Order 80-05), § 390-14-110, filed 5/2/80
Order 62, § 390-14-110, filed 8/26/75.

Chapter 390-16 Campaign finance reporting.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-001 Campaign finance disclosure.

Pursuant to chapter 29B.25 RCW, candidates, political committees, and other persons participating in elections are subject to reporting requirements with the public disclosure commission. This chapter provides information on how to meet those requirements. To provide the public with full and immediate disclosure, electronic filing is required where the commission has provided an electronic filing method. The executive director may waive the electronic filing requirement and allow for the use of another written format based on a filer's lack of technological ability to file electronically. Links to electronic filing systems, forms and the instructions for filing can be found on the PDC website.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-001, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-16-001, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-001, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-011 Registration statement for political committees.

The official form for providing the statement of organization by political committees for designating a campaign treasurer and depository and for reporting information required to qualify for mini campaign finance reporting is designated "C-1pc."

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-011, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 17-22-071, § 390-16-011, filed 10/27/17, effective 11/27/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2015 c 72. WSR 16-04-027, § 390-16-011, filed 1/25/16, effective 2/25/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.130 and 42.17.093. WSR 12-01-047, § 390-16-011, filed 12/14/11, effective 1/14/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 10-20-011, § 390-16-011, filed 9/24/10, effective 10/25/10
WSR 08-01-069, § 390-16-011, filed 12/14/07, effective 1/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 06-08-039, § 390-16-011, filed 3/29/06, effective 4/29/06
WSR 05-06-070, § 390-16-011, filed 3/1/05, effective 4/1/05
WSR 01-10-049, § 390-16-011, filed 4/26/01, effective 6/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 00-22-050, § 390-16-011, filed 10/27/00, effective 11/27/00
WSR 99-22-083, § 390-16-011, filed 11/2/99, effective 12/3/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 94-05-011, § 390-16-011, filed 2/3/94, effective 3/6/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-15-004, § 390-16-011, filed 7/7/93, effective 8/7/93
WSR 92-18-002, § 390-16-011, filed 8/20/92, effective 9/20/92
WSR 91-22-033, § 390-16-011, filed 10/30/91, effective 11/30/91
WSR 89-20-068, § 390-16-011, filed 10/4/89, effective 11/4/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-04-071 (Order 86-01), § 390-16-011, filed 2/5/86
WSR 82-11-026 (Order 82-03), § 390-16-011, filed 5/10/82
WSR 82-02-007 (Order 81-04), § 390-16-011, filed 12/28/81
Order 91, § 390-16-011, filed 7/22/77
Order 62, § 390-16-011, filed 8/26/75
Order 60, § 390-16-011, filed 7/16/75.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-011A Sponsored political committee.

(1) "Sponsored political committees," "sponsors of political committees," and "authorized committees," as those terms are used in the act and these rules, are defined in chapter 29B.10 RCW. This rule applies to political committees that are not authorized by a candidate, or by the public official against whom recall charges have been filed.

(2) A sponsored political committee must include on its C-1pc the name of at least one sponsor in the committee's name.

(3) For purposes of determining whether a political committee is sponsored, as defined in chapter 29B.10 RCW, by having received 80 percent or more of its contributions from a person or from the person's members, officers, employees, or shareholders, the political committee organized to support or oppose a particular candidate or ballot proposition must consider all contributions received by the committee in the previous 12 months.

(4) A sponsored political committee must amend its C-1pc 60 days before an election in which it participates if the committee's name on its most recently filed C-1pc does not include at least one current sponsor. To determine if the committee received 80 percent or more of its contributions from a person or from the person's members, officers, employees, or shareholders at the time of the amendment:

(a) A political committee not organized to support or oppose a particular candidate or ballot proposition must consider all contributions received in the previous 12 months through the date of filing the amended C-1pc.

(b) A committee organized to support or oppose a particular candidate or ballot proposition must consider all contributions received from the time the committee was organized or filed its initial C-1pc, whichever is earlier.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-011A, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-16-011A, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-011A, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.130 and 42.17.093. WSR 12-01-047, § 390-16-011A, filed 12/14/11, effective 1/14/12.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-012 Registration statement for candidates.

The official form for providing the statement of organization by candidates and candidate committees, for designating a campaign treasurer and depository, and for reporting information required to qualify for mini campaign finance reporting is designated "C-1."

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-012, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 17-22-071, § 390-16-012, filed 10/27/17, effective 11/27/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2015 c 72. WSR 16-04-027, § 390-16-012, filed 1/25/16, effective 2/25/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-012, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 10-20-011, § 390-16-012, filed 9/24/10, effective 10/25/10
WSR 08-01-069, § 390-16-012, filed 12/14/07, effective 1/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 06-08-039, § 390-16-012, filed 3/29/06, effective 4/29/06
WSR 05-06-070, § 390-16-012, filed 3/1/05, effective 4/1/05
WSR 01-10-054, § 390-16-012, filed 4/26/01, effective 6/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 00-22-051, § 390-16-012, filed 10/27/00, effective 11/27/00
WSR 99-22-084, § 390-16-012, filed 11/2/99, effective 12/3/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 94-05-011, § 390-16-012, filed 2/3/94, effective 3/6/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-15-004, § 390-16-012, filed 7/7/93, effective 8/7/93
WSR 92-18-002, § 390-16-012, filed 8/20/92, effective 9/20/92
WSR 89-20-068, § 390-16-012, filed 10/4/89, effective 11/4/89.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-013 Incidental committees—Registration and reporting requirements and method for reporting.

(1) Chapter 29B.25 RCW requires the disclosure of monetary and in-kind contributions and expenditures by nonprofit organizations that participate significantly in candidate and ballot proposition campaigns in Washington state. Nonprofit organizations that make contributions or expenditures in Washington elections above specified thresholds, and are not otherwise defined under the law as political committees, must file organizational statements with the PDC and disclose certain contributors, regardless of the organization's primary purpose. These are referred to in the law as "incidental committees." To be an incidental committee, triggering the requirements to file a statement of organization with the PDC and then file the required disclosure reports, an organization must expect to make contributions or expenditures of at least $35,000 in a calendar year for an election campaign and receive a payment of at least $15,000 from a single source.

(2) The official form for providing the statement of organization by incidental committees as required by RCW 29B.25.030 is designated the incidental committee registration report, or "C-1-IC."

(3) The official form for reporting top 10 payments and expenditures by incidental committees as required under RCW 29B.25.100 is designated the incidental committee payments and political expenditures report, or "C-8."

(4) These reporting forms must be filed electronically when the PDC has provided an electronic method to do so. Until an electronic method is provided, the reporting forms should be downloaded from the PDC's website, www.pdc.wa.gov, or obtained at the PDC office, in Olympia, Washington, and submitted by postal mail or hand delivery. The executive director may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis for an incidental committee that lacks the technological ability to file reports electronically.

(5) For purposes of determining whether a nonprofit organization has the expectation of making contributions or expenditures aggregating at least $35,000 in a calendar year that then triggers the reporting requirements:

(a) Contributions include any monetary or in-kind contributions made to a political committee, including a political committee that the nonprofit organization sponsors; and

(b) Contributions do not include contributions made to an out-of-state political committee, unless the contribution is earmarked or otherwise designated specifically for any in-state election campaign or political committee.

(6) The sources of the top 10 largest cumulative payments of $15,000 or greater, as required to be reported on the C-8 report, must include:

(a) The top 10 sources of payments within the current calendar year through the applicable reporting period, including any changes to the top 10 sources from the previous reporting period; and

(b) The total cumulative payment value, within the current calendar year through the applicable reporting period, made from a person who is reported on the current report as a source of a top 10 payment.

(7) For purposes of reporting the sources of the top 10 largest cumulative payments of $15,000 or greater, for payments received from multiple persons in an aggregated form, only a payment of more than $15,000 from any single person must be reported, but not the aggregated payment to the nonprofit organization itself or through any intermediary aggregated payment.

(8) An incidental committee may request a modification or suspension of reporting requirements in cases of manifestly unreasonable hardship pursuant to RCW 29B.20.040, as set forth in chapter 390-28 WAC.

(9) Each incidental committee is automatically dissolved at the end of the calendar year in which it was registered, or upon completion of all reporting requirements for that year, whichever is later. Dissolution does not absolve the nonprofit organization that registered as an incidental committee from responsibility for any obligations resulting from a finding before or after dissolution of a violation committed prior to dissolution. Dissolution in this context refers only to the termination of an incidental committee created to fulfill the nonprofit's reporting responsibilities under chapter 29B.25 RCW, and is not intended to affect the legal status of the nonprofit organization itself.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-013, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]125. WSR 23-12-036, § 390-16-013, filed 5/30/23, effective 6/30/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 111. WSR 19-08-092, § 390-16-013, filed 4/3/19, effective 5/4/19.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-031 Statement of contributions deposit.

The official form for statement of contributions deposit, as required by RCW 29B.25.090, is designated "C-3."

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-031, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-031, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 17-22-071, § 390-16-031, filed 10/27/17, effective 11/27/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2015 c 72. WSR 16-04-027, § 390-16-031, filed 1/25/16, effective 2/25/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-031, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 02-01-014, § 390-16-031, filed 12/7/01, effective 1/7/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 94-05-011, § 390-16-031, filed 2/3/94 effective 3/6/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-09-002, § 390-16-031, filed 4/8/93, effective 5/9/93
WSR 89-20-068, § 390-16-031, filed 10/4/89, effective 11/5/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-04-071 (Order 86-01), § 390-16-031, filed 2/5/86
WSR 84-05-018 (Order 84-01), § 390-16-031, filed 2/10/84
WSR 82-11-026 (Order 82-03), § 390-16-031, filed 5/10/82
WSR 82-02-007 (Order 81-04), § 390-16-031, filed 12/28/81
WSR 81-14-038 (Order 81-02), § 390-16-031, filed 6/29/81
Order 62, § 390-16-031, filed 8/26/75
Order 60, § 390-16-031, filed 7/16/75.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-032 Auction report.

The official form for reporting items donated and sold at auctions, as required by RCW 29B.25.100(2), is designated "Attachment Au." This attachment shall accompany each C-3 which reports the receipt of funds from an auction.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-032, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-032, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 17-22-071, § 390-16-032, filed 10/27/17, effective 11/27/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2015 c 72. WSR 16-04-027, § 390-16-032, filed 1/25/16, effective 2/25/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-032, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 02-03-018, § 390-16-032, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/4/02
WSR 99-22-081, § 390-16-032, filed 11/2/99, effective 12/3/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 94-05-011, § 390-16-032, filed 2/3/94, effective 3/6/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 92-19-011, § 390-16-032, filed 9/3/92, effective 10/4/92
WSR 89-20-068, § 390-16-032, filed 10/4/89, effective 11/4/89.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-033 Earmarked contributions—How to report.

The official form for reporting the details surrounding an earmarked contribution, as required by RCW 29B.25.150, is designated "Special Report E." This report shall be filed within two business days of receiving a contribution earmarked for another candidate or committee.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-033, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-033, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 17-22-071, § 390-16-033, filed 10/27/17, effective 11/27/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 17-03-028, § 390-16-033, filed 1/6/17, effective 2/6/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2015 c 72. WSR 16-04-027, § 390-16-033, filed 1/25/16, effective 2/25/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-033, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 02-03-018, § 390-16-033, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/4/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 94-05-011, § 390-16-033, filed 2/3/94, effective 3/6/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 90-16-083, § 390-16-033, filed 7/31/90, effective 8/31/90
WSR 89-20-068, § 390-16-033, filed 10/4/89, effective 11/4/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-14-056 (Order 86-05), § 390-16-033, filed 6/27/86.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-034 Additional contribution reporting requirements.

Pursuant to RCW 29B.25.100, each report required under RCW 29B.25.090 shall disclose, in addition to the name and address of each person who has made one or more contributions in the aggregate amount of more than $250, their occupation, and the name and location (city and state) of their employer.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-034, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]125. WSR 23-07-004, § 390-16-034, filed 3/1/23, effective 4/1/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-034, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-034, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 02-01-014, § 390-16-034, filed 12/7/01, effective 1/7/02
WSR 96-05-001, § 390-16-034, filed 2/7/96, effective 3/9/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-24-003, § 390-16-034, filed 11/18/93, effective 12/19/93.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-037 Purpose of campaign expenditures—How to report.

(1) Any person required to report the "purpose" of an expenditure under RCW 29B.25.100(6), or 29B.25.120 (5)(b), must identify any candidate(s) or ballot proposition(s) that are supported or opposed by the expenditure as required to be filed under RCW 29B.25.020 (2)(f) and (g);

(2) Whenever an expenditure is made to a candidate or a political committee pursuant to an agreement or understanding of any kind regarding how the recipient will use the expenditure, the report must describe in detail that agreement or understanding and the goods and/or services to be provided.

Example A: If an expenditure is made directly to a vendor for get-out-the-vote (GOTV) phone calls or robocalls, the purpose must include the following details:

| Vendor Name | Purpose | Amount | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | ABC Robocall | GOTV—phone bank 28th and 29th Legislative districts | $1,000 | |

Example B: If an expenditure is made directly to a vendor for printing, the purpose must include the following details:

| Vendor Name | Purpose | Amount | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | ABC Printing | 5,000 brochures | $3,000 | |

(3) Any expenditure using "synthetic media," as defined under RCW 29B.35.010, in the creation or distribution of any political advertising or other expenditure, must identify:

(a) The name of the vendor that provided the software or other digital technology used to create the synthetic media;

(b) The commercial advertiser that sold the advertising, if any; and

(c) The description of any audience targeting information provided as a service for any digital communication by a digital communication platform, or other vendor.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-037, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.62.040. WSR 24-12-019, § 390-16-037, filed 5/24/24, effective 6/24/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-16-037, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-037, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-037, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 04-01-134, § 390-16-037, filed 12/18/03, effective 1/18/04
WSR 96-05-001, § 390-16-037, filed 2/7/96, effective 3/9/96
WSR 82-05-001 (Order 82-01), § 390-16-037, filed 2/4/82.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-039 Total contributions and expenditures—How to report.

(1) A continuing political committee which is not organized to support or oppose a particular candidate or ballot proposition shall report total contributions and expenditures based on a calendar year, or upon the basis of a fiscal year if the commission expressly authorizes this method. The report filed by such a continuing political committee covering January (or the first month thereafter for which a report would be required by RCW 29B.25.070 and 29B.25.090) shall contain in summary the following items remaining at the end of the year:

(a) Funds on hand;

(b) The total of outstanding pledges;

(d) Pledges given to others but not yet paid.

(2) Each candidate, each political committee and each continuing political committee organized to support or oppose a particular candidate or ballot proposition shall report total contributions and expenditures for the period beginning at the time the person becomes a candidate or when the committee is organized, whichever is earlier, and ending when the candidacy or committee is terminated.

(3) This rule shall not require a report unless such report would otherwise be required by Title 29B RCW.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-039, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-039, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-039, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-04-071 (Order 86-01), § 390-16-039, filed 2/5/86
WSR 79-09-041 (Order 79-04), § 390-16-039, filed 8/17/79
Order 70, § 390-16-039, filed 2/25/76.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-041 Summary of total contributions and expenditures.

The official form for reports of contributions and expenditures by candidates and political committees who use the "full" reporting option is designated "C-4," and includes Schedule A, Schedule B, Schedule C, and Schedule L.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-041, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 17-22-071, § 390-16-041, filed 10/27/17, effective 11/27/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2015 c 72. WSR 16-04-027, § 390-16-041, filed 1/25/16, effective 2/25/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-041, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 10-20-011, § 390-16-041, filed 9/24/10, effective 10/25/10
WSR 04-01-132, § 390-16-041, filed 12/18/03, effective 1/18/04
WSR 02-01-014, § 390-16-041, filed 12/7/01, effective 1/7/02
WSR 99-22-082, § 390-16-041, filed 11/2/99, effective 12/3/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1) and 42.17.090 (1)(k). WSR 97-06-085, § 390-16-041, filed 3/3/97, effective 4/3/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 94-05-011, § 390-16-041, filed 2/3/94, effective 3/6/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-09-002, § 390-16-041, filed 4/8/93, effective 5/9/93
WSR 92-18-002, § 390-16-041, filed 8/20/92, effective 9/20/92
WSR 92-05-080, § 390-16-041, filed 2/18/92, effective 3/20/92
WSR 91-22-033, § 390-16-041, filed 10/30/91, effective 11/30/91
WSR 90-16-083, § 390-16-041, filed 7/31/90, effective 8/31/90
WSR 89-20-068, § 390-16-041, filed 10/4/89, effective 11/4/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-08-030 (Order 86-02), § 390-16-041, filed 3/26/86
WSR 86-04-071 (Order 86-01), § 390-16-041, filed 2/5/86
WSR 84-05-018 (Order 84-01), § 390-16-041, filed 2/10/84
WSR 82-11-026 (Order 82-03), § 390-16-041, filed 5/10/82
WSR 82-02-007 (Order 81-04), § 390-16-041, filed 12/28/81
Order 91, § 390-16-041, filed 7/22/77
Order 62, § 390-16-041, filed 8/26/75
Order 60, § 390-16-041, filed 7/16/75.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-042 Debts and obligations—Contingent liabilities—How to report.

(1) As used in chapter 29B.10 RCW and RCW 29B.25.100, "promise," "promise to pay," "debt" and "obligations" mean:

(a) Any oral or written order or agreement placed for goods, services, or anything else of value;

(b) Any offer to purchase advertising space, broadcast time, or other written, broadcast, or digital advertising-related product or service;

(d) Provided that the amount of the debt or obligation in (a), (b), or (c) of this subsection owed to a vendor is more than $1,000, and the vendor has not been paid in full for the goods received, invoices submitted, or services performed within the time periods specified below:

(i) For reports due within 30 days of an election, debts or obligations of more than $1,000 must be reported if the debt or obligation has been outstanding for more than five business days as of the last day of the reporting period.

(ii) For reports due during any other reporting period, debts or obligations of more than $1,000 must be reported if the debt or obligation has been outstanding for more than 10 business days as of the last day of the reporting period.

(2) A contractual contingent liability (e.g., an additional fee to be paid to a political consultant or other person conditioned upon the candidate winning the election) is reportable as a debt or obligation from the time the contract or agreement is entered into until the liability is voided, paid or otherwise satisfied.

(3) Regularly recurring expenditures, of the same type and same or similar amount that have been reported at least once, need not be reported as debt unless they are past due as of the last day of the reporting period. Examples of recurring obligations that can be reported as recurring expenditures rather than debt include rent, utilities, insurance, cellular phone costs, and payments to campaign staff.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-042, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]125. WSR 23-12-036, § 390-16-042, filed 5/30/23, effective 6/30/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-16-042, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-042, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 89-20-068, § 390-16-042, filed 10/4/89, effective 11/4/89.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-043 Candidates and political committees—Public inspection of books of account.

(1) RCW 29B.10.080 defines "books of account" for candidates and political committees as "a ledger or similar listing of contributions, expenditures, and debts, such as a campaign or committee is required to file regularly with the commission, current as of the most recent business day."

(2) RCW 29B.25.070 and 29B.25.090 require that candidates and political committees participating in an election as defined in RCW 29B.10.190, must make their books of account available for public inspection. The public inspection of books of account is not intended to be an exhaustive audit of all contributions received and expenditures made.

(3) Any individual who requests to publicly inspect the books of account of a candidate or political committee, must make the request during the period beginning 10 calendar days before a primary, general, or special election, by contacting the filer's email address listed on the C-1 report for a candidate, or the C-1pc report for a political committee.

(4) The inspection of the books of account may occur on weekdays, unless the treasurer for the candidate or committee agrees otherwise, beginning on the eighth day before the election, excluding legal holidays, for at least two consecutive hours between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at a location that is agreed upon by the treasurer and the individual requesting the inspection. If the treasurer and requestor are unable to agree on a location and the treasurer has not provided digital access to the books of account, the default location for an appointment must be a place of public accommodation selected by the treasurer within a reasonable distance from the treasurer's office. However, if the treasurer is located out-of-state, the default location must be within the state of Washington and reasonably accessible to both parties. The inspection must be allowed within 48 hours of the date and time the request was made at the agreed-upon location, provided that if the request is not made by 3:00 p.m. on the third day preceding an election, the candidate or political committee need only make best efforts to accommodate the request.

(5) The treasurer for the candidate or committee may make the books of account available electronically, in lieu of scheduling an in-person inspection, or if a location cannot be agreed upon by both parties. If the campaign's only copy of its books of account is maintained electronically with security protections, the person requesting the inspection must be given sufficient instruction to allow the inspection to proceed.

(6) The books of account, ledger and other supporting documentation must be maintained by the treasurer and kept current within one business day. The books of account of a candidate or political committee include the following: A ledger, spreadsheet, or similar listing of contributions, expenditures, loans, debts and obligations to substantiate the information disclosed on the PDC campaign finance reports. The books of account must include the underlying source documents such as receipts, invoices, copies of contribution checks, copies of canceled checks for expenditures, digital transactions, notes, or other documentation concerning expenditures, orders placed, and loans. The campaign or committee is not required to provide the name and address of contributors who gave $100 or less in the aggregate in total contributions.

(7) The candidate or political committee is not required to make copies of its books of account for the requestor. Videorecording, photographing, or photocopying of the records is not required to be permitted but may be agreed to by both parties during or in advance of the inspection.

(8) At the time of making the appointment, the person requesting to inspect the books of account must provide the name(s) and contact information for all individuals who will be in attendance for the inspection. The requestor(s) must show photo identification prior to the inspection beginning, and the candidate or political committee may deny the inspection from occurring if photo identification is not provided.

(9) The records required by this section must be available for audit or examination by the PDC at any time upon request from the PDC.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-043, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]125. WSR 23-12-036, § 390-16-043, filed 5/30/23, effective 6/30/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-16-043, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-043, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-049 Out-of-state political committees.

(1) RCW 29B.25.110 governs campaign reporting in Washington state by committees located outside of Washington. The committee begins reporting when it makes an expenditure supporting or opposing a Washington state candidate or political committee.

(2) To file as an out-of-state political committee, all the criteria in (a) and (b) of this subsection must be satisfied:

(a) Out-of-state. First, the committee must be located out-of-state. It must maintain its office or headquarters in another U.S. state or the District of Columbia, and have no office, street address or corporate registered agent in Washington state. If there is no office or headquarters in another state or the District of Columbia, and no corporate registered agent in Washington state, the political committee is deemed out-of-state if its treasurer resides in another U.S. state or the District of Columbia.

(b) Organizational purpose and campaign activities. Second, the committee must also be currently organized primarily for engaging in campaign activities in another state. Therefore, to qualify as a current out-of-state committee, the committee must also:

(i) Be currently registered and actively filing campaign disclosure reports in one or more other states and has been so filing for the preceding two years; and

(ii) Have organizational documents showing it was originally formed and is currently organized for the purpose of making expenditures in another state or soliciting contributions for use in another state's election campaigns; and

(iii) Have spent less than 20 percent of its aggregate expenditures for all political campaign activity nationwide at any point in any calendar year to support and/or oppose Washington candidates for state, local and judicial office, Washington ballot measures and/or Washington political committees.

(3) A committee that does not satisfy the criteria in subsection (2) of this section shall file as an in-state committee under Title 29B RCW, including RCW 29B.25.020 through 29B.25.100.

(4) Out-of-state political committees reporting under RCW 29B.25.110 are also subject to reporting pursuant to RCW 29B.25.130 (political advertising independent expenditures) and RCW 29B.30.020 through 29B.30.040 (electioneering communications).

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-049, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-049, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-049, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 09-19-003 and 09-19-102, § 390-16-049, filed 9/2/09 and 9/21/09, effective 10/3/09 and 11/4/09.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-050 Forms for contributions and expenditures of out-of-state political committees.

The official form for the report required by RCW 29B.25.110 of contributions and expenditures of an out-of-state political committee organized for the purpose of supporting or opposing candidates or ballot propositions in another state, that is not otherwise required to report under RCW 29B.25.010 through 29B.25.100, is designated "C-5."

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-050, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-050, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 17-22-071, § 390-16-050, filed 10/27/17, effective 11/27/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110, 42.17A.125(1), and 42.17A.250 (1). WSR 16-04-080, § 390-16-050, filed 1/29/16, effective 2/29/16
WSR 14-01-010, § 390-16-050, filed 12/5/13, effective 1/5/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.250 (1)(g). WSR 12-11-033, § 390-16-050, filed 5/10/12, effective 6/10/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.130 and 42.17.093. WSR 12-01-047, § 390-16-050, filed 12/14/11, effective 1/14/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1) and 42.17.093 (1)(g). WSR 09-19-004 and 09-19-103, § 390-16-050, filed 9/2/09 and 9/21/09, effective 10/3/09 and 11/4/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 08-01-059, § 390-16-050, filed 12/14/07, effective 1/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.093 (1)(i). WSR 06-18-035, § 390-16-050, filed 8/28/06, effective 9/28/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 04-01-131, § 390-16-050, filed 12/18/03, effective 1/18/04
WSR 02-12-007, § 390-16-050, filed 5/23/02, effective 6/23/02
WSR 02-03-018, § 390-16-050, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/4/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 94-05-011, § 390-16-050, filed 2/3/94 effective 3/6/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 89-20-068, § 390-16-050, filed 10/4/89, effective 11/4/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-04-071 (Order 86-01), § 390-16-050, filed 2/5/86
WSR 82-11-026 (Order 82-03), § 390-16-050, filed 5/10/82
Order 77, § 390-16-050, filed 6/2/76
Order 62, § 390-16-050, filed 8/26/75
Order 6, § 390-16-050, filed 3/23/73.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-058 Independent expenditure—Definition and application.

(1) "Independent expenditure," as that term is used in Title 29B RCW, other than RCW 29B.25.120, and as used in these rules, means an "expenditure" as defined in RCW 29B.10.310 that has each of the following elements:

(a) It is made in support of or in opposition to a candidate for public office subject to the filing requirements in Title 29B RCW, by a person who is not:

(i) A candidate for that office;

(ii) An authorized committee of that candidate for that office;

(iii) A person who has received the candidate's encouragement or approval to make the expenditure, if the expenditure pays in whole or in part for any political advertising supporting that candidate or promoting the defeat of any other candidate or candidates for that office.

(b) It is made in support of any or in opposition to a candidate for office by a person with whom the candidate has not collaborated for the purpose of making the expenditure, if the expenditure pays in whole or in part for any political advertising supporting that candidate or promoting the defeat of any other candidate or candidates for that office;

(c) The expenditure pays in whole or in part for any political advertising that either specifically names the candidate supported or opposed, or clearly and beyond any doubt identifies the candidate without using the candidate's name;

(d) The expenditure, alone or in conjunction with another expenditure or other expenditures of the same person in support of or opposition to that candidate, has a value of $2,000 or more. A series of expenditures, each of which is under $2,000, constitutes one independent expenditure if their cumulative value is $2,000 or more; and

(e) The expenditure is not a contribution as defined in RCW 29B.10.310 and provided in WAC 390-05-210.

(2) Exempt activities. The following activities are not considered independent expenditures for purposes of RCW 29B.25.120, 29B.50.080, or 29B.30.050:

(a) Ordinary home hospitality;

(b) A news item, feature, commentary, or editorial, or communications with journalists or editorial staff designed to elicit the same, in a regularly scheduled news medium that is of interest to the public, that is in a news medium controlled by a person whose business is that news medium, and that is not controlled by a candidate or a political committee;

(d) An internal political communication primarily limited to:

(i) The members of or contributors to a political party organization or political committee;

(ii) The officers, management staff, or stockholders of a corporation or similar enterprise; or

(iii) The members of a labor organization or other membership organization.

(e) Messages in the form of reader boards, banners, or yard or window signs displayed on a person's own property or the property occupied by a person. However, a facility used for such political advertising for which a rental charge is normally assessed must be reported as an in-kind contribution at its fair market value and counts toward any applicable contribution limit of the person providing the facility; or

(f) The rendering of personal services of the sort commonly performed by volunteer campaign workers or incidental expenses personally incurred by volunteer campaign workers not in excess of $350 personally paid by the worker.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-058, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]125. WSR 23-12-036, § 390-16-058, filed 5/30/23, effective 6/30/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-16-058, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-058, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-059 Electioneering communication reporting threshold.

(1) A "sponsor" of an electioneering communication is defined in RCW 29B.10.220.

(2) For the purposes of RCW 29B.10.220, an electioneering communication is reportable by the sponsor to the commission when the communication, alone or in combination:

(a) Identifies the same candidate in one or more communications satisfying RCW 29B.10.220 or these rules;

(b) Is made by the same sponsor of one or more of the communications;

(c) When it, either alone, or in combination with one or more communications identifying the candidate by the same sponsor during the 60 days before an election, has a fair market or aggregate value of $2,000 or more; and

(d) Is not a communication excluded from the meaning of "expenditure" under RCW 29B.10.230 or by these rules.

(3) When the communications (including radio, television, electronic, mailings, billboards, newspapers, online, or periodicals) reach the $2,000 threshold, the sponsor must report to the commission as required by RCW 29B.30.020 within 24 hours of, or on the first working day after, the date the communication is first broadcast, transmitted electronically, erected, distributed, published online or by other media, or otherwise presented to the public.

(4) Once the $2,000 threshold is reached, all subsequent electioneering communications by the sponsor identifying the same candidate are reportable as provided in RCW 29B.30.020 and this rule.

(5) When more than one sponsor pays for the electioneering communication, the entire fair market value of the communication is attributable to all sponsors. All sponsors of the same communication are responsible for reporting once the $2,000 threshold is met. A failure to report by one joint sponsor is not attributable to all joint sponsors of a specific communication or communications if the remaining sponsors have reported properly.

(6) Consistent with WAC 390-16-060 and the requirements of the PDC C-6 Report, a prorated portion of independent expenditure and electioneering communications expenditures must be attributed to each candidate or ballot proposition identified in the advertisement or communication. That proration must be based on a reasonable, good faith estimate of the value of the portion of the advertisement or communication relating to each candidate or proposition identified.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-059, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]125. WSR 23-12-036, § 390-16-059, filed 5/30/23, effective 6/30/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-16-059, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-059, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-060 Independent expenditures and electioneering communications—How to report.

The official form for reports of independent expenditures and electioneering communications as required by RCW 29B.25.120, 29B.25.130, and 29B.30.020 is designated "C-6."

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-060, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-060, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 17-22-071, § 390-16-060, filed 10/27/17, effective 11/27/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.130 and 42.17.093. WSR 12-01-047, § 390-16-060, filed 12/14/11, effective 1/14/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.562. WSR 06-11-132, § 390-16-060, filed 5/23/06, effective 6/23/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 02-12-007, § 390-16-060, filed 5/23/02, effective 6/23/02
WSR 02-03-018, § 390-16-060, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/4/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 89-20-068, § 390-16-060, filed 10/4/89, effective 11/4/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-04-071 (Order 86-01), § 390-16-060, filed 2/5/86
WSR 82-11-026 (Order 82-03), § 390-16-060, filed 5/10/82
Order 77, § 390-16-060, filed 6/2/76
Order 62, § 390-16-060, filed 8/26/75
Order 6, § 390-16-060, filed 3/23/73.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-063 Additional information regarding independent expenditures and C-6 report filing.

(1) RCW 29B.25.120 requires a person not otherwise subject to the disclosure requirements of Title 29B RCW to disclose an independent expenditure of $1,000 or more that supports or opposes a candidate or ballot measure. RCW 29B.25.130 requires the disclosure of political advertising with a fair market value of $2,000 or more that is presented to the public within 21 days of an election, that supports or opposes a ballot proposition, or that qualifies as an independent expenditure and supports or opposes a candidate.

(a) Prorating and attributing independent expenditures that support or oppose multiple candidates or ballot measures. Whether to disclose an independent expenditure that supports or opposes multiple candidates or ballot measures is determined by prorating and attributing the cost of the expenditure among all candidates or ballot measures that are the subject of the expenditure. Disclosure is required when:

(i) The pro rata cost for a single candidate or ballot measure reaches or exceeds the statutory threshold and none of the subject candidates are seeking election to the same office and none of the subject ballot measures are competing measures; or

(ii) The sum of the pro rata costs attributable to all candidates seeking election to the same office or the sum of the pro rata costs attributable to competing ballot measures reaches or exceeds the statutory threshold.

Example 1 (prorating): A mailer/postcard supports one candidate and one ballot measure at a total cost of $3,200. One side of the postcard is entirely devoted to the ballot measure. The other side is split evenly between the candidate and the ballot measure. The ballot measure's pro rata share is $2,400 (75%) and the candidate's pro rata share is $800 (25%).

Example 2 (prorating and attributing): An independent expenditure ad appears in the newspaper two weeks before the election. The ad costs $2,000; 50% of the ad supports a candidate and the other 50% opposes the candidate's opponent. The independent expenditure is disclosed under RCW 29B.25.130 because the sum of the pro rata share for the two candidates who seek the same office is $2,000.

(b) Disclosing independent expenditures that support or oppose multiple candidates or ballot measures. When a pro rata, attributable cost reaches or exceeds the statutory threshold, the entire independent expenditure must be disclosed, including the amounts attributable to all candidates and ballot propositions supported or opposed by the expenditure.

(c) Other applications of prorating and attributing independent expenditures. Use the prorating and attribution steps explained in (a)(i) and (ii) of this section to determine when an independent expenditure as defined in RCW 29B.10.310 must comply with the "no candidate authorized this ad" sponsor identification and, if applicable, the "top 5" contributors required by RCW 29B.30.050 and WAC 390-18-010.

(2) A political committee reporting pursuant to RCW 29B.25.070, 29B.25.090, and 29B.25.100 is exempt from providing on a C-6 form the sources of any funds received by the committee for an electioneering communication, unless the committee received funds that were earmarked or otherwise designated for the communication.

(3) An out-of-state political committee must report pursuant to RCW 29B.30.020 if it sponsors an electioneering communication as defined in RCW 29B.10.220.

(4) The sponsor of an electioneering communication must report pursuant to RCW 29B.30.020 and these rules regarding electioneering communications, even if the expenditure also satisfies the definition of independent expenditure in RCW 29B.10.310 or 29B.25.120. Persons in compliance with this subsection are deemed in compliance with RCW 29B.25.120 or 29B.25.130.

(5) Any person making an expenditure that is reportable under RCW 29B.50.100, grass roots lobbying campaigns, that also satisfies the definition of electioneering communication in RCW 29B.10.220, must also file pursuant to RCW 29B.30.020 and these rules regarding electioneering communications. The report filed pursuant to RCW 29B.30.020 must identify the grass roots campaign.

(6) In addition to any other reporting requirements on the C-6 form, any political advertising that supports or opposes a ballot proposition or that supports or opposes a candidate and qualifies as an independent expenditure, or any electioneering communication, must identify any "synthetic media," as defined under RCW 29B.35.010, that was used in the advertising or communication, and further report:

(a) The name of the vendor that provided the software or other digital technology used to create the synthetic media;

(b) The commercial advertiser that sold the advertising or communication, if any; and

(c) The description of any audience targeting information provided for any digital communication by a digital communication platform, or other vendor.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-063, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.62.040. WSR 24-12-019, § 390-16-063, filed 5/24/24, effective 6/24/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110, 42.17A.125, 42.17A.615, and 42.17A.640. WSR 24-01-028, § 390-16-063, filed 12/8/23, effective 1/8/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]125. WSR 23-12-036, § 390-16-063, filed 5/30/23, effective 6/30/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-16-063, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-063, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 14-12-012, § 390-16-063, filed 5/22/14, effective 6/22/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-063, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.562. WSR 06-11-132, § 390-16-063, filed 5/23/06, effective 6/23/06.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-071 Annual report of major contributors and persons making independent expenditures.

RCW 29B.50.080 requires that:

(1) Any person, other than an individual, must file with the commission an annual "Special Political Expenditures" report, if the person:

(a) Made contributions to any state office candidates or statewide ballot proposition committees totaling more than the aggregate amount during the preceding calendar year for contributions referenced in WAC 390-05-400; or

(b) Made independent expenditures regarding state office candidates and statewide ballot propositions totaling more than the aggregate amount during the preceding calendar year for independent expenditures on political advertising, referenced in WAC 390-05-400.

(2) The report is not required of a lobbyist employer filing an annual L-3 report pursuant to RCW 29B.50.080 or of a candidate's authorized committee or a political committee, provided the information has been properly reported pursuant to RCW 29B.25.090 and 29B.25.100.

(3) The "Special Political Expenditures" report is designated "C-7."

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-071, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-16-071, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-071, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 17-22-071, § 390-16-071, filed 10/27/17, effective 11/27/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.125(2). WSR 15-01-066, § 390-16-071, filed 12/11/14, effective 1/11/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-071, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 09-02-021, § 390-16-071, filed 12/30/08, effective 1/30/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 02-01-015, § 390-16-071, filed 12/7/01, effective 1/7/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1) and 42.17.180 (1)(h). WSR 98-01-062, § 390-16-071, filed 12/11/97, effective 1/11/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 95-01-074A, § 390-16-071, filed 12/16/94, effective 1/16/95
WSR 94-11-016, § 390-16-071, filed 5/5/94, effective 6/5/94.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-105 Mini campaign reporting—Eligibility.

(1) A candidate or candidate's authorized committee, as those terms are defined in the act and these rules, is not required to comply with the provisions of RCW 29B.25.070 through 29B.25.100, except as otherwise prescribed in WAC 390-16-038, 390-16-115, and 390-16-125, if the committee selects the mini reporting option on its registration and meets both of the following conditions:

(a) Neither aggregate contributions nor aggregate expenditures exceed the amount of the candidate's filing fee provided by law plus a sum not to exceed $7,000; and

(b) No contribution or contributions from any person other than the candidate exceed $500 in the aggregate. However, a bona fide political party may pay the candidate's filing fee provided by law without that payment disqualifying that candidate from eligibility under this section.

(2) A political committee, as that term is defined in RCW 29B.10.420, is not required to comply with the provisions of RCW 29B.25.070 through 29B.25.100, except as otherwise prescribed in WAC 390-16-038, 390-16-115, and 390-16-125, if the committee selects the mini reporting option on its registration and meets both of the following conditions:

(a) Neither aggregate contributions nor aggregate expenditures exceed $7,000; and

(b) No contribution or contributions from any person exceed $500 in the aggregate.

(3) A continuing political committee, as that term is defined in the act and these rules, is not required to comply with the provisions of RCW 29B.25.070 through 29B.25.100, except as otherwise prescribed in WAC 390-16-038, 390-16-115, and 390-16-125, if the committee selects the mini reporting option on its registration and meets both of the following conditions:

(a) Neither aggregate contributions nor aggregate expenditures during a calendar year exceed $7,000; and

(b) No contribution or contributions from any person exceed $500 in the aggregate.

(4) A candidate or political committee that exceeds one or both of the thresholds set out in either subsection (1), (2), or (3) of this section after registering as a mini reporting campaign will no longer qualify for the mini reporting option and must comply with the provisions of Title 29B RCW including, but not limited to, disclosure of contributions and expenditures, disclosure of last minute contributions, applicable contribution limits, false political advertising, sponsor identification, and public inspection of campaign books of account.

(5) Candidates and political committees eligible for mini campaign reporting are required to comply with all applicable provisions of Title 29B RCW including, but not limited to, false political advertising, sponsor identification, and public inspection of campaign books of account unless specifically exempted under subsections (1) through (3) of this section.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-105, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]125. WSR 23-12-036, § 390-16-105, filed 5/30/23, effective 6/30/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-16-105, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-105, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(8). WSR 14-12-010, § 390-16-105, filed 5/22/14, effective 6/22/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-105, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 (1) and (8). WSR 08-01-058, § 390-16-105, filed 12/14/07, effective 1/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 05-11-001, § 390-16-105, filed 5/4/05, effective 6/4/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 02-03-018, § 390-16-105, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/4/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 01-10-050, § 390-16-105, filed 4/26/01, effective 6/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-04-071 (Order 86-01), § 390-16-105, filed 2/5/86
Order 91, § 390-16-105, filed 7/22/77
Order 62, § 390-16-105, filed 8/26/75.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-111 Mini campaign reporting—Special fund-raising events.

The term "any person" as used in WAC 390-16-105 does not mean a fund-raising activity conducted pursuant to RCW 29B.25.070. Candidates and committees using mini reporting as permitted under WAC 390-16-105 shall not be limited to receiving $500 from a fund-raising event provided that the payments from any person do not exceed $500 from all fund raising conducted during a campaign or calendar year.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-111, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-111, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-111, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 (1) and (8). WSR 08-01-058, § 390-16-111, filed 12/14/07, effective 1/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 01-10-051, § 390-16-111, filed 4/26/01, effective 6/1/01
WSR 89-20-068, § 390-16-111, filed 10/4/89, effective 11/4/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-04-071 (Order 86-01), § 390-16-111, filed 2/5/86
Order 77, § 390-16-111, filed 6/2/76.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-115 Mini campaign reporting—Registration and recordkeeping.

The exemptions allowed in WAC 390-16-105 will be granted to a candidate or political committee, including a continuing political committee, only upon compliance with the following conditions:

(1) A candidate must file a C-1 registration with the commission within 14 days of first:

(a) Receiving contributions, making expenditures, reserving space or facilities or purchasing commercial advertising space or broadcast time to promote their candidacy;

(b) Giving the candidate's consent to another person to take any of the actions in (a) of this subsection on behalf of the candidate; or

(2) A political committee must file a C-1pc registration with the commission within 14 days after its organization or after the date when it first has the expectation of receiving contributions or making expenditures in any election campaign, whichever is earlier.

(3) The statement filed under subsections (1) and (2) of this section must declare that the political committee will not exceed the contribution or expenditure limits set out in WAC 390-16-105.

(4) In addition to complying with subsections (2) and (3) of this section, a continuing political committee must also file a C-1pc between January 1st and January 31st for each year in which the committee intends to use the mini reporting system. Failure to file a new registration statement during January will automatically terminate the committee's entitlement to use the mini reporting system until such time as a new C-1pc is filed.

(5) A candidate or political committee using the mini reporting option must keep current records in sufficient detail to allow the candidate or political committee to make reports otherwise required by RCW 29B.25.020 through 29B.25.100 in the event that the filing of such reports becomes necessary as a result of exceeding the contribution or expenditure limitation pursuant to the provisions of WAC 390-16-125.

(6) The candidate or political committee treasurer must comply with the requirements for public inspection of campaign books pursuant to WAC 390-16-043.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-115, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-16-115, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-115, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-115, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 10-20-011, § 390-16-115, filed 9/24/10, effective 10/25/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.690. WSR 01-22-051, § 390-16-115, filed 10/31/01, effective 1/1/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 89-20-068, § 390-16-115, filed 10/4/89, effective 11/4/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-04-071 (Order 86-01), § 390-16-115, filed 2/5/86
WSR 82-14-016 (Order 82-04), § 390-16-115, filed 6/28/82
Order 62, § 390-16-115, filed 8/26/75.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-121 Mini reporting committees—Last minute committee registration.

For purposes of compliance with WAC 390-16-115, a political committee organized within the last three weeks before an election and having the expectation of receiving contributions or making expenditures during and for that election, shall file the registration statement within three business days after its organization or when it first has the expectation of receiving contributions or making expenditures in the election campaign.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-121, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 89-20-068, § 390-16-121, filed 10/4/89, effective 11/4/89.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-125 Mini campaign reporting—Exceeding limitations.

(1) A candidate or political committee wishing to change from mini to full reporting must apply electronically to the PDC for authorization to change reporting options before the limitations specified in WAC 390-16-105 are exceeded. A complete application must include all of the following documents:

(a) An amended registration statement (Form C-1 for candidates, Form C-1pc for political committees) selecting the full reporting option as provided in RCW 29B.25.070 through 29B.25.100;

(b) PDC forms C-3 and C-4 with relevant schedules and attachments disclosing all contributions and expenditures to date reportable under RCW 29B.25.100 for the election campaign, or in the case of continuing political committees, for the calendar year; and

(c)(i) If the applicant is a candidate, a statement affirming that all candidates registered with the PDC for the office being sought have been notified personally in writing of the application, and the manner and date of such notification;

(ii) If the applicant is the treasurer of a political committee supporting or opposing a ballot proposition, a statement affirming that all treasurers of all political committees registered with the commission as supporting or opposing the proposition have been notified personally in writing of the application, and the manner and date of such notification; or

(iii) If the applicant is the treasurer of a county or legislative district party committee, a statement affirming that the treasurer of that party committee's counterpart in any other major political party has been notified personally in writing of the application, and the manner and date of such notification.

(2) An application that is submitted without the required documents described in subsection (1) of this section is incomplete and will not be processed or approved. If the applicant provides the missing documents, the application will be determined to be complete on the date the documents are received by the commission.

(3) If a complete application is received by the PDC on or before August 31st for the general election or 30 business days prior to the date of other elections, the executive director will approve the application.

(4) If a complete application is received by the commission after the deadlines set out in subsection (3) of this section, the executive director will approve the application only if one or more of the following factors are present:

(a) The applicant is a candidate and, after the application deadline, a write-in opponent has filed for office in accordance with chapter 29A.24 RCW;

(b) After the application deadline, an independent expenditure as defined in RCW 29B.10.310 is made in support of the applicant's opponent or in opposition to the applicant; or

(c) When a candidate or political committee on one side of an election campaign or proposition has been approved to change reporting options under this section, each opponent of that candidate or political committee is approved to change options as of the date that opponent's complete application is received by the PDC.

(5) The executive director may approve an application to change reporting options after the aggregate contributions or aggregate expenditures specified in WAC 390-16-105 have been exceeded only if the applicant:

(a) Meets the deadlines provided in subsection (3) of this section;

(b) Acknowledges the violation and demonstrates compliance with WAC 390-16-105(4); and

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-125, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-16-125, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-125, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(8). WSR 14-12-010, § 390-16-125, filed 5/22/14, effective 6/22/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-125, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 (1) and (8). WSR 08-01-058, § 390-16-125, filed 12/14/07, effective 1/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 05-11-001, § 390-16-125, filed 5/4/05, effective 6/4/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.690. WSR 01-22-051, § 390-16-125, filed 10/31/01, effective 1/1/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 92-18-002, § 390-16-125, filed 8/20/92, effective 9/20/92
WSR 92-05-079, § 390-16-125, filed 2/18/92, effective 3/20/92
WSR 90-16-083, § 390-16-125, filed 7/31/90, effective 8/31/90
WSR 89-20-068, § 390-16-125, filed 10/4/89, effective 11/4/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-04-071 (Order 86-01), § 390-16-125, filed 2/5/86
Order 91, § 390-16-125, filed 7/22/77
Order 67, § 390-16-125, filed 1/16/76
Order 62, § 390-16-125, filed 8/26/75.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-205 Expenditures by agents and agents' subvendors—How to report.

(1) Expenditures made on behalf of a candidate or political committee by any person, agency, consultant, firm, organization, etc., employed or retained for the purpose of organizing, directing, managing or assisting the candidate's or committee's efforts shall be deemed expenditures by the candidate or committee. In accordance with WAC 390-16-037, such expenditures shall be reported by the candidate or committee as if made or incurred by the candidate or committee directly.

(2) If any person, agency, consultant, firm, organization, etc., employed or retained by the candidate or political committee, subcontracts or otherwise has an agreement with a subvendor or other third party to provide or perform services, the expenditures paid to that subvendor or other third party must also be disclosed.

(3) Fees paid to consultants or other agents must be disclosed by candidates or political committees as an expenditure. In addition, when subvendors are used, the candidate or political committee must disclose any portion of the expenditure retained by the consultant or other agent.

Example A: If a candidate or political committee pays a consultant $5,000 to prepare and mail a political advertising brochure, all costs associated with the project shall be itemized by identifying each service provided, subvendor(s) used and amount attributable to each:

| Vendor Name | Purpose | Amount | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Jones Consulting | Jones Consulting (fee) | $500 | $5,500 | | | ABC Graphics | $1,200 | | | | XYZ Printing Co. (5,000 pieces) | $3,000 | | | | Your Mailhouse | $800 | |

Or, if Jones Consulting completes the project through a combination of services provided by its principals or employees and its subvendors:

| Vendor Name | Purpose | Amount | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Jones Consulting | Jones Consulting (fee) | $500 | $5,500 | | | Jones Consulting (graphic design) | $1,200 | | | | XYZ Printing Co. (5,000 pieces) | $3,000 | | | | Your Mailhouse | $800 | |

Example B: If a candidate or political committee pays a consultant or other agent directly to perform tasks such as fund-raising, survey design or campaign plan development, and the consultant does not use subvendors, the expense shall be reported as follows:

| Vendor Name | Purpose | Amount | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Jones Consulting | Fund-raising, survey design, campaign plan development | $5,000 | |

Example C: If an expenditure is made directly to a vendor to purchase broadcast political advertisement, the purpose shall include the following details for both the vendor and commercial advertiser:

| Vendor Name | Purpose | Amount | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Media King | Television ads | $51,000 | | | | WZUB TV | $30,000 | | | | WXXX TV | $10,000 | | | | WCRB TV | $10,000 | | | | Media King (fee) | $1,000 | |

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-205, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 04-01-128, § 390-16-205, filed 12/18/03, effective 1/18/04
Order 74, § 390-16-205, filed 4/26/76.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-206 Ratings and endorsements.

(1) Any person making a measurable expenditure of funds to communicate a rating, evaluation, endorsement or recommendation for or against a candidate or ballot proposition shall report such expenditure including all costs of preparation and distribution in accordance with Title 29B RCW. However, rating, endorsement, or recommendation expenditures governed by the following provisions are not reportable: The news media exemptions provided in RCW 29B.10.160 (2)(d) and 29B.10.220 (2)(c), and WAC 390-16-313, and the political advertising exemption in WAC 390-05-290.

(2) A candidate or sponsor of a ballot proposition who, or a political committee which, is the subject of the rating, evaluation, endorsement or recommendation shall not be required to report such expenditure as a contribution unless the candidate, sponsor, committee or an agent thereof advises, counsels or otherwise encourages the person to make the expenditure.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-206, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-206, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-206, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 08-06-061, § 390-16-206, filed 3/3/08, effective 4/3/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-08-030 (Order 86-02), § 390-16-206, filed 3/26/86
Order 84, § 390-16-206, filed 8/18/76.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-207 In-kind contributions—Explanation and reporting.

(1) An in-kind contribution must be reported on the C-4 report. An in-kind contribution, as that term is used in the act and these rules, occurs when a person provides goods, services or anything of value, other than money or its equivalent, to a candidate or political committee free-of-charge or for less than fair market value, unless the item or service given is not a contribution according to RCW 29B.10.160 or WAC 390-17-405.

An in-kind contribution includes an expenditure that:

| • | Supports or opposes a candidate or a ballot measure; | | --- | --- | | • | Meets the definition of contribution in RCW 29B.10.160 or WAC 390-05-210; | | • | Is an electioneering communication that is a contribution as provided in RCW 29B.30.030; and | | • | Is other than a monetary contribution made directly to a candidate or political committee. |

For example, an in-kind contribution occurs when a person, after collaborating with a candidate or a candidate's agent, purchases space in a newspaper for political advertising supporting that candidate or opposing that candidate's opponent.

(2) According to RCW 29B.40.090 and WAC 390-16-238, a candidate may not use his or her campaign funds to make a contribution, including an in-kind contribution, to another candidate or a political committee. However, under RCW 29B.40.090, a candidate may use surplus funds as defined in RCW 29B.10.520 to make a contribution to a political party or caucus political committee.

(3) Valuing in-kind contributions.

(a) For purposes of determining the value of goods or services provided as in-kind contributions, refer to WAC 390-05-235 Definition—Fair market value.

(b) If an expenditure that constitutes an in-kind contribution is made, the value of the in-kind contribution to a particular candidate or political committee is the portion of the expense that benefits the candidate or political committee.

(4) In-kind contributions to recipients who have limits under RCW 29B.40.020 or 29B.40.030.

(a) If a candidate receives in-kind contributions from any person valued at more than $25 in the aggregate for an election, the contribution is reportable by the giver and the recipient pursuant to chapter 29B.25 RCW and is subject to the applicable contribution limit provided in RCW 29B.40.020 or 29B.40.030.

(b) If a bona fide political party or legislative caucus committee receives in-kind contributions from any person valued at more than $25 in the aggregate during a calendar year, the contribution is reportable by the giver and the recipient pursuant to chapter 29B.25 RCW and is subject to the applicable contribution limit provided in RCW 29B.40.020.

(c) If an elected official against whom recall charges have been filed or a political committee supporting the recall of an elected official receives in-kind contributions from any person valued at more than $25 in the aggregate during a recall campaign, the contribution is reportable by the giver and the recipient pursuant to chapter 29B.25 RCW and is subject to the applicable contribution limits provided in RCW 29B.40.020 or 29B.40.030.

(5) Political committees that make in-kind contributions. Except as provided for in subsection (5) of this section, a political committee that makes in-kind contributions to a candidate or political committee totaling more than $50 in the aggregate during a reporting period must identify the recipient and the amount of the contribution as part of its C-4 report covering that period.

If the in-kind contribution is in the form of an expenditure that has been obligated, but not yet paid, the identity of the recipient candidate or political committee, along with a good faith estimate of the value of the contribution, must be disclosed in part 3 of Schedule B, in addition to the other information required by the C-4 report. When the expense is paid, the recipient's name and the amount of the contribution must be disclosed on Schedule A, in addition to the other information required by the C-4 report.

If a political committee provides equipment, property or anything else of value owned, leased or controlled by it to a candidate or political committee, the contributing committee must attach a statement to its C-4 report showing the name of the candidate or political committee to whom the contribution was made and the date, description and fair market value of the in-kind contribution.

(6) Reporting by recipients. Except as provided in subsection (5) of this section, in-kind contributions from one source are not reportable by the recipient candidate or political committee until the aggregate value of all in-kind contributions received from that source during a reporting period is more than $50. If this threshold is met, the in-kind contributions must be reported in part 1 of Schedule B to the C-4 report covering that reporting period.

(7) Application of RCW 29B.40.070—Last-minute contributions.

(a) If an expenditure that constitutes an in-kind contribution is made no later than 22 days before a general election and written notice of the in-kind contribution is in the possession of the recipient candidate committee or political committee 22 or more days before that general election, the contribution is not subject to the respective $7,500 or $75,000 maximum amounts specified in RCW 29B.40.070.

(b) If an in-kind contribution is in the form of personal services donated to a campaign for the duration of the 21 days before a general election, and if written notice of the value of this donation is in the possession of the recipient candidate or political committee 22 or more days before the election, that in-kind contribution is not subject to the respective $7,500 or $75,000 maximum amounts specified in RCW 29B.40.070.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-207, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110, 42.17A.125, 42.17A.615, and 42.17A.640. WSR 24-01-028, § 390-16-207, filed 12/8/23, effective 1/8/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-207, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-207, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 09-01-068, § 390-16-207, filed 12/12/08, effective 1/12/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.562. WSR 06-11-132, § 390-16-207, filed 5/23/06, effective 6/23/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 04-12-054, § 390-16-207, filed 5/28/04, effective 6/28/04
WSR 98-12-034, § 390-16-207, filed 5/28/98, effective 6/28/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 94-11-016, § 390-16-207, filed 5/5/94, effective 6/5/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-22-002, § 390-16-207, filed 10/20/93, effective 11/20/93
WSR 93-16-064, § 390-16-207, filed 7/30/93, effective 8/30/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-04-071 (Order 86-01), § 390-16-207, filed 2/5/86
WSR 82-14-016 (Order 82-04), § 390-16-207, filed 6/28/82
Order 79, § 390-16-207, filed 6/25/76.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-221 Tangible property—Definition.

(1) All contributions received by a political committee or candidate are subject to the requirements of RCW 29B.40.090 and 29B.40.130 whether or not the committee converts the contribution to a different form, e.g., the purchase of tangible property from monetary contributions.

(2) For the purpose of this rule, tangible property includes but is not limited to real property and improvements thereto; furniture, office desks, file cabinets, tables and machines, vehicles, printing and duplicating equipment, and computer hardware and software.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-221, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-221, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-04-071 (Order 86-01), § 390-16-221, filed 2/5/86.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-226 Loans.

(1) Only loans which are recorded in a written loan agreement executed at the time of the loan and properly reported may be repaid by a candidate or political committee. Surplus campaign funds under RCW 29B.10.520 and 29B.40.090 may only be used to return a contribution to the candidate if the contribution was properly reported as a loan from the candidate, as described in subsections (2) and (3).

(2) If any person gives or loans the candidate funds in connection with his or her campaign, the funds are not considered personal funds of the candidate. See WAC 390-17-305. Such funds are considered a contribution from the original source of the contribution under chapter 29B.25 RCW and, unless the loan meets the exemption provided in RCW 29B.40.170(3) and this subsection, the contribution is subject to the contribution limits provided in chapter 29B.40 RCW, as adjusted by WAC 390-05-400.

(a) If a candidate or candidate's own political committee or campaign or authorized committee receives a loan from a commercial lending institution, the loan is exempt from the contribution limits of RCW 29B.40.020 and WAC 390-16-310, as adjusted by WAC 390-05-400, only if all the following criteria are met:

(i) The loan is not guaranteed by any other person;

(ii) The loan is made in the regular course of business; and,

(iii) The loan is made on the same terms ordinarily available to the public.

(b) A commercial loan to a candidate's own committee or campaign or authorized committee is presumed to be guaranteed by the candidate. The presumption is rebuttable by clear, cogent and convincing evidence.

(3) The amount of campaign contributions which may be used to repay a loan made by the candidate to the candidate's own political committee or campaign, or to repay a commercial loan to a candidate's own political committee or campaign where the candidate is the borrower or guarantor, is limited to the loan repayment limit in RCW 29B.40.130(3) as adjusted by WAC 390-05-400. For purposes of the loan repayment limit, these loans are aggregated for each primary, general, special or recall election and must be designated accordingly by the candidate at the time the loan is made.

(4) If a candidate makes documented out-of-pocket campaign expenditures on behalf of their campaign expecting repayment (not intending to make an in-kind contribution), the campaign committee must repay the candidate within 21 days of the expenditure or the candidate will be deemed to have made a loan to his or her campaign committee which must qualify for repayment under subsections (1) and (2) in order for the candidate to be repaid. Undocumented out-of-pocket campaign expenditures by the candidate are in-kind contributions not eligible for repayment.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-226, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]125. WSR 23-12-036, § 390-16-226, filed 5/30/23, effective 6/30/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-226, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-226, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 02-03-018, § 390-16-226, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/4/02
WSR 00-22-056, § 390-16-226, filed 10/27/00, effective 11/27/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-16-064, § 390-16-226, filed 7/30/93, effective 8/30/93.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-230 Surplus campaign funds—Use in future.

(1) If after the last day of the election cycle for candidates as defined in RCW 29B.10.210 any contribution is received or an expenditure is made from surplus funds for any purpose which would qualify the recipient or person who made the expenditure as a candidate or political committee, it will be presumed the recipient or person who made the expenditure of such funds has initiated a new candidacy or committee. Surplus funds may only be expended for a new candidacy if the candidate is seeking the same office sought at the candidate's last election. Within 14 days of the day such contribution is received or expenditure is made, such candidate or political committee must file (a) a final report for the previous campaign as provided in RCW 29B.25.090 and 29B.25.100; and (b) a statement of organization and initial report for the new campaign as provided by RCW 29B.25.020, 29B.25.090, and 29B.25.100. The surplus funds may be carried forward to the new campaign, reported as one sum and listed as a contribution identified as "funds from previous campaign." All augmentations to and all expenditures made from the retained surplus funds after the last day of the election cycle must be reported in detail as to source, recipient, purpose, amount and date of each transaction.

(2) For candidates as defined in RCW 29B.10.090, if at any time after the last day of the election cycle, any contribution is received or expenditure is made from such surplus funds for any purpose which would qualify the recipient or person who made the expenditure as a candidate or authorized committee, it will be presumed the recipient or person who made the expenditure of such funds has initiated a new candidacy or committee. Surplus funds may only be expended for a new candidacy if the candidate is seeking the same office sought at the candidate's last election. Within 14 days of the day such contribution is received or expenditure is made, such candidate or authorized committee must file (a) a final report for the previous campaign as provided in RCW 29B.25.090 and 29B.25.100; and (b) a statement of organization and initial report for the new campaign as provided by RCW 29B.25.020, 29B.25.090, and 29B.25.100. The surplus funds as of the last day of the election cycle may be carried forward to the new campaign, reported as one sum and listed as a contribution identified as "funds from previous campaign." "Funds from previous campaign" carried forward by a candidate to the candidate's new campaign are not subject to contribution limits set forth in RCW 29B.40.020.

(3) A political committee formed to support or oppose a particular ballot proposition or particular candidates which retains surplus funds to use in support or opposition of other candidates or of other ballot propositions has become a continuing political committee and must thereafter register and report in accordance with chapter 29B.25 RCW.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-230, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-16-230, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-230, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-230, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 07-07-005, § 390-16-230, filed 3/8/07, effective 4/8/07
WSR 93-22-002, § 390-16-230, filed 10/20/93, effective 11/20/93
WSR 93-16-064, § 390-16-230, filed 7/30/93, effective 8/30/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-04-071 (Order 86-01), § 390-16-230, filed 2/5/86
WSR 82-14-016 (Order 82-04), § 390-16-230, filed 6/28/82
Order 70, § 390-16-230, filed 2/25/76
Order 62, § 390-16-230, filed 8/26/75.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-232 Same office last sought.

A candidate is considered to be seeking the "same office last sought," as that term is used in RCW 29B.40.090, when the candidate seeks:

(1) The identical office last sought; or

(2) A different position or seat of the same office last sought within the same jurisdiction; or

(3) The same office, whether a different seat or position, in a revised district or political subdivision whenever the boundaries of a district or political subdivision are officially altered through redistricting, consolidation or other official procedure.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-232, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-232, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-16-064, § 390-16-232, filed 7/30/93, effective 8/30/93.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-234 Transfers of candidate funds.

(1) Candidates are encouraged to directly pay to a vendor their proportionate share of joint campaign expenses. When separate, direct payments are not possible, one candidate may transfer campaign funds to another candidate without violating RCW 29B.40.090(8): Provided, That:

(a) The transferred funds are used exclusively for the joint expenditure;

(b) The amount may not exceed the prorated share attributable to the candidate who transfers the funds;

(d) Any transferred funds not used for the joint expenditure are returned no later than one business day after the expenditure is made; and

(e) The purpose of the transferred funds is timely disclosed as would be required for a direct expenditure.

(2) Candidate surplus funds may be transferred without limit to a bona fide political party or to a caucus political committee.

(3) Except as provided in subsections (1) and (2) of this section, no candidate or candidate's authorized committee may transfer surplus or nonsurplus funds to any other candidate or political committee.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-234, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 17-01-161, § 390-16-234, filed 12/21/16, effective 1/21/17
WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-234, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 02-23-001, § 390-16-234, filed 11/6/02, effective 12/7/02
WSR 93-16-064, § 390-16-234, filed 7/30/93, effective 8/30/93.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-236 Surplus funds accounts—Disclosure.

(1) Registering a surplus funds account.

(a) Any person who opens an account into which surplus funds will be deposited shall register the account by filing PDC Form C-1, Candidate Registration with the commission. The committee name on the C-1 will be the name used by the campaign committee that raised the surplus funds followed by the designation, "surplus funds account." The C-1 must identify by name the treasurer of the account and the bank or depository where the account is held.

(b) The C-1 must be filed within two weeks after the date the account is opened.

(2) Depositing surplus funds.

(a) After a surplus funds account is established, a candidate may deposit into the account all surplus funds from subsequent campaigns.

(b) Only surplus funds may be deposited in a surplus funds account.

(c) A candidate who deposits surplus funds into a surplus funds account discloses an expenditure of campaign funds with the description "transfer to surplus funds account," the amount transferred, and the date the transfer occurred.

(3) Reporting surplus funds expenditures.

(a) The treasurer shall file with the commission a report on the 10th day of each month detailing expenditures made in the preceding calendar month. This report need only be filed if the total expenditures made since the last such report exceeded $750. The report shall be on PDC Form C-4, Campaign Summary Receipt & Expenditures.

(b) The treasurer shall file reports as required by (a) of this subsection until the account is closed, at which time a final report shall be filed.

(c) All reports filed disclosing expenditures from the surplus funds account shall be certified as correct by the treasurer.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]125. WSR 23-12-036, § 390-16-236, filed 5/30/23, effective 6/30/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-236, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.240(11). WSR 17-01-160, § 390-16-236, filed 12/21/16, effective 1/21/17.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-238 Personal use of contributions—Standard.

(1) Except as specifically allowed by Title 29B RCW, any expenditure of a candidate's campaign funds that is not directly related to the candidate's election campaign is a personal use of campaign funds prohibited under RCW 29B.40.130.

(2) An expenditure of a candidate's campaign funds will be considered personal use if it fulfills or pays for any commitment, obligation or expense that would exist irrespective of the candidate's election campaign.

(3) If an activity or expenditure is both personal and campaign-related, the campaign may pay no more than the fair market value of its share of the activity or expenditure. For example, if a candidate incurs costs for child care, the campaign may reimburse the candidate only for any portion of the expense that occurred directly as a result of the candidate's campaign activities. Also, if a candidate uses a personal vehicle for campaign purposes, the campaign may reimburse the candidate for:

(a) The prorated share of documented gasoline, maintenance and insurance costs directly related to the campaign's usage of the vehicle; or

(b) The standard mileage rate established by the Internal Revenue Service for those documented miles directly related to the campaign's usage.

(4) Examples of expenditures presumed to be for personal use include, but are not limited to:

(a) Mortgage, rent, utility, telephone, or maintenance expenses for personal living accommodations;

(b) Clothing purchases and maintenance expenses not related to the campaign;

(d) Travel expenses not related to the campaign;

(e) Household food items;

(f) Restaurant expenses except for in-person fund-raising or campaign organizational activities;

(g) Tuition payments not related to the campaign;

(h) Admission to sporting events, concerts, theaters, or other forms of entertainment unless the event is primarily related to the candidate's campaign;

(i) Club membership fees, dues and payments;

(j) Health club or recreational facility membership fees, dues and payments;

(k) Social, civic, or professional membership dues, fees and payments unless the expenditure occurs during an election year and membership is required to gain access to the organization's mailing list for campaign purposes or other facilities for the candidate's campaign;

(l) Home or business internet service provider costs;

(m) Home or business newspaper and periodical subscriptions;

(n) Greeting cards to persons who would customarily receive such cards (e.g., family, friends and business associates).

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-238, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-16-238, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-238, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-238, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 04-12-055, § 390-16-238, filed 5/28/04, effective 6/28/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 94-07-141, § 390-16-238, filed 3/23/94, effective 4/23/94.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-240 Earmarked contributions—Definition and use.

(1) Earmarked contributions, as that term is used in RCW 29B.25.150 and 29B.40.160, means any contribution given to an intermediary or conduit, either a political committee, candidate or third party, with a designation, instruction, or encumbrance, whether direct or indirect, express or implied, oral or written, which is intended to result in or which does result in all or any part of the contribution being made to or for the promotion of a certain candidate, state official, or ballot proposition.

(2) For purposes of RCW 29B.40.020 and 29B.40.030, an earmarked contribution is deemed to be for the promotion of, and attributable to any limit applicable to the candidate, authorized committee, bona fide political party, caucus of the state legislature or political committee designated by the original contributor.

(3) If an earmarked contribution is given to an intermediary or conduit to be spent on behalf of a candidate and the entire amount given is not used for this purpose, the remainder of the contribution shall be given to the designated candidate unless its use is redesignated by the original contributor. If the conduit or intermediary exercises any direction or control over the use of the remainder of the contribution, then the amount of the remainder shall be considered a contribution from the original contributor and the conduit or intermediary to the recipient.

(4) The intermediary or conduit receiving the earmarked contribution shall notify the candidate or political committee for whose use or benefit the contribution is designated within two business days after receipt of the contribution.

(5) If an earmarked contribution is refused by the designated recipient candidate or political committee, the earmarked contribution must be returned by the intermediary or conduit to the original contributor within five business days of refusal.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-240, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-240, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 17-03-028, § 390-16-240, filed 1/6/17, effective 2/6/17
WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-240, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-16-064, § 390-16-240, filed 7/30/93, effective 8/30/93
WSR 91-14-041, § 390-16-240, filed 6/27/91, effective 7/28/91.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-245 Pledges.

(1) "Pledge," as that term is used in the act and these rules, means a promise to make a future contribution. A pledge shall not be made or redeemed within 21 days of an election specified in RCW 29B.40.070 if the amount of the pledge or redemption exceeds the maximum amount provided in RCW 29B.40.070, as adjusted by WAC 390-05-400. However, if payment of a pledge is in the possession of the recipient 22 or more days before the election, that payment may be deposited into the campaign account within five business days of receipt in accordance with RCW 29B.25.060.

(2) If a pledge is made in an election campaign subject to the contribution limits provided in RCW 29B.40.020 and 29B.40.030, as adjusted by WAC 390-05-400:

(a) Except as provided in WAC 390-17-302, a pledge made with respect to the primary election shall not be made or redeemed after the date of the primary; however, if the payment of a pledge is made on or before the date of the primary, that payment may be deposited into the campaign account within five business days of receipt in accordance with RCW 29B.25.060; and

(b) A pledge made with respect to the general election shall not be made or redeemed after the final day of the applicable election cycle; however, if the payment of a pledge is made on or before the final day of the election cycle, that payment may be deposited into the campaign account within five business days of receipt in accordance with RCW 29B.25.060.

(3) During the time limit specified in RCW 29B.45.020, a state official or a person employed by or acting on behalf of a state official shall not solicit or accept a pledge or the redemption of a pledge for any purpose specified in RCW 29B.45.020.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-245, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]125. WSR 23-12-036, § 390-16-245, filed 5/30/23, effective 6/30/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-245, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-245, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 03-12-033, § 390-16-245, filed 5/29/03, effective 6/29/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 94-07-141, § 390-16-245, filed 3/23/94, effective 4/23/94.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-307 Contributions by controlled entities.

(1) Corporations. 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.

(2) A corporation is participating in an election campaign if it:

(a) Makes either a monetary or an in-kind contribution to a candidate;

(b) Makes an independent expenditure or electioneering communication;

(c) Endorses a candidate prior to contributions being made by a subsidiary, branch or department of the corporation with respect to a candidate or that candidate's opponent;

(d) Makes a recommendation regarding whether a candidate should be supported or opposed prior to a contribution being made by a subsidiary, branch or department of the corporation; or

(e) Directly or indirectly collaborates or consults with its subsidiary, branch or department on matters relating to the support of or opposition to a candidate, including the amount of a contribution, when a contribution should be given, or what assistance, services or independent expenditures, or electioneering communications, if any, will be made or should be made in support of or opposition to a candidate.

(3) Trade associations, labor unions, collective bargaining organizations. Two or more entities are treated as a single entity if one of the two or more entities is 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.

(4) A trade association, labor union or collective bargaining organization is participating in an election campaign if it:

(a) Makes either a monetary or in-kind contribution to a candidate;

(b) Makes an independent expenditure or electioneering communication;

(c) Endorses a candidate prior to contributions being made by a local unit or branch of the association, union or organization with respect to a candidate or that candidate's opponent;

(d) Makes a recommendation regarding whether a candidate should be supported or opposed prior to a contribution being made by a local unit or branch of the association, union or organization; or

(e) Directly or indirectly collaborates or consults with its local unit or branch on matters relating to the support of or opposition to a candidate, including the amount of a contribution, when a contribution should be given, or what assistance, services or independent expenditures, or electioneering communications, if any, will be made or should be made in support of or opposition to a candidate.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-307, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.562. WSR 06-11-132, § 390-16-307, filed 5/23/06, effective 6/23/06.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-308 Identification of source of contribution.

Any person who makes a contribution shall inform the candidate or treasurer, at the time the contribution is made, of the true and actual source of funds from which the contribution is made. To identify the source of a contribution received by check or other written instrument in the absence of other information, a candidate or treasurer shall apply the following:

Provided, that in cases where the source of the contribution is known and differs from the guidelines set forth below, the known source of the contribution shall be reported;

Provided further, that contributions made through an intermediary or conduit or transmitted by an intermediary shall identify the true and actual source of the funds.

(1) A contribution drawn upon a single account shall be attributed to the account holder as identified by the name printed on the face of the check or negotiable instrument.

(2) A contribution drawn upon a joint account shall be attributed in equal proportion to each of the account holders as identified by the names printed on the face of the check or negotiable instrument unless the candidate or treasurer is notified in writing that the contribution should be allocated in different proportions.

(3) A contribution made by a sole proprietor or drawn upon the account of a business which is a sole proprietorship shall be attributed to the owner of the business entity.

(4) A contribution drawn upon the account of a partnership shall be attributed to the partnership as a separate entity except that any check drawn upon the partnership account but which is to be paid from the capital account of one or more individual partners shall identify at the time of transmittal to the candidate or treasurer the name(s) of the contributing partner(s) and shall be attributed to the contributing partner(s).

(5) A contribution drawn upon the account of a corporation, union, association or other organization shall be attributed to the corporation, union, association or other organization as a separate entity unless that entity is affiliated with another entity pursuant to WAC 390-16-309 in which case a contribution from one of those entities is attributed to both entities.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-308, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 02-03-018, § 390-16-308, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/4/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 94-11-016, § 390-16-308, filed 5/5/94, effective 6/5/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-04-072, § 390-16-308, filed 1/29/93, effective 3/1/93
WSR 91-14-041, § 390-16-308, filed 6/27/91, effective 7/28/91
WSR 90-20-088, § 390-16-308, filed 9/28/90, effective 10/29/90.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-309 Identification of affiliated entities.

(1) Two or more entities are treated as a single person and share one contribution limit under RCW 29B.40.020 and 29B.40.030, as adjusted by WAC 390-05-400, if one of the entities is:

(a) A corporation and the other is a subsidiary, branch or division of the corporation;

(b) A national or international labor union, or state body of such national or international labor union, and the other is a local union or other subordinate organization of such national or international labor union or state body;

(c) A trade association or state body of such trade association and the other is a branch or local unit of such trade association;

(d) A national or state collective bargaining organization and the other is a branch or local unit of such national or state collective bargaining organization;

(e) A national or international federation of labor unions, or a state federation of labor unions, and the other is a local body of such federation;

(f) A membership organization and the other is a local unit or branch of such membership organization;

(g) Any entity referenced in (a) through (f) above and a political committee established, financed, maintained or controlled by that entity.

(2) For purposes of RCW 29B.40.020 and 29B.40.030, two entities shall not be treated as a single entity solely because one of the entities is a dues paying member of the other entity.

(3) In addition to subsection (1) of this section, two or more entities shall be treated as one entity and share a contribution limit under RCW 29B.40.020 and 29B.40.030, as adjusted by WAC 390-05-400, if one of the entities is established, financed, maintained or controlled by the other, as evidenced by any one or more of the following factors:

(a) Whether one entity owns a controlling interest in the voting stock or securities of another entity; or

(b) Whether one entity has authority or the ability to direct or participate, other than through a vote as a member, in the governance of another entity through provisions of constitution, bylaws, contract or other formal or informal procedure or has authority or the ability to hire, appoint, demote or otherwise control, other than through a vote as a member, the officers or other decision making employees or members of another entity; or

(c) Whether (i) one entity has a common or overlapping membership with another which indicates either a formal or ongoing relationship between the two organizations or the creation of a successor entity; and (ii) the entity has an active or significant role in the formation of the other entity; and (iii) the entities have similar patterns of contributions or contributors which indicate a formal or ongoing relationship between the entities; or

(d) Whether one entity provides, causes or arranges, funds, services or goods in a significant amount or on an ongoing basis, through direct or indirect means to the other entity, for less than full consideration. Full consideration includes the payment of membership dues.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-309, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]125. WSR 23-12-036, § 390-16-309, filed 5/30/23, effective 6/30/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-309, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-309, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 10-20-012, § 390-16-309, filed 9/24/10, effective 10/25/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 94-11-016, § 390-16-309, filed 5/5/94, effective 6/5/94.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-310 Limitations on contributions.

The limitations on contributions as provided in RCW 29B.40.070, 29B.40.020, and 29B.40.030, as adjusted by WAC 390-05-400, are as follows:

(1)(a) The limitation on contributions in RCW 29B.40.020 or 29B.40.030, as adjusted by WAC 390-05-400, do not apply to a "candidate" as that term is defined in RCW 29B.10.090 when the candidate is contributing to the candidate's own campaign using the candidate's own personal funds as defined in WAC 390-17-305.

(b) The limitation on contributions in RCW 29B.40.070, 29B.40.020, or 29B.40.030, as adjusted by WAC 390-05-400, apply to contributions to the candidate from the candidate's spouse, domestic partner or other immediate family members.

(2) Contributions by spouses are considered separate contributions. Contributions by domestic partners are considered separate contributions.

(3) Emancipated minor children (children under 18 years of age) may make contributions which do not exceed the limitations on contributions and the contribution is properly attributed to the emancipated minor child if:

(a) The decision to contribute is made knowingly and voluntarily by the emancipated minor child;

(b) The funds, goods, or services contributed are owned or controlled exclusively by the emancipated minor child, such as income earned by the child, the proceeds of a trust for which the child is the beneficiary, or a savings account opened and maintained exclusively in the child's name; and

(c) The contribution is not made from the proceeds of a gift, the purpose of which was to provide funds to be contributed, or is not in any other way controlled by another person.

Contributions by emancipated minor children which do not meet these requirements and contributions by unemancipated minor children will be considered contributions by the child's parents. Fifty percent of the contributions will be attributed to each parent, or in the case of a single custodial parent, the total amount is attributed to that parent.

(4) Contributions from a business organized as a sole proprietorship and contributions from the owner of the sole proprietorship must be aggregated for purposes of determining the limitations of contributions under RCW 29B.40.070, 29B.40.020, or 29B.40.030, as adjusted by WAC 390-05-400.

(5) The limitations on contributions apply separately to the contributions made by a partnership, limited liability partnership and limited liability corporation from the contributions made by an individual partner or member. However, contributions made from or charged against the capital account of an individual partner, or member of a limited liability partnership or limited liability corporation must be aggregated with the partner's or member's individual contributions for purposes of determining the limitations on contributions under RCW 29B.40.070, 29B.40.020, or 29B.40.030, as adjusted by WAC 390-05-400.

(6) The limitations on contributions in RCW 29B.40.070, 29B.40.020, and 29B.40.030, as adjusted by WAC 390-05-400, apply separately to the contributions made by an entity (corporation, subsidiary or branch, national union and local unions, collective bargaining organizations and local units, membership organizations and local units and other organizations and their local units) unless the criteria in RCW 29B.40.150 and WAC 390-16-309 are met.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-310, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]125. WSR 23-12-036, § 390-16-310, filed 5/30/23, effective 6/30/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-16-310, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-310, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-310, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 09-09-126, § 390-16-310, filed 4/22/09, effective 5/23/09
WSR 05-06-070, § 390-16-310, filed 3/1/05, effective 4/1/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 96-05-001, § 390-16-310, filed 2/7/96, effective 3/9/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 94-11-016, § 390-16-310, filed 5/5/94, effective 6/5/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-16-064, § 390-16-310, filed 7/30/93, effective 8/30/93
WSR 92-05-079, § 390-16-310, filed 2/18/92, effective 3/20/92
WSR 90-20-088, § 390-16-310, filed 9/28/90, effective 10/29/90.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-312 Handling contributions of uncertain origin.

No contribution shall be deposited by any candidate or treasurer who believes, from the face of the contribution instrument or for any other reason, the contribution was made in a fictitious name, by one person through an agent, relative, political committee, or any other person so as to conceal the source of the contribution or to exceed the contribution limits provided in RCW 29B.40.070, 29B.40.020, or 29B.40.030, as adjusted by WAC 390-05-400, or otherwise violate the act. The candidate or treasurer shall return such contributions within 10 days to the original contributor if his or her identity is known. Otherwise, the contribution instrument shall be endorsed and made payable to "Washington state treasurer" and the contribution sent to the commission for deposit in the state's general fund.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-312, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]125. WSR 23-12-036, § 390-16-312, filed 5/30/23, effective 6/30/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-312, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 17-03-028, § 390-16-312, filed 1/6/17, effective 2/6/17
WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-312, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-16-064, § 390-16-312, filed 7/30/93, effective 8/30/93
WSR 91-14-041, § 390-16-312, filed 6/27/91, effective 7/28/91.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-320 Candidates in small political subdivisions—Reporting.

(1) As provided in RCW 29B.25.010 and 29B.20.070(7), a candidate for election in any political subdivision must fully report if the candidate receives $7,000 or more in contributions or expects to receive $7,000 or more in contributions during an election cycle.

(2) It is presumed the candidate "expects to receive" $7,000 or more when any one of the following first occurs:

(a) The candidate or candidate's authorized committee receives at least $7,000 in aggregate contributions, including contributions from the candidate;

(b) The candidate is seeking the same office last sought, the candidate's election is in the current calendar year, and the candidate's campaign contributions in the previous election for the same office were $7,000 or more in the aggregate;

(d) The contributions received on or before June 30th of the election year total $2,500 or more;

(e) The contributions received on or before September 30th of the election year total $3,750 or more; or

(f) The candidate otherwise anticipates that $7,000 or more will be received during the election cycle.

(3) Surplus funds carried over from a candidate's previous campaign are not contributions to the candidate's new campaign and do not count toward the $7,000 reporting threshold.

(4) A candidate or candidate's authorized committee that receives, or expects to receive, $7,000 or more must:

(a) Within two weeks of the date the reporting obligation begins under subsection (1) or (2) of this section, file:

(i) A candidate registration, PDC C-1 Report;

(ii) A personal financial affairs statement, PDC F1 Report and, if relevant, the F1 Supplement; and

(iii) Contribution and expenditure reports, PDC C3 and C4 reports with appropriate attachments and schedules; and

(b) Otherwise comply with the campaign finance reporting and other provisions of Titles 29B RCW and 390 WAC.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-320, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]125. WSR 23-12-036, § 390-16-320, filed 5/30/23, effective 6/30/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-16-320, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-320, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-16-320, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 07-08-044, § 390-16-320, filed 3/28/07, effective 4/28/07.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-325 Dissolution of committees.

(1) Dissolution is the process by which a committee officially ceases doing business, pursuant to RCW 29B.25.070 and 29B.25.090. Dissolution does not relieve the candidate, elected official, or officers from any obligations to address violations that occurred before the committee was dissolved.

(2) To initiate dissolution, the committee must file a notice of intent to dissolve.

(3) The official report for filing a notice of intent to dissolve a committee is designated "D-1." The D-1 must be filed using the electronic filing system provided by the commission. The commission is required to post each committee's notice of intent to dissolve on the commission website upon receipt.

(4) On the D-1 Report, the candidate or authorized committee officer must attest to the following:

(a) The committee has concluded its activities in all respects and has ceased to function and intends to dissolve;

(b) The committee has no outstanding debts or obligations, will not make any expenditure other than those related to the dissolution process, and will not engage in any political activity or any other activity that generates additional reporting requirements;

(d) No complaint or court action under Title 29B RCW is pending against the committee and it has not been informed by the commission of any possible violations or technical corrections which remain unresolved;

(e) The committee has no outstanding penalties under Title 29B RCW as assessed by the commission or a court;

(f) The committee accepts an ongoing obligation to maintain compliance with these conditions and an affirmative duty to notify the commission of any noncompliance; and

(g) The treasurer is obligated to preserve books of account, bills, receipts, and all other financial records for five years.

(5) If, 60 days after a committee has filed its D-1, the committee is in compliance with the above requirements and has not notified the commission in writing that it revokes its intent to dissolve, the committee will be deemed to be dissolved.

(6) The executive director will promptly acknowledge by electronic writing the committee's dissolution. The acknowledgment of dissolution will be posted on the commission's website when sent to the committee.

(7) If the committee has not met the requirements for dissolution, the executive director will promptly notify the committee by electronic writing that it is not eligible to dissolve, and explain the reasons for its ineligibility. The committee may initiate the process again once it has come into compliance with the requirements.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-325, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-16-325, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-16-325, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-330 Prohibited financing and involvement by foreign nationals.

(1) Prohibited financing by foreign nationals.

(a) For purposes of RCW 29B.40.050, and throughout Title 29B RCW, a contribution, expenditure, political advertising, or electioneering communication is "financed in any part by a foreign national" if the funding source includes anything of value greater than a de minimis amount provided by a foreign national for less than full consideration. Such value may include, but is not limited to, a loan, gift, deposit, subscription, forgiveness of indebtedness, donation, advance, pledge, payment, transfer of funds, or goods and services.

(b) A contribution, expenditure, political advertising, or electioneering communication is not "financed in any part by a foreign national" if the person making the contribution or expenditure, or sponsoring the advertisement or communication, is an individual citizen or legal permanent resident using their own personal funds.

(c) A contribution, expenditure, political advertising, or electioneering communication is not "financed in any part by a foreign national" if:

(i) The funding source is the general treasury of a membership organization, such as a trade association or labor union, not otherwise qualifying as a political committee, which includes funding from regular and predetermined membership dues;

(ii) Any additional funding of the general treasury is not from a foreign national, as provided in (a) of this subsection; and

(iii) The organization can demonstrate through a reasonable accounting method that the general treasury has sufficient funds to finance the contribution, expenditure, advertisement, or communication, apart from the aggregate amount of any membership dues received from foreign national members of the organization.

(d) Any funding from a foreign national, as provided in (a) of this subsection, and except as excluded under (b) or (c) of this subsection, must be segregated, using a reasonable accounting method, from the funding source used to finance a contribution, expenditure, advertisement, or communication. Funding from a foreign national may not be used to supplant, replace, or replenish the funding source for the contribution, expenditure, advertisement, or communication.

(2) Prohibited decision-making involvement by foreign nationals.

(a) For purposes of RCW 29B.40.050, and throughout Title 29B RCW, a foreign national is "involved in making decisions regarding the contribution, expenditure, political advertising, or electioneering communication in any way" if the foreign national directs, dictates, controls, or directly or indirectly participates in the decision-making process regarding the financing any such contribution, expenditure, advertisement, or communication.

(b) In addition to the criteria under (a) of this subsection, a foreign national is involved in the decision-making regarding a contribution, expenditure, political advertising, or electioneering communication made by an entity that is a subsidiary, branch, unit, or division of a foreign national, or otherwise established, financed, maintained, or controlled by a foreign national, if the foreign national has:

(i) Made an endorsement or recommendation to support or oppose the same candidate or ballot proposition; or

(ii) Directly or indirectly collaborated or consulted with the entity on matters relating to the support of or opposition to the same candidate or ballot proposition.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-330, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110, 42.17A.240, 42.17A.250, 42.17A.255, 42.17A.260, 42.17A.265 and 42.17A.305. WSR 21-08-047, § 390-16-330, filed 4/2/21, effective 5/3/21.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-16-335 Certification for contributions from entities—Prohibited activity by foreign nationals.

(1) The certification required for a candidate or political committee to accept each contribution from a partnership, association, corporation, organization, or other combination of persons must be received in writing, either:

(a) By the date the report including the contribution is due, or within 10 business days, whichever is later; or

(b) Within 30 days from the date the contribution is received, so long as the candidate or committee separates uncertified contributions using reasonable accounting methods, to prevent commingling with other contributions, until the certification is received.

(2) Any uncertified contribution must be refunded or returned by the applicable deadline in subsection (1) of this section. The failure to timely refund or return an uncertified contribution constitutes a violation of Title 29B RCW.

(3) A single certification may apply to future contributions within the same election cycle if the certification provides, in addition to the requirements under subsection (5) of this section, a statement that:

(a) Future contributions included in the certification will be part of a regularly scheduled transaction cycle, and funded from the same source as the original contribution; and

(b) The entity will provide a separate certification for any additional contribution that does not meet the criteria of (a) of this subsection.

(4) A candidate or political committee is not required to obtain a certification for:

(a) A contribution from a political committee if the contributing committee is:

(i) Currently registered with the commission at the time the contribution is received, and reporting its contributions received; and

(ii) Entirely funded through contributions received; or

(b) Any in-kind contribution from an entity, that in the aggregate within the same reporting period, does not exceed $50.

(5) Candidate or political committees may make certifications available to entities for electronic or other written submission. Certifications may include the suggested format below, or a different format that includes the following information:

(a) The name of the entity making the contribution and the authorized agent;

(b) A statement that the entity is not a foreign national, as defined in RCW 29B.10.250;

(d) A statement that foreign nationals were not involved in making decisions regarding the contribution in any way;

(e) The amount of the contribution and the date it was made; and

(f) The date the certification was submitted.

| Certification that Contribution Is Not From a Foreign National | | --- | | I certify that the entity _____ | | (name of entity) making this contribution is not organized under the laws of, and does not have its principal place of business in, a foreign country. This contribution is not financed in any part by a foreign national, and foreign nationals were not involved in making decisions regarding the contribution in any way. | | Amount of Contribution: | | Date of Contribution: | | Name of Authorized Agent: | | Date Submitted: |

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-16-335, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110, 42.17A.240, 42.17A.250, 42.17A.255, 42.17A.260, 42.17A.265 and 42.17A.305. WSR 21-08-047, § 390-16-335, filed 4/2/21, effective 5/3/21.

Chapter 390-17 Contribution limitations.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-17-015 Conduit—Definition.

(1) "Conduit," as that term is used in the act and these rules, is defined as a person, other than an individual, that receives and spends earmarked contributions on behalf of a designated candidate, bona fide political party, caucus of the state legislature or other political committee.

(2) Pursuant to RCW 29B.40.180, a conduit may not make or transmit contributions on behalf of another.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-17-015, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-17-015, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-17-015, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-16-064, § 390-17-015, filed 7/30/93, effective 8/30/93.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-17-017 Definition—Facilities.

"Facilities," as that term is used to define candidate in the act and in these rules means that which facilitates or makes some campaign activity possible including, but not limited to: Use of stationery, postage, machines and equipment, use of employees of an entity during working hours, vehicles, office space, room or building, publications of an entity or client list of an entity.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-17-017, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-17-017, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 96-05-001, § 390-17-017, filed 2/7/96, effective 3/9/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-16-064, § 390-17-017, filed 7/30/93, effective 8/30/93.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-17-019 Contribution limits to affiliated committees.

This rule sets out which committees, excluding ballot measure committees, are affiliated for the purpose of receiving contributions.

Persons subject to contribution limits who establish, maintain, or control multiple political committees may not circumvent those contribution limits through contributions made to the various committees.

(1) The following committees are affiliated for purposes of this rule:

(a) The authorized committee of a candidate subject to contribution limits set out in RCW 29B.40.020 or 29B.40.030 and any other political committee established, maintained, or controlled primarily by that candidate are affiliated for the purpose of receiving contributions.

(b) A caucus campaign committee and any other political committee established, maintained, or controlled primarily by the same legislative caucus as a whole or the officers of that caucus are affiliated for the purpose of receiving contributions.

(2) As used in this rule, the terms "established, maintained, or controlled" means the ability to direct or participate, other than through a vote as a member, in the governance of another entity through provisions of constitution, bylaws, contract or other formal or informal procedure.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-17-019, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-17-019, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 16-10-080, § 390-17-019, filed 5/3/16, effective 6/3/16.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-17-030 Sample ballots and slate cards.

(1) Intent. Under certain conditions, expenditures for sample ballots fall within the scope of RCW 29B.40.020(15) and are, therefore, exempt from contribution limits and eligible for payment with a bona fide political party's exempt funds. Sample ballots remain reportable under chapter 29B.25 RCW and subject to the political advertising provisions of the act.

The purpose of this exemption from the contribution limits is to allow political parties, political committees, and other sponsors to tell the general public which candidates they support. The exemption is not intended as a device to circumvent the contribution limits and full reporting requirements.

(2) For purposes of RCW 29B.10.230 and 29B.40.020(15), "sample ballots" means slate cards, or other candidate listings, whether written or oral, that satisfy the qualifying criteria specified in subsection (10) of this section.

Sample ballots constitute political advertising for a slate or list of candidates and must include sponsor identification and otherwise be in compliance with the provisions of RCW 29B.30.050 through 29B.30.080.

(3)(a) A bona fide political party may use contributions it receives pursuant to RCW 29B.40.020(15) to produce and distribute sample ballots.

(b) Expenditures for sample ballots do not count against a bona fide political party's contribution limit to the candidates listed on the sample ballot. Further, when reporting sample ballot expenditures, a bona fide political party is not required to attribute a portion of the expenditure to each of the candidates and ballot propositions (if any) listed on the sample ballot, but the names of the candidates and ballot propositions must be reported along with the other information required by chapter 29B.25 RCW and chapter 390-17 WAC.

(4) Any person, as defined by RCW 29B.10.400, who makes an expenditure for sample ballots has made an expenditure that does not count against that person's contribution limit to the candidates listed.

(5) An in-state political committee, when disclosing expenditures for sample ballots as part of its C-4 report, is not required to attribute a portion of the expenditure to the candidates and ballot propositions (if any) listed on the sample ballot, but the names of the candidates, including their respective party affiliations, and ballot propositions must be reported along with other information required by chapter 29B.25 RCW and chapter 390-17 WAC.

(6) An out-of-state committee, when disclosing expenditures for sample ballots on a C-5 report, is not required to attribute a portion of the expenditure to the candidates and ballot propositions (if any) listed on the sample ballot, but must report that an expenditure for sample ballots was made, the name and address of the person to whom the expenditure was made, the full amount of the expenditure, and the name, office sought and party affiliation of each candidate listed on the sample ballot, as well as each ballot proposition listed on the sample ballot. The report is due no later than the 10th day of the month following the month in which the expenditure was made.

(7) If a lobbyist or lobbyist employer makes expenditures for sample ballots, those expenditures are required to be reported in detail on the lobbyist's monthly L-2 report. Itemization of these expenditures must include the names and respective party affiliations of the candidates listed on the sample ballot, but no portion of the expenditure need be attributed to individual candidates or ballot propositions (if any) listed on the sample ballot.

(8) The candidates listed on a sample ballot are not required to report any portion of the expenditure as an in-kind contribution to their campaigns.

(9) Qualifying criteria for sample ballots. In order not to count against a person's contribution limit to the candidates listed on a sample ballot and, in the case of a bona fide political party, in order to be eligible for payment with contributions received pursuant to RCW 29B.40.020(15), a sample ballot must satisfy all of the criteria in (a) through (d) of this subsection.

(a) The sample ballot must list the names of at least three candidates for election to public office in Washington state and be distributed in a geographical area where voters are eligible to vote for at least three candidates listed. The candidate listing may include any combination of three or more candidates, whether the candidates are seeking federal, state, or local office in Washington. In addition, the sample ballot may include the support or opposition to any local or state ballot proposition, so long as the number of ballot propositions appearing on the sample ballot does not outnumber the number of candidates on the sample ballot.

(b) The sample ballot must not be distributed through public political advertising; for example, through broadcast media, newspapers, magazines, billboards or the like. The sample ballot may be distributed through direct mail, telephone, electronic mail, websites, electronic bulletin boards, electronic billboards or personal delivery by volunteers.

(i) The identification of each candidate (pictures may be used);

(ii) The office or position currently held;

(iii) The office sought;

(iv) Party affiliation;

(v) For any ballot proposition, the assigned number, the full (or abbreviated) official ballot title, as provided in RCW 29A.72.050, 29A.36.071, or otherwise set forth in statute, and a simple statement (such as "yes" or "no"), check mark, or indication of support for, or opposition to, the proposition; and

(vi) Information about voting hours and locations.

Therefore, the sample ballot may not include any additional biographical data on candidates or their positions on issues, as well as statements about the candidate's or sponsor's philosophy, goals or accomplishments. The sample ballot may not include any other information about any ballot proposition beyond the language of the official ballot title. Public investment impact disclosures, under RCW 29A.72.027, are not considered part of the official ballot title and may not be included on the sample ballot. The sample ballot may not include statements about the sponsor's reasons for supporting or opposing the ballot proposition, and may not directly or indirectly indicate any candidate's support for or opposition to any ballot proposition.

(d) The sample ballot is a stand-alone political advertisement. It may not be a portion of a more comprehensive message or combined in the same mailing or packet with any other information, including get-out-the-vote material, candidate or campaign brochures, or statements about a candidate's or sponsor's philosophy, goals or accomplishments.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 29B.20.030. WSR 26-05-060, s 390-17-030, filed 2/13/26, effective 3/16/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-17-030, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-17-030, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-17-030, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 07-07-005, § 390-17-030, filed 3/8/07, effective 4/8/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.562. WSR 06-11-132, § 390-17-030, filed 5/23/06, effective 6/23/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 04-12-056, § 390-17-030, filed 5/28/04, effective 6/28/04
WSR 02-12-007, § 390-17-030, filed 5/23/02, effective 6/23/02
WSR 99-12-066, § 390-17-030, filed 5/27/99, effective 6/27/99
WSR 96-05-001, § 390-17-030, filed 2/7/96, effective 3/9/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-16-064, § 390-17-030, filed 7/30/93, effective 8/30/93.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-17-060 Exempt contributions and activities—Definitions, reporting.

(1)(a) "Exempt contributions" are contributions made to a political committee which are earmarked for exempt activities as described in RCW 29B.40.020. Such contributions are required to be reported under RCW 29B.25.100, are subject to the restrictions in RCW 29B.40.070, but are not subject to the contribution limits in RCW 29B.40.020. Any written solicitation for exempt contributions must be so designated. Suggested designations are "not for individual candidates" or "for exempt activities."

(b) Contributions made to a caucus political committee, to a candidate or candidate's authorized committee which are earmarked for voter registration, absentee ballot information, get-out-the-vote campaigns, or sample ballots are presumed to be for the purpose of promoting individual candidates and therefore not exempt contributions and are subject to the contribution limits in RCW 29B.40.020.

(c) Contributions made to a caucus political committee, to a candidate or candidate's authorized committee which are earmarked for internal organization expenditures or fund-raising are presumed to be with direct association with individual candidates and therefore not exempt contributions and are subject to the contribution limits in RCW 29B.40.020.

(2) "Exempt contributions account" is the separate bank account into which only exempt contributions are deposited and out of which only expenditures for exempt activities shall be made.

(3) "Exempt activities" are those activities referenced in RCW 29B.40.020 as further clarified by subsections (4), (5), and (6) of this section. Only exempt activities are eligible for payment with exempt contributions.

(4)(a) Activities referenced in RCW 29B.40.020 (15)(a) that do not promote, or constitute political advertising for, one or more clearly identified candidates qualify as exempt activities. For example, get-out-the-vote telephone bank activity that only encourages persons called to "vote republican" or "vote democratic" in the upcoming election may be paid for with exempt contributions regardless of the number of candidates who are benefited by this message. Expenditures or contributions for electioneering communications made in cooperation, consultation, concert or collaboration with, or at the request or suggestion of a candidate, the candidate's authorized committee or agent do not qualify as exempt activities, under WAC 390-05-210.

(b) Except as permitted under WAC 390-17-030, Sample ballots and slate cards, activities referenced in RCW 29B.40.020 (15)(a) that promote or constitute political advertising for one or more clearly identified candidates do not qualify as exempt activities.

(c) A candidate is deemed to be clearly identified if the name of the candidate is used, a photograph or likeness of the candidate appears, or the identity of the candidate is apparent by unambiguous reference.

(5)(a) "Internal organization expenditures" referenced in RCW 29B.40.020 (15)(b) are expenditures for organization purposes, including legal and accounting services, rental and purchase of equipment and office space, utilities and telephones, postage and printing of newsletters for the organization's members or contributors or staff when engaged in organizational activities such as those previously listed, all without direct association with individual candidates.

(b) "Fund-raising expenditures" referenced in RCW 29B.40.020 (15)(b) are expenditures for fund-raising purposes, including facilities for fund-raisers, consumables furnished at the event and the cost of holding social events and party conventions, all without direct association with individual candidates.

(c) If expenditures made pursuant to (a) and (b) of this subsection are made in direct association with individual candidates, they shall not be paid with exempt contributions.

(6) For purposes of RCW 29B.40.020 and this section, activities that oppose one or more clearly identified candidates are presumed to promote the opponent(s) of the candidate(s) opposed.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-17-060, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-17-060, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-17-060, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 11-05-050, § 390-17-060, filed 2/10/11, effective 3/13/11
WSR 07-07-005, § 390-17-060, filed 3/8/07, effective 4/8/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.562. WSR 06-11-132, § 390-17-060, filed 5/23/06, effective 6/23/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 02-12-007, § 390-17-060, filed 5/23/02, effective 6/23/02
WSR 02-03-018, § 390-17-060, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/4/02
WSR 96-05-001, § 390-17-060, filed 2/7/96, effective 3/9/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-24-003, § 390-17-060, filed 11/18/93, effective 12/19/93.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-17-065 Recordkeeping and reporting of exempt contributions accounts.

(1) Any political committee that receives exempt contributions as defined by RCW 29B.40.020 and WAC 390-17-060 shall keep the contributions in a separate bank account. Exempt contributions commingled with contributions subject to contribution limits are presumed to be subject to the limits. Expenditures to promote candidates or which are made for purposes other than those specified in RCW 29B.40.020 shall not be made with funds from the exempt contributions account.

(2)(a) Separate campaign disclosure reports shall be completed and filed for an exempt contributions account.

(b) Political committees maintaining an exempt contributions account shall make known the existence of the account by filing a statement of organization for the account pursuant to RCW 29B.25.020.

(c) Political committees maintaining an exempt contributions account shall be subject to the provisions of chapter 29B.25 RCW and file the disclosure reports required by this chapter for the account pursuant to RCW 29B.25.090.

(3) Contributors shall not use a single written instrument to make simultaneous contributions to an exempt contributions account and any other committee account; separate written instruments must be used to make contributions to an exempt contributions account.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-17-065, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-17-065, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 07-07-005, § 390-17-065, filed 3/8/07, effective 4/8/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 96-05-001, § 390-17-065, filed 2/7/96, effective 3/9/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-24-003, § 390-17-065, filed 11/18/93, effective 12/19/93.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-17-070 Trade association—Definition.

"Trade association," as that term is used in RCW 29B.40.150 and in these rules, means a membership organization of persons engaging in a similar or related line of commerce, organized to promote and improve business conditions in that line of commerce and not to engage in a regular business of a kind ordinarily carried on for profit, and for which no part of net earnings inures to the benefit of any member.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-17-070, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-17-070, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-17-070, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-22-002, § 390-17-070, filed 10/20/93, effective 11/20/93.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-17-071 Collective bargaining association—Definition.

"Collective bargaining association" and "collective bargaining organization" as those terms are used in RCW 29B.40.150 and in these rules means any organization which negotiates, on behalf of labor or management, with respect to wages, hours or conditions of employment.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-17-071, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-17-071, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-17-071, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 94-05-010, § 390-17-071, filed 2/3/94, effective 3/6/94.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-17-100 Contribution withholding authorizations for payroll deductions.

(1) Each employer or other person who withholds or otherwise diverts a portion of wages or salary of a Washington resident or a nonresident whose primary place of work is in the state of Washington shall have on file the individual's written authorization before withholding or diverting the individual's wages or salary for:

(a) The purpose of making one or more contributions to any political committee required to report pursuant to RCW 29B.25.020, 29B.25.050, 29B.25.070, 29B.25.090, or 29B.25.100; or

(b) Use, specifically designated by the contributing employee, for political contributions to candidates for state or local office.

(2) Forms used for payroll deduction may either conform to the suggested format below or be in a different format including an electronic format if it provides the following information:

(a) The name of the individual authorizing the withholding or diversion;

(b) The name of the individual's employer;

(d) If more than one political committee or candidate is specified, the total dollar amount per pay period (or per week, month or year) to be withheld for each committee or candidate;

(e) A statement specifying that the authorization may be revoked at any time and such revocation shall be in writing;

(f) A statement that reads: "No employer or labor organization may discriminate against an officer or employee in the terms or conditions of employment for (i) the failure to contribute to, (ii) the failure in any way to support or oppose, or (iii) in any way supporting or opposing a candidate, ballot proposition, political party, or political committee"; or a statement that informs the employee of the prohibition against employer and labor organization discrimination described in RCW 29B.40.230;

(g) The individual's signature or other reliable and secure verification that the individual is authorizing the withholding or diversion; and

(h) The date on which the form was completed.

(3) Forms used for payroll deduction may have information in addition to that listed in subsection (2) of this section. A form that satisfies subsection (2) of this section constitutes the written authorization of the individual authorizing the withholding or diversion.

(4) Employers and other persons who withhold or divert wages or salaries must:

(a) Maintain the completed forms, with the individual's signature or verification, for as long as the withholding or diversion continues;

(b) Keep the forms and other documents described in RCW 29B.40.230(4) open for public inspection for three years after the last disbursement of wages or salaries; and

Political Contribution Withholding Authorization

No employer or other person may withhold a portion of a Washington State resident's earnings (or that of a nonresident whose primary place of work is in Washington) in order to make contributions to a political committee that must report to the Public Disclosure Commission or to a candidate for state or local office without written permission from that individual. Completion of this form entitles the entity specified to make such a withholding. This authorization form remains in effect until revoked in writing by the employee.

| I, | | | | | , | authorize | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | First Name | Middle Initial | Last Name | | | | Name of Employer or Other Person | | | | | to withhold $ | | per/pay period/week/month/year/ | | | | | | | | Amount | Circle One | | | | from my earnings in order to make political contributions to | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Name of | | | | | | | | | | | | | political committee(s) and/or candidate(s) to receive deductions | | | | | | | | | If more than one recipient is indicated, each is to receive the following portion of the | | | | | | | | | deduction made: | | . | | | | | | | Signature: | | | Date: | | | | |

According to state law, 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.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-17-100, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-17-100, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.495. WSR 13-12-016, § 390-17-100, filed 5/24/13, effective 6/24/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-17-100, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 03-08-052, § 390-17-100, filed 3/28/03, effective 4/28/03
WSR 93-16-064, § 390-17-100, filed 7/30/93, effective 8/30/93.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-17-105 Payroll deductions for small contributors of $25 or less.

(1) To comply with RCW 29B.40.230(4), each person or entity who withholds contributions of individuals shall, in lieu of disclosing the names and signatures, substitute unique numerical identifiers for persons making contributions in the amount of $25 or less during a calendar or fiscal year on the signed withholding authorization form or on other documents (such as payroll deductions) subject to RCW 29B.40.230(4).

(2) Contribution withholding authorization forms or payroll deduction documentation of contributors whose annual aggregate contribution is $25 or less during any calendar or fiscal year are not required by the commission to be made available for public inspection or copying when such records display the names, signatures, home addresses, Social Security numbers, or other information capable of personally identifying those contributors.

(3) The names, signatures, home addresses, Social Security numbers or other information capable of personally identifying contributors whose annual aggregate contribution to a person or entity is $25 or less during any calendar or fiscal year shall not be provided by the PDC.

(4) Each person or entity who withholds contributions under RCW 29B.40.230 shall, upon request, deliver to the PDC documents of books and accounts described in RCW 29B.40.230(4).

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-17-105, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-17-105, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-17-105, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 04-01-129, § 390-17-105, filed 12/18/03, effective 1/18/04.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-17-110 Employee notification of payroll deduction withholding provisions.

(1)(a) By June 30, 2003, and at least annually by June 30 thereafter, employees from whom funds are being withheld for contributions to a candidate or political committee under RCW 29B.40.230 shall be notified, in writing, of the nondiscriminatory provisions of RCW 29B.40.230(2). Employee notification shall include the following language:

"No employer or labor organization may discriminate against an officer or employee in the terms or conditions of employment for:

(i) The failure to contribute to;

(ii) The failure in any way to support or oppose; or

(iii) In any way supporting or opposing a candidate, ballot proposition, political party, or political committee."

(b) The written notification shall be provided by the employer or labor organization. The employer or labor organization may agree on which entity shall send the notification.

(2)(a) Pursuant to RCW 29B.40.230(3), at least annually by June 30th, each employer or other person or entity responsible for the disbursement of funds in payment of wages or salaries shall ensure written notification is directly provided to the employees from whom funds are being withheld for contributions to a candidate or political committee stating that the employee authorization for withholding of wages or salary for such contributions may be revoked at any time. The employer or other person or entity responsible for the disbursement of funds in payment of wages or salaries and the candidate, political committee, or sponsor of the political committee may agree on which of them shall send the notification.

(b) The written notification shall identify where an employee can submit the revocation, which shall be either:

(i) The name and address of employer's contact; or

(ii) The name and address of the person or entity responsible for the disbursement of funds in payment of wages or salaries.

(i) The date specified in the revocation; or

(ii) If no date is specified, as of the date the written notification is received by the employer or other person or entity responsible for the disbursement of funds in payment of wages or salaries pursuant to RCW 29B.40.230.

(3) "Written notification" means notice provided by mail, email, newsletter, payroll insert or other similar direct communication in writing that is addressed to the employee. Posting information on websites, bulletin boards and other passive communication vehicles shall not constitute notification under RCW 29B.40.230. If the written notification appears in a newsletter or similar publication, the notice shall be prominently displayed or announced on the first page of the written communication.

(4) Each employer or other person who provides notice pursuant to subsection (1) or (2) of this section shall maintain a copy of the annual notification and a listing of employees notified for a period of no less than five years.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-17-110, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-17-110, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-17-110, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 03-08-050, § 390-17-110, filed 3/28/03, effective 4/28/03.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-17-200 Major political party organizations.

(1) With respect to a major political party, each of the following is considered a separate organization for purposes of making and receiving contributions: Governing body of the state organization, county central committee, and legislative district committee.

(2) Each major political party is restricted to one state central committee, one county central committee per county, and one legislative district committee per legislative district for making and receiving contributions.

(3) Each major political party shall designate each county central committee and each legislative district committee and shall notify the commission in writing of the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of each committee officer within two weeks following the designation.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-17-200, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 02-23-001, § 390-17-200, filed 11/6/02, effective 12/7/02
WSR 93-16-064, § 390-17-200, filed 7/30/93, effective 8/30/93.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-17-300 Contribution designation for primary and general election.

(1) Pursuant to RCW 29B.40.020 and 29B.40.030, if a contribution is designated in writing by the contributor for a specific election, the contribution will be attributed to the contributor's limit for that designated election.

(2) An undesignated contribution made prior to the date of a primary election shall be attributed to the contributor's limit for the primary election. Undesignated contributions made after the date of the primary shall be attributed to the contributor's limit for the general election.

(3) Any portion of an undesignated contribution made prior to the date of the primary which exceeds the contributor's primary election contribution limit shall be attributed to the contributor's limit for the general election.

(4) Contributions for the primary election shall be accounted for separately from those for the general election, such that campaign records reflect one aggregate contribution total for each contributor giving in the primary election as well as one aggregate contribution total for each contributor giving in the general election.

(5) General election contributions shall not be spent for the primary election if to do so would cause the contributor of the general election contribution to exceed that contributor's contribution limit for the primary election.

(6) If a candidate loses in the primary election, or otherwise is not a candidate in the general election, all contributions attributed to the primary election remaining after repayment of outstanding campaign obligations shall be considered surplus funds, disposal of which is governed by RCW 29B.40.090. If a candidate loses in the primary election, or otherwise is not a candidate in the general election, all contributions attributed to the general election shall be returned to the contributors of the funds in an amount equal to the contributor's general election aggregate total. If a portion of a contributor's general election contribution was spent on the primary election consistent with subsection (5) of this section, the amount returned to the contributor may be reduced by the amount of the contribution spent on the primary election.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-17-300, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-17-300, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 07-07-005, § 390-17-300, filed 3/8/07, effective 4/8/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 94-07-141, § 390-17-300, filed 3/23/94, effective 4/23/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-16-064, § 390-17-300, filed 7/30/93, effective 8/30/93.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-17-301 Eligibility to receive primary election contributions.

(1) Candidates for state and certain local offices are subject to the contribution limits in RCW 29B.40.020. Judicial candidates are subject to the contribution limits in RCW 29B.40.030. Only candidates who appear on the primary election ballot or as write-in candidates in the primary election may receive primary election contributions.

(2) Once the appropriate elections official determines that no primary election for a particular office will be held, a declared candidate for that office must refund any contributions received in excess of the general election contribution limit. The candidate or the candidate's authorized committee must make the refunds within two weeks of the election's official's determination, and must disclose the refunds on the appropriate report.

(3) Failure by a candidate or a candidate's authorized committee to make refunds as required by subsection (2) of this section is a violation of RCW 29B.40.020 or 29B.40.030 by the candidate, but not by the contributors who made primary election contributions before a determination was made that no primary election would be held.

(4) WAC 390-17-303 sets out additional eligibility criteria for superior court candidates.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-17-301, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 14-12-013, § 390-17-301, filed 5/22/14, effective 6/22/14.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-17-302 Contributions after the primary election.

(1) Pursuant to RCW 29B.40.020 and 29B.40.030, the date of the primary is the last day for making primary-related contributions unless a candidate subject to contribution limits loses in the primary, that candidate's authorized committee has insufficient funds to pay debts outstanding as of the date of the primary, and the contributions are used to satisfy this outstanding debt.

(2) For purposes of the contribution limit in RCW 29B.40.020 and 29B.40.030, any contribution made up to 30 days after the primary election pursuant to RCW 29B.40.020 and 29B.40.030 is aggregated with contributions made on or before the date of the primary from the same contributor and any person with whom that contributor shares a limit under RCW 29B.40.150 and WAC 390-16-309.

(3) The day following the primary election is considered the first day of the 30-day period during which contributions may be made to candidates subject to contribution limits who lose in the primary election and who have outstanding primary debts.

(4) For purposes of RCW 29B.40.020 and 29B.40.030, "outstanding primary debts," "outstanding debts" and "debts outstanding" all mean:

(a) Unpaid primary-election-related debts incurred on or before the date of the primary by the authorized committee of a candidate who lost the primary election for an office subject to contribution limits; and

(b) Reasonable costs associated with activities of the losing candidate's authorized committee necessary to retire the primary-election-related debts it incurred on or before the date of the primary. Examples of such reasonable costs include:

(i) Necessary administrative expenses (office space rental, staff wages, taxes, supplies, telephone and computer costs, postage, and the like) for activities actually and directly related to retiring the committee's debt; and

(ii) Necessary expenses actually and directly related to the fund-raising activities undertaken to retire the debt, as long as all persons solicited for contributions are notified that the contributions are subject to that contributor's primary election limit for that losing candidate.

(5) Nothing in this section is to be construed as authorizing contributors to make, or candidates subject to contribution limits who lose the primary to receive, contributions that are used for a purpose not specifically authorized by RCW 29B.40.020 or 29B.40.030, including use for some future election or as surplus funds.

(6) All contributions received in excess of the sum needed to satisfy outstanding primary debts shall be returned to the original contributors in an amount not to exceed the amount contributed in accordance with the first in, first out accounting principle wherein the most recent contribution received is the first to be returned until all excess funds are returned to contributors.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-17-302, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-17-302, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-17-302, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 10-20-012, § 390-17-302, filed 9/24/10, effective 10/25/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 07-07-005, § 390-17-302, filed 3/8/07, effective 4/8/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.690. WSR 01-22-050, § 390-17-302, filed 10/31/01, effective 1/1/02.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-17-303 Superior court candidates—Eligibility to receive contributions.

(1) Candidates for judicial office are subject to the contribution limits in RCW 29B.40.030 and the timing restriction on contributions of a candidate's personal funds in RCW 29B.40.070. Pursuant to Article 4, Section 29, Amendment 41 of the state Constitution and RCW 29B.40.030, candidates for the office of judge of the superior court may only receive contributions for each election in which the candidate is on the ballot or appears as a write-in candidate.

(2) For purposes of RCW 29B.40.030:

(a) Only superior court candidates who appear on the primary election ballot or as write-in candidates in the primary election may receive contributions with respect to that primary; and

(b) Only superior court candidates who appear on the general election ballot or as write-in candidates in the general election may receive contributions with respect to that general election.

(3)(a) A superior court candidate who is issued a certificate of election before the primary election and whose name does not appear on either the primary or general election ballot may receive contributions pursuant to RCW 29B.40.030:

(i) Through the last day for withdrawal of declarations of candidacy pursuant to RCW 29A.24.131; or

(ii) If there is a reopening of filing for the position and no other candidate files, the last day for reopening of filing pursuant to RCW 29A.24.171 and 29A.24.181.

(b) Contributions remaining in the account of such a superior court candidate who is issued a certificate of election must be returned to contributors within two weeks of certification. Primary-election-related contributions are to be returned using the first-in, first-out accounting method. Any contributions received with respect to the general election must be returned in full to contributors.

(4) A superior court candidate who is issued a certificate of election after the primary election and whose name does not appear on the general election ballot may receive contributions pursuant to RCW 29B.40.030. However, contributions received with respect to the general election must be returned in full to contributors within two weeks of certification.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-17-303, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-17-303, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-17-303, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 2006 c 348. WSR 07-14-126, § 390-17-303, filed 7/3/07, effective 11/7/07.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-17-305 Personal funds of a candidate.

(1) The personal funds of a candidate include:

(a) Assets which the candidate has legal access to or control over, and which he or she has legal title to or an equitable interest in, at the time of candidacy;

(b) Income from employment;

(d) Income from trusts, if established before candidacy;

(e) Income from trusts established from bequests, even if established after candidacy;

(f) Personal gifts, if customarily received; and

(g) Proceeds from lotteries and similar games of chance.

(2) A candidate may also use, as personal funds, his or her portion of assets owned jointly with a spouse or domestic partner. If the candidate's financial interest is not specified, then the candidate's share is deemed to be half the value of the asset.

(3) If any person gives or loans the candidate funds in connection with their campaign, the funds are not considered personal funds of the candidate. Such funds are considered a contribution under Title 29B RCW unless the loan meets the exemption provided in RCW 29B.40.170(3).

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-17-305, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-17-305, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-17-305, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 2008 c 6 § 1303. WSR 09-01-063, § 390-17-305, filed 12/11/08, effective 1/11/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-16-064, § 390-17-305, filed 7/30/93, effective 8/30/93.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-17-310 Definition—Doing business in Washington.

A corporation or business entity is "doing business in Washington state" for purposes of RCW 29B.40.020 if it conducts continuous or substantial activities in Washington state of such character as to give rise to a legal obligation.

In determining whether a corporation or business entity is doing business in Washington state, the commission will take into consideration the following nonexclusive list of indicators:

• Purposefully availing itself of the privilege of conducting business in the state by invoking both benefits and protections of state law.

• Appointing an agent for service of process in Washington state.

• Registering as a corporation in Washington.

• Operating business locations in Washington.

• Hiring employees to work in Washington.

• Purchasing or selling goods or services in Washington.

• Operating an interactive internet website for the purpose of conducting business.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-17-310, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-17-310, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-17-310, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 07-07-005, § 390-17-310, filed 3/8/07, effective 4/8/07
WSR 05-04-039, § 390-17-310, filed 1/27/05, effective 2/27/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 96-05-001, § 390-17-310, filed 2/7/96, effective 3/9/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-16-064, § 390-17-310, filed 7/30/93, effective 8/30/93.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-17-315 Political committees—Qualifications to contribute.

(1) Within 180 days of making a contribution 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, a political committee shall have received contributions of $25 or more each from at least 10 individuals registered to vote in Washington state.

(2) A political committee shall have received contributions of $25 or more each from at least 10 individuals registered to vote in Washington state before contributing to a Washington state political committee.

(3) A political committee shall maintain a list of the names and addresses of these registered voters from whom contributions are received, the amount of each contribution, and the date each contribution is received. Upon written request of the commission or other person seeking this information, the political committee shall provide the list within 14 days.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110, 42.17A.125, 42.17A.615, and 42.17A.640. WSR 24-01-028, § 390-17-315, filed 12/8/23, effective 1/8/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]125. WSR 23-12-036, § 390-17-315, filed 5/30/23, effective 6/30/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.130 and 42.17.093. WSR 12-01-047, § 390-17-315, filed 12/14/11, effective 1/14/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 07-07-005, § 390-17-315, filed 3/8/07, effective 4/8/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 02-03-018, § 390-17-315, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/4/02
WSR 96-05-001, § 390-17-315, filed 2/7/96, effective 3/9/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 94-07-141, § 390-17-315, filed 3/23/94, effective 4/23/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-16-064, § 390-17-315, filed 7/30/93, effective 8/30/93.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-17-320 Contributions from corporations, businesses, unions and political committees.

Pursuant to RCW 29B.40.020, entities prohibited from contributing to a candidate for state office, a state official against whom recall charges have been filed or a political committee having the expectation of making expenditures in support of the recall of the official shall not earmark or otherwise direct a contribution to one of these recipients through a political committee.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-17-320, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-17-320, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 07-07-005, § 390-17-320, filed 3/8/07, effective 4/8/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 96-05-001, § 390-17-320, filed 2/7/96, effective 3/9/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 94-11-016, § 390-17-320, filed 5/5/94, effective 6/5/94.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-17-400 Time limit to solicit or accept contributions.

The purpose of this rule is to clarify and implement the restriction period set forth in RCW 29B.45.020.

(1) "Campaign debt," as used in RCW 29B.45.020 and these rules, means any debt incurred by a candidate seeking election to a Washington state nonfederal public office, including campaigns for state, county, city, town, school district, special district or other state political subdivision elective office.

(2) "Known candidates" means individuals who are, or who become, candidates for state or local office during a legislative session freeze period.

(3) "Legislative session freeze period" means the period of time in RCW 29B.45.020 within which contributions shall not be solicited or accepted by a state official or a person employed by or acting on behalf of a state official.

(a) The freeze period begins at 12:01 a.m. on the thirtieth day before the start of the regular legislative session and ends at 11:59 p.m. on the day of adjournment of the regular legislative session.

(b) If a special session is held immediately following the end of the regular legislative session, the freeze period ends at 11:59 p.m. on the day the special session adjourns.

(c) If a special session is held other than within 30 days before a regular legislative session, the freeze period begins at 12:01 a.m. on the first day of the special session and ends at 11:59 p.m. on the final day of the special session.

(4) A successful candidate for state office who does not already hold a state office is not required to comply with RCW 29B.45.020 until sworn into office.

(5) A state official must comply with RCW 29B.45.020 until he or she no longer holds state office.

(6) Activities allowed during a freeze period. During a legislative session freeze period, the activities in which state officials may engage include, but are not limited to:

(a) Soliciting or accepting contributions to assist their own campaign for federal office;

(b) Accepting gifts or other items permitted under chapter 42.52 RCW, so long as the gift or other item is not

| • | A contribution to an incumbent state official or known candidate, | | --- | --- | | • | A contribution to a public office fund, | | • | Used to pay a nonreimbursed public office related expense, or | | • | Used to retire a campaign debt; |

(c) Attending and speaking at a fund-raising event held by or on behalf of a bona fide political party, so long as the contributions raised are not earmarked or otherwise designated for any incumbent state official or known candidate;

(d) Attending a fund-raiser held by a candidate who is not subject to RCW 29B.45.020, provided the state official does not solicit or accept any contributions in connection with the fund-raiser.

(i) The state official's planned attendance may be included in publicity for the fund-raiser.

(ii) The state official may receive complimentary admission from the candidate so long as the official attends to show support for the candidate and the attendance does not assist the official's own campaign.

(e) Transferring their own personal funds, as defined in WAC 390-17-305, or their own "surplus funds," as defined in RCW 29B.10.520, to their own campaign account, so long as the funds are properly reported;

(f) Soliciting or accepting contributions on behalf of a nonprofit charity; or

(g) Soliciting or accepting contributions on behalf of any political committee, including a caucus political committee, a bona fide political party or a ballot measure committee, so long as the political committee does not spend the contributions for the benefit of incumbent state officials or known candidates.

(7) Activities not allowed during a freeze period. During a legislative session freeze period, a state official, or a person employed by or acting on behalf of a state official, may not solicit or accept contributions that:

(a) Go to an incumbent state official or known candidate;

(b) Go to a public office fund;

(d) Are used to retire a campaign debt;

(e) Go to a caucus political committee if the committee spends the contributions for the benefit of incumbent state officials or known candidates; or

(f) Go to a bona fide political party or a political committee if the political party or committee spends the contributions for the benefit of incumbent state officials or known candidates.

(8) "Person employed by or acting on behalf of a state official" includes a caucus political committee or any political committee financed or controlled by a legislative caucus as a whole or by one or more officers of a caucus political committee.

(a) During a legislative session freeze period, a person employed by or acting on behalf of a state official may not solicit or accept contributions for any of the purposes specified in subsection (7) of this section.

(b) During a legislative session freeze period, a caucus political committee may solicit or accept contributions from caucus members if the members make the contributions with their own personal funds, as defined in WAC 390-17-305, or with their own "surplus funds," as defined in RCW 29B.10.520.

(c) During a legislative session freeze period, a caucus political committee may not solicit or accept contributions for any of the purposes specified in subsection (7) of this rule.

(9) Bona fide political parties. During a legislative session freeze period, a bona fide political party may not solicit or accept contributions that are

| • | Used for a public office fund, | | --- | --- | | • | Used for a state official's nonreimbursed public office related expenses, | | • | Used for retiring a state official's campaign debt, or | | • | Earmarked contributions to specific incumbent state officials or known candidates. |

However, a bona fide political party may solicit or accept contributions for its own fund-raising purposes.

(10) Segregating session freeze funds. During a legislative session freeze period, if a state official, a caucus political committee, or another person employed by or acting on behalf of a state official solicits or accepts contributions to

| • | A caucus political committee, | | --- | --- | | • | A bona fide political party, or | | • | Any political committee that supports or opposes state or local office candidates, the contributions are presumed to violate RCW 29B.45.020, unless the contributions are deposited into a separate bank account and not spent for the benefit of incumbent state officials or known candidates. |

However, nothing in this subsection authorizes a state official, a caucus political committee or any person employed by or acting on behalf of a state official to take any of the actions prohibited by subsection (7) or (8)(c) of this section.

(11) Session freeze solicitations. If a person is solicited for a contribution during the legislative session freeze period

by a state official, a caucus political committee, or another person employed by or acting on behalf of a state official; and the contribution is to a caucus political committee, a bona fide political party, or a political committee that supports or opposes candidates for state or local office; and the person makes a contribution during or after the freeze period in response to this solicitation; then the contribution is subject to RCW 29B.45.020 and subsection (12) of this section.

(12) Spending contributions to benefit incumbents or known candidates. For purposes of complying with subsections (6)(g), (7)(e) and (f), and (10) of this section, contributions are considered spent for the benefit of incumbent state officials or known candidates if the contributions are used at any time for one or more of the following purposes:

(a) Contributions to incumbent state officials or known candidates;

(b) Independent expenditures supporting incumbent state officials or known candidates, or opposing their opponents, whether or not the opponents are themselves known candidates during a legislative session freeze period;

(c) Payments to staff, consultants or advisors for performing activities that directly assist or promote the election of incumbent state officials or known candidates; or

(d) Polls or surveys that relate to incumbent state officials, known candidates or their districts, or to general voter attitudes or preferences, unless

| • | A poll or survey is produced, conducted, tabulated and analyzed according to the terms of a written confidentiality agreement and, if the agreement is breached, all reasonable steps are taken to enforce it, and | | --- | --- | | • | The results of a poll or survey are not provided by the spender, or with the spender's permission or prior knowledge, to incumbent state officials, known candidates or their agents. |

However, candidate recruitment poll or survey results may be provided to an individual who later becomes a known candidate without the expenditure being considered as benefiting a known candidate so long as the poll or survey does not constitute a contribution to the individual or does not otherwise support or promote his or her election to state or local office. For purposes of this subsection, a "candidate recruitment poll or survey" is a poll or survey that is conducted for the sole purpose of recruiting candidates to run for public office and only determines

| • | The respondent's party preference; | | --- | --- | | • | The level of support the incumbent currently has and how strong that support is, but not why he or she has that support; | | • | Whether respondents recognize the names of individuals who may decide to seek that elective office; | | • | Whether respondents currently hold a favorable opinion about these individuals, their abilities or fitness for elective office, but not why such opinions are held; | | • | Whether respondents would likely vote for one or more of these individuals were they to seek office, but not why respondents would vote in the manner they indicated or whether they could be persuaded to change their vote; and | | • | The validity of the poll or survey results. |

(e) Any other expenditure that directly benefits or promotes the election to state or local office of incumbent state officials or known candidates.

(13) 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 29B.45.020, but transferred to the candidate's account within the restricted period, is considered received outside of the restriction period.

(a) Any such contributions should be reported as received on the date the transfer is made from the merchant account to a candidate or political committee account.

(b) The PDC may request that the state official or legislator document that the contribution was received by the merchant account outside the restriction period.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-17-400, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-17-400, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110, 42.17A.125(1). WSR 16-04-081, § 390-17-400, filed 1/29/16, effective 2/29/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-17-400, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 08-01-062 and 08-06-067, § 390-17-400, filed 12/14/07 and 3/3/08, effective 1/14/08 and 4/3/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 98-23-016, § 390-17-400, filed 11/6/98, effective 12/7/98
WSR 96-01-103, § 390-17-400, filed 12/19/95, effective 1/19/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-16-064, § 390-17-400, filed 7/30/93, effective 8/30/93.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-17-405 Volunteer services.

(1) In accordance with RCW 29B.10.160 (2)(f), an individual may perform services or labor for a candidate or political committee without it constituting a contribution, so long as the individual is not compensated by any person for the services or labor rendered and the services are of the kind commonly performed by volunteer campaign workers. These commonly performed services include:

(a) Office staffing;

(b) Doorbelling or leaflet drops;

(d) Political or fund-raising event staffing;

(e) Telephone bank activity (conducting voter identification, surveys or polling, and get-out-the-vote campaigns);

(f) Construction and placement of yard signs, hand-held signs or in-door signs;

(g) Acting as a driver for candidate or candidate or committee staff;

(h) Scheduling of campaign appointments and events;

(i) Transporting voters to polling places on election day;

(j) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, preparing campaign disclosure reports required by chapter 29B.25 RCW and otherwise helping to ensure compliance with state election or public disclosure laws;

(k) Campaign consulting and management services, polling and survey design, public relations and advertising (including online advertising), or fund-raising performed by any individual, so long as the individual does not ordinarily charge a fee or receive compensation for providing the service;

(l) Creating, designing, posting to and maintaining a candidate or political committee's official campaign website or online forum, so long as the individual does not ordinarily charge a fee or receive compensation for providing the service; and

(m) All similar activities as determined by the PDC.

(2) An attorney or accountant may donate their professional services to a candidate, a candidate's authorized committee, a political party or a caucus political committee, without it constituting a contribution in accordance with RCW 29B.10.160 (2)(h), if the attorney or accountant is:

(a) Employed and their employer is paying for the services rendered;

(b) Self-employed; or

However, neither RCW 29B.10.160 (2)(h) nor this section authorizes the services of an attorney or an accountant to be provided to a political committee without a contribution ensuing, unless the political committee is a candidate's authorized committee, political party or caucus political committee and the conditions of RCW 29B.10.160 (2)(h) and (a), (b) or (c) of this subsection are satisfied, or unless the political committee pays the fair market value of the services rendered.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-17-405, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-17-405, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.320. WSR 13-12-017, § 390-17-405, filed 5/24/13, effective 6/24/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-17-405, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 07-07-005, § 390-17-405, filed 3/8/07, effective 4/8/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 98-12-037, § 390-17-405, filed 5/28/98, effective 6/28/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 94-11-017, § 390-17-405, filed 5/5/94, effective 6/5/94.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-17-410 Electioneering communications may constitute contributions and be subject to limit.

(1) Electioneering communications are contributions when they satisfy the definition of "contribution" in RCW 29B.10.160 or 29B.30.030.

(2) Contributions are subject to all applicable provisions of Titles 29B RCW and 390 WAC, including RCW 29B.40.020, 29B.40.030, and 29B.40.070.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-17-410, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-17-410, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-17-410, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.562. WSR 06-11-132, § 390-17-410, filed 5/23/06, effective 6/23/06.

Chapter 390-18 Political advertising.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-18-010 Sponsor identification of advertising, political advertising, electioneering communications, and independent expenditures.

(1) For the purposes of Titles 29B RCW and 390 WAC:

(a) "Sponsor of political advertising, electioneering communication, or independent expenditure" is, as used in the act and in these rules, and defined in chapter 29B.10 RCW.

(b) Unless the context clearly provides otherwise, "advertising" or "advertisement" means political advertising, independent expenditures that are for political advertising, or electioneering communications, subject to the provisions of Title 29B RCW and as defined in chapter 29B.10 RCW or RCW 29B.25.120.

(2) All advertising must clearly state, in an area set apart from any other printed matter, that it has been paid for by the sponsor (Example: (1) Paid for by the XYZ committee, mailing address, city, state, zip code; (2) Vote for John Doe, paid for by John Doe, mailing address, city, state, zip code). Additional requirements apply for the following:

(a) Political committees that sponsor political advertising costing or having a fair market value of $2,000 or more supporting or opposing a ballot proposition must clearly identify the "top five contributors" to that political committee, as well as the "top three donors" of all political committees identified as a "top five contributor," pursuant to WAC 390-18-025.

(b) Advertising undertaken as an independent expenditure or electioneering communication must comply with the "no candidate authorized this ad" sponsor identification and, if relevant, the "top five contributors," as well as the "top three donors" to political committee contributors, and identification of the individual, corporation, union, association, or other entity that established, maintains, or controls the sponsoring political committee provisions of RCW 29B.30.050.

(c) Political committees that sponsor independent expenditure or electioneering communication printed advertising are required to identify the "top five contributors" to that political committee, as well as the "top three donors" to political committee contributors. This requirement does not apply to bona fide political parties sponsoring independent expenditures.

(3) Required sponsor identification must be displayed in printed advertisements:

(a) In an area set apart from other printed matter;

(b) On the first page or fold of advertising consisting of more than one page that is intended to be presented as a single item (e.g., 3-page letter with return envelope). Identification on an enclosed return envelope or the envelope in which the advertising is sent is not sufficient;

(c) By respective sponsor on advertising which is a collection of several items relating to more than one candidate or committee and distributed simultaneously.

(4) Required sponsor identification must be clearly identified or spoken in advertising on radio, by telephone, or on television.

(5) Required sponsor identification must be clearly identified, spoken or displayed on advertising on websites, social media and other digital communication. Political committee websites and other online forums created by a political committee must include sponsor identification.

(6) With advertising for which no payment is demanded or for which a cost or fair market value is not readily ascertainable, the sponsor is the candidate, political committee or person who solicits or arranges for the advertising to be displayed, disseminated or broadcast.

(7) If more than one person sponsors specific advertising, the identity of each sponsor must be identified. However, if a person contributes in cash or in-kind to a candidate or political committee to assist in paying the cost of advertising, that person is not deemed a sponsor, provided the contribution is not earmarked for the advertising and is reported in accordance with applicable provisions of Titles 29B RCW and 390 WAC.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-18-010, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]125. WSR 23-12-036, § 390-18-010, filed 5/30/23, effective 6/30/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-18-010, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-18-010, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.320. WSR 13-12-015, § 390-18-010, filed 5/24/13, effective 6/24/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-18-010, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 11-05-051, § 390-18-010, filed 2/10/11, effective 3/13/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.562. WSR 06-11-132, § 390-18-010, filed 5/23/06, effective 6/23/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 03-12-034, § 390-18-010, filed 5/29/03, effective 6/29/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 00-22-055, § 390-18-010, filed 10/27/00, effective 11/27/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-16-064, § 390-18-010, filed 7/30/93, effective 8/30/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-15-020 (Order 85-03), § 390-18-010, filed 7/9/85.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-18-020 Advertising—Political party identification.

(1) RCW 29B.30.050 requires sponsors of electioneering communications identifying a candidate or advertising supporting or opposing a candidate to clearly identify the candidate's political party or independent status in the advertising when the candidate has expressed a party or independent preference on the declaration of candidacy.

(2) To assist sponsors in complying with this requirement, the commission shall publish a list of abbreviations or symbols that clearly identify political party affiliation or independent status. These abbreviations may be used by sponsors to identify a candidate's political party.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-18-020, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-18-020, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-18-020, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.562. WSR 06-11-132, § 390-18-020, filed 5/23/06, effective 6/23/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 99-12-067, § 390-18-020, filed 5/27/99, effective 6/27/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-16-064, § 390-18-020, filed 7/30/93, effective 8/30/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-15-020 (Order 85-03), § 390-18-020, filed 7/9/85.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-18-025 Advertising—Identification of "top five contributors" and "top three donors to PAC contributors."

Sponsors must identify the "top five contributors" when required to be included in political advertising, as provided in WAC 390-18-010. When the "top five contributor" list includes one or more political committees, the sponsor must further identify and separately include in the advertisement the collective "top three donors to PAC contributors" to all such political committees. This section explains how the sponsor should identify such "top three donors to PAC contributors."

(1) For purposes of RCW 29B.30.050, "top five contributors" means the five "persons," as defined in RCW 29B.10.400, giving the largest aggregate contributions of $2,000 or more during the 12-month period preceding the date on which the advertisement is published or otherwise presented to the public. The sponsor may calculate the 12-month period from the date the advertisement is submitted to a third-party publisher for reasonably prompt publication, so long as there is no anticipated or intentional delay in the publication or presentation. If more than five contributors give an amount equal to the largest aggregate contribution exceeding the threshold value and the funds are received during the relevant 12-month period, the political committee sponsoring the advertisement must select five of these contributors to identify as the top five contributors.

(2)(a) If a political committee keeps records necessary to track contributions used according to the use intended by its contributors, that committee may identify the top contributions to the advertisement, as opposed to identifying the overall top five contributors to the committee, if such identified contributors made contributions that were intended and actually used to pay for the advertisement.

(b) For purposes for identifying the top five contributors, the sponsor should not include contributions earmarked, tracked, and used for purposes other than paying for the advertisement. However, if a sponsor uses a contributor's contributions earmarked for advertising for a different candidate or slate of candidates than the candidate or candidates intended by the contributor, the sponsor must include such contribution in determining the "top five contributors" of the actual advertisement for which the contribution was used.

(3) For purposes of RCW 29B.30.100 "top three donors to PAC contributors" means the three individuals or entities, other than political committees, who gave the largest aggregate contributions to one or more political committee listed as a "top five contributor," totaling $2,000 or more during the 12-month period preceding the date on which the advertisement was published or otherwise presented to the public. The sponsor may calculate the 12-month period from the date the advertisement is submitted to a third-party publisher for reasonably prompt publication, so long as there is no anticipated or intentional delay in the publication or presentation.

(a) If any of the contributors to a "top five" political committee is itself a political committee, the sponsor must identify the top three contributors to that political committee. Such process continues until the sponsor has identified the top three nonpolitical committee contributors for each "top five" political committees. If more than three contributors to a "top five" political committee have given an amount equal to the largest aggregate contribution, the sponsor may select three of these contributors to identify as the "top three donors to PAC contributors."

(b) If there is more than one political committee identified as a "top five contributor," the sponsor must identify the top three nonpolitical committee contributors to each "top five" political committee, and then determine the "top three donors to PAC contributors" collectively from that list.

(c) The sponsor should not include contributions to a "top five" political committee contributor for purposes of identifying the "top three donors to PAC contributors" if both:

(i) The contribution to the "top five" committee was reported as an earmarked contribution for a purpose other than the advertisement in question; and

(ii) The "top five" committee has provided written verification to the sponsor before the initial publication or public presentation of the advertisement, confirming that such contribution was tracked and used for such other purpose.

(4) For purposes of determining the "top three donors to PAC contributors," the sponsor must make reasonable efforts to identify the contributions made to a political committee. Reasonable efforts include searching through reports of contributions filed with the commission or any other state, as well as requests made to any political committee that has not disclosed its contributions to the commission or in any other state. After making reasonable efforts, the sponsor may reasonably rely on the information reported to the commission, and will not be liable for any omission or miscalculation because a contribution to any "top five" political committee has not been reported to the commission.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-18-025, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]125. WSR 23-12-036, § 390-18-025, filed 5/30/23, effective 6/30/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-18-025, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-18-025, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.320. WSR 13-12-015, § 390-18-025, filed 5/24/13, effective 6/24/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-18-025, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 07-08-044, § 390-18-025, filed 3/28/07, effective 4/28/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.562. WSR 06-11-132, § 390-18-025, filed 5/23/06, effective 6/23/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 02-12-007, § 390-18-025, filed 5/23/02, effective 6/23/02.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-18-027 Definition—Medium that does not include a visual image.

(1) For electioneering communications identifying sponsors and top five contributors as required by RCW 29B.30.050, a "medium that does not include a visual image" means audio only, such as radio, which is transmitted without a visual component.

(2) For independent expenditures identifying sponsors and top five contributors as required by RCW 29B.30.050, a "medium that does not include a visual image" means audio only, such as radio or telephone transmissions, without a visual component.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-18-027, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-18-027, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-18-027, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-18-027, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.562. WSR 06-11-132, § 390-18-027, filed 5/23/06, effective 6/23/06.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-18-030 Advertising—Exemptions from sponsor identification and alternatives for online advertising.

(1) RCW 29B.30.050 requires that political advertising must identify certain information. The commission is authorized to exempt advertising where the sponsor identification disclosures required by RCW 29B.30.050 (1) and (2) are impractical. In addition, other political advertising is exempt from providing certain disclosures. Political advertising may not include incorrect, false, or misleading sponsor identification whether or not sponsor identification is exempt under this section.

(2)(a) The following forms of advertising need not include the sponsor's name and address, the "no candidate authorized this ad" sponsor identification, the "top five contributors," "top three donors to PAC contributors," or the identification of the individual, corporation, union, association, or other entity that established, maintains, or controls the sponsoring political committee as otherwise required by RCW 29B.30.050 (1) and (2) and 29B.30.100:

(i) Campaign paraphernalia, including novelty or sundry items intended for individual distribution and use, with a printing surface area smaller than 60 square inches, including expandable surface area such as a balloon when expanded, or where such identification is otherwise impractical to provide a readable text;

(ii) Newspaper ads of one column inch or less (excluding online ads);

(iii) Reader boards where a message is affixed in movable letters, or skywriting; and

(iv) State or local voter's pamphlets published pursuant to law.

(b) Yard signs must include sponsor identification, but need not include "top five contributors" or "top three donors to PAC contributors."

(3) Online political advertising must provide the same disclosures that apply to non-online advertising to the extent practical. As an alternative, small online advertising may provide the required disclosures by using an automatic display with the advertising that takes the reader directly to the required disclosures.

(a) These automatic displays must be clear and conspicuous, unavoidable, immediately visible, remain visible for at least four seconds, and display a color contrast as to be legible. Online advertising that includes only audio must include the disclosures in a manner that is clearly spoken.

(b) Examples include nonblockable pop-ups, roll-overs, a separate text box or link that automatically appears with or in the advertising that automatically takes the reader directly to the required disclosures upon being clicked once, or other similar mechanisms that disclose the information required in RCW 29B.30.050 in a manner that is compatible with the device and technology used to display the advertising.

(4) Political advertising created and distributed by an individual using their own modest resources is not required to provide the disclosures in RCW 29B.30.050, when all of the following criteria are satisfied:

(a) The individual spends in the aggregate less than $100 to produce and distribute the advertising or less than $50 to produce and distribute online advertising;

(b) The individual acts independently and not as an agent of a candidate, authorized committee, political committee, corporation, union, business association, or other organization or entity;

(d) The individual does not receive donations, contributions, or payments from others for the advertising, and is not compensated for producing or distributing the advertising; and

(e) The advertising is either:

(i) A letter, flier, handbill, text, email or other digital communications from the individual that does not appear in a newspaper or other similar mass publication (except for letters to the editor and similar communications addressed in WAC 390-05-490(4)); or

(ii) Disseminated on the individual's social media site, personal website, or an individual's similar online forum where information is produced and disseminated only by the individual.

(5) Political advertising that is internal political communications to members is not required to separately include the disclosures in RCW 29B.30.050 where the sponsor's name is otherwise apparent on the face of the communication.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-18-030, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]320. WSR 25-01-116, s 390-18-030, filed 12/16/24, effective 1/16/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-18-030, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-18-030, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.320. WSR 13-12-017, § 390-18-030, filed 5/24/13, effective 6/24/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-18-030, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 11-05-051, § 390-18-030, filed 2/10/11, effective 3/13/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.562. WSR 06-11-132, § 390-18-030, filed 5/23/06, effective 6/23/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 04-12-057, § 390-18-030, filed 5/28/04, effective 6/28/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 95-01-074A, § 390-18-030, filed 12/16/94, effective 1/16/95. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-15-020 (Order 85-03), § 390-18-030, filed 7/9/85.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-18-035 Synthetic media—Application of disclosure statements in electioneering communications.

For purposes of chapter 29B.35 RCW, any disclosure statement regarding the use of "synthetic media" in an electioneering communication is in addition to any required disclosure statements under chapter 29B.30 RCW and Title 390 RCW, and may not substitute, replace, or otherwise interfere with such disclaimer requirements.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-18-035, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.62.040. WSR 24-12-019, § 390-18-035, filed 5/24/24, effective 6/24/24.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-18-040 Use of the terms "reelect," "retain," and "return."

(1) The term "reelect" when used in an advertisement represents that the candidate is presently holding the office being sought, was elected to it, and is seeking another term in that same office in the same district or political subdivision.

(2) The term "reelect" may be used in an advertisement by a nonincumbent candidate who has previously been elected to the office being sought provided that in the same advertisement it is clearly stated that the candidate is not the incumbent.

(3) The term "retain" in an advertisement represents that the candidate is the incumbent but does not necessarily imply that the candidate attained the office by election.

(4) The term "return" in an advertisement represents that the candidate now holds, or has previously held, the office being sought, but does not represent that the office was necessarily attained by election.

(5) Whenever the boundaries of a district or political subdivision are officially altered through redistricting, consolidation or other official procedures, the candidate holding an office in the affected district or political subdivision may, in an advertisement, use the term "reelect," "retain" or "return," as appropriate, if the candidate is seeking the same office in the revised district or political subdivision.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-18-040, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 16-22-046, § 390-18-040, filed 10/28/16, effective 11/28/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.562. WSR 06-11-132, § 390-18-040, filed 5/23/06, effective 6/23/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 02-03-018, § 390-18-040, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/4/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 92-12-037, § 390-18-040, filed 5/29/92, effective 6/29/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 88-14-064 (Order 88-02), § 390-18-040, filed 7/1/88
WSR 86-12-059 (Order 86-03), § 390-18-040, filed 6/3/86.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-18-050 Commercial advertisers—Public inspection of records.

(1) "Commercial advertiser" as that term is used in the act and these rules is defined under RCW 29B.10.110.

(2) Any person that hosts political advertising or electioneering communications on a digital communication platform or other media is not required to maintain records on such advertising or communications if the services have been purchased directly through another commercial advertiser, however the commercial advertiser that directly sells the services must maintain the information as required in this section. In order to ensure that such commercial advertiser directly makes its books of account available for public inspection, when selling digital media services to be hosted on another platform or other media, the advertiser must include a separate text box or link that automatically appears with the advertisement or communication in a manner that is compatible with the device and technology used to display the advertising, and that reasonably directs the reader to at least one method under subsection (4) of this section for making the required information available. Such methods may include, but are not limited to, an address or location for receiving in-person inquiries, a link to a portal for processing requests, or a link to a website where the required information is maintained.

(3) Pursuant to RCW 29B.30.090, each commercial advertiser who has accepted or provided political advertising, or electioneering communications, must maintain current books of account and related materials as required by this section. Information contained in books of account must be updated within 24 hours of the time when an advertisement or communication initially has been publicly distributed or broadcast, and within 24 hours of any update or change to such information. Such records must be maintained for a period of no less than five years after the date of the applicable election.

(4) Until such time as the PDC provides an open access platform on its website for this information, which will replace the following methods of inspection for all required information, such information must be available for public inspection by any person, and provided:

(a) In person during normal business hours; or

(b) Electronically, in machine readable format and structured in a way that enables the data to be fully discoverable and useable by the end user:

(i) By digital transmission, such as email, promptly upon request, but no later than two business days; or

(ii) By online publication in one of the following formats:

(A) On the advertiser's primary website; or

(B) On a website controlled by the advertiser, created for purposes of publishing the information required by this section, if a link is prominently displayed on the advertiser's primary website directing users to the website on which the information is provided.

(5) A commercial advertiser may have, to the extent necessary, up to three business days to update its books of account upon receiving notice regarding any missing political advertising or electioneering communication, if:

(a) At the time the order was placed, the commercial advertiser had asked the purchaser in writing whether the order included any political advertising or electioneering communication;

(b) The purchaser did not provide such information; and

(c) The order was not reasonably identifiable to the commercial advertiser as political advertising or an electioneering communication.

(6) The information and books of account that must be maintained open for public inspection pursuant to RCW 29B.30.090 are:

(a) The name of the candidate or ballot measure supported or opposed or the name of the candidate otherwise identified;

(b) A copy of the advertisement or communication in a print or digital graphic record for any media with a visual component, or in an audio or transcribed record for any radio or other media that does not include a visual component;

(c) The name and address of the sponsoring person or persons actually paying for the advertising or electioneering communication, including the federal employer identification number, or other verifiable identification, if any, of an entity, so that the public can know who paid for the advertising or communication, without having to locate and identify any affiliated entities;

(d) The total cost of the advertising or electioneering communication, or initial cost estimate if the total cost is not available upon initial distribution or broadcast, how much of that amount has been paid, as updated, who made the payment, when it was paid, and what method of payment was used; and

(e) Date(s) the commercial advertiser rendered service, including the dates, where applicable, that the advertising or communication was presented to the public.

(7) In addition to subsection (6) of this section and pursuant to RCW 29B.30.090, the materials and books of account open for public inspection must include the political advertisement or electioneering communication itself, and a description of the major work components or tasks, as specified in (a) through (g) of this subsection, that were required to provide the advertising or communications services.

(a) For printers, reproducers and other persons who provide commercial duplicating services: Quantity of items, item description, design, layout, typesetting, photography, printing, silk screening, binding.

(b) For mailing services: Quantity of items mailed, binding, stuffing, labeling, list or directory services, postage or delivery.

(c) For broadcast media: Air time and number of spot advertisements. If the broadcaster provides additional services such as copy writing, talent, production, and tape reproduction, some type of record or notation evidencing the additional service must be available.

(d) For billboard or sign companies: Number and location of signs, design, printing and art work, erection/removal costs.

(e) For specialty or novelty commercial advertisers: Quantity of items provided, silk screening, design, printing and art work.

(f) For newspapers and other print media: Amount of advertising space and dates of publication. If the advertiser provides additional services such as design or layout, some type of record evidencing such additional services must be available.

(g) For digital communication platforms:

(i) A description of the demographic information;

(ii) The statistical characteristics of a population (e.g., age, gender, race, location, etc.), of the audiences targeted and reached, to the extent such information is collected by the commercial advertiser as part of its regular course of business;

(iii) The total number of impressions generated by the advertisement or communication; and

(iv) Any generative adversarial network techniques, artificial intelligence, or other digital technology, provided by the commercial advertiser to produce any "synthetic media," as defined under RCW 29B.30.010, for the advertisement or communication.

(8) At the request of the PDC, each commercial advertiser required to comply with this section must provide to the PDC copies of the information described above.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-18-050, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.62.040. WSR 24-12-019, § 390-18-050, filed 5/24/24, effective 6/24/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 22-05-021, § 390-18-050, filed 2/4/22, effective 3/7/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-18-050, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-18-050, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(8). WSR 15-12-058, § 390-18-050, filed 5/28/15, effective 6/28/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-18-050, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.562. WSR 06-11-132, § 390-18-050, filed 5/23/06, effective 6/23/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 99-12-068, § 390-18-050, filed 5/27/99, effective 6/27/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-04-072, § 390-18-050, filed 1/29/93, effective 3/1/93.

Chapter 390-19 Electronic filing.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-19-010 Submission of required materials electronically.

(1) The public disclosure commission (PDC) was created and empowered by initiative of the people to provide timely and meaningful public access to information about the financing of political campaigns, lobbyist expenditures, and the financial affairs of public officials and candidates, and to ensure compliance with this chapter.

(2) Full and prompt access to the information required by persons subject to the law is best realized through use of electronic reporting. For this reason, the Washington state legislature and the commission have mandated the use of electronic reporting, and the commission also requires that other materials, such as applications, statements, notices, payments, or other items required under the provisions of Title 29B RCW be submitted to the PDC electronically, where the PDC has made an electronic method available.

(3) Persons subject to reporting requirements under this chapter must file reports using the electronic reporting method provided or approved by the PDC.

(4) Persons required to provide the PDC with electronic contact information must provide an email address or other electronic format, if such alternate format has been approved by the PDC.

(5) Any person required to provide information electronically, or required to provide electronic contact information, but who does not do so, is in violation of RCW 29B.15.010 and may be subject to enforcement action unless the person has sought and been granted an exception under WAC 390-19-050.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-19-010, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-19-010, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-19-010, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 01-22-052, § 390-19-010, filed 10/31/01, effective 1/1/02.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-19-040 Electronic submission of required materials—Date of receipt, verification, and amendments.

(1) An electronic report is filed when it is received and validated by the PDC computer system. The PDC will notify the person reporting that the electronic report has been received.

(2) An electronic report is timely filed if received on or before 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on the prescribed reporting date.

(3) An electronic report that is infected with a virus, damaged, or is improperly formatted is not properly filed with the PDC and will be rejected.

(4) To amend an electronically filed report, the entire report must be electronically refiled.

(5) Where no electronic method has been provided, or where the executive director has approved a hardship exemption to the electronic requirement, the date of receipt of any properly addressed mailed application, report, statement, notice, payment, or other item required under the provisions of Title 29B RCW is the date shown by the post office cancellation mark on the envelope. Any item mailed to the PDC under the provisions of Title 29B RCW that does not include a post office cancellation mark is presumed to be provided timely if received by the PDC within five business days of the due date.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-19-040, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-19-040, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-19-040, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 01-22-052, § 390-19-040, filed 10/31/01, effective 1/1/02.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-19-045 Electronic filing system—Inoperable.

(1) For the purpose of RCW 29B.15.010, "electronic filing system" means the specific PDC-provided application or functionality necessary to file a specific report and does not include software provided by third parties;

(2) For the purpose of RCW 29B.15.010, "inoperable" means the electronic filing system used by the filer is unable to prepare or receive the required report except as provided in subsection (3) of this section;

(3) The electronic filing system is not considered inoperable during regular maintenance periods lasting less than 30 minutes between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time or unscheduled events lasting less than 15 minutes in any 24-hour period;

(4) The PDC will provide notification for all periods of inoperability on its website and will provide an option for individuals to also be notified by electronic notification upon request.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-19-045, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-19-045, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-19-050 Electronic submission of required materials—Exceptions.

The PDC executive director may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis for persons who lack the technological ability to submit required materials electronically.

A person seeking an exception must electronically file with the executive director of the PDC a written statement of reasons why the person lacks the ability to submit required materials electronically. For required reports, the request should be submitted by the 10th day of the month preceding the month in which the report is due so that action on the request can be completed before the filing deadline. The request does not suspend the reporting requirement of any portion of Title 29B RCW. Upon receipt of a filed request, the executive director may request further information from the applicant in consideration of the request. The executive director will issue a decision to approve or deny a request for an exception to an electronic submittal requirement within thirty days of receiving a filed request, which may be extended if further information is provided upon request by the executive director.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-19-050, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-19-050, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-19-050, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-19-050, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 01-22-052, § 390-19-050, filed 10/31/01, effective 1/1/02.

Chapter 390-20 Reporting lobbying activities.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-20-0101 Lobbyist registration.

The rules in this chapter set forth the reporting requirements for lobbying activities and legislative activities of governmental units, as required under chapter 29B.50 RCW.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-20-0101, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-20-0101, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.125. WSR 14-15-015, § 390-20-0101, filed 7/3/14, effective 12/1/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 14-01-011, § 390-20-0101, filed 12/5/13, effective 1/5/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-20-0101, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 05-06-070, § 390-20-0101, filed 3/1/05, effective 4/1/05
WSR 04-02-028, § 390-20-0101, filed 12/31/03, effective 1/31/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 00-22-060 and 00-24-041, § 390-20-0101, filed 10/27/00 and 11/29/00, effective 11/27/00 and 12/30/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 91-09-021, § 390-20-0101, filed 4/10/91, effective 5/11/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 87-05-001 (Order 87-01), § 390-20-0101, filed 2/5/87
WSR 85-24-020 (Order 85-05), § 390-20-0101, filed 11/26/85
WSR 82-21-020 (Order 82-07), § 390-20-0101, filed 10/12/82
WSR 78-02-063 (Order 96), § 390-20-0101, filed 1/23/78.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-20-013 Lobbyist registration—Photograph—Requirements.

The photograph to be submitted by a registering lobbyist shall satisfy the requirements of a photo acceptable for a United States passport. The photograph shall have been taken within twelve months of the date of registration.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-24-020 (Order 85-05), § 390-20-013, filed 11/26/85
WSR 82-14-016 (Order 82-04), § 390-20-013, filed 6/28/82.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-20-014 Registration during last calendar quarter of the biennial registration period.

(1) The registration of a lobbyist who registers during the last calendar quarter of an even-numbered year is valid until the second Monday of January three years later, unless it is terminated or suspended before that day.

(2) Lobbyists are required to file monthly expense reports (L-2 Report) for each month in which they are registered, even if no reportable lobbying expenditures are made.

(3) Lobbyist employers must file the employer's report (L-3 Report) for each calendar year or portion thereof in which a lobbyist employed by them is registered.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-20-014, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 99-12-069, § 390-20-014, filed 5/27/99, effective 6/27/99
WSR 87-08-025 (Order 87-02), § 390-20-014, filed 3/25/87.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-20-015 Lobbyists registration—Termination.

A lobbyist who ceases lobbying activity may terminate his or her registration at any time by filing with the commission a signed statement, consistent with RCW 29B.50.010(3), indicating that he or she is not lobbying or being compensated to lobby. This notice of termination may be provided on an L-2 report for the month in which termination has taken place. A lobbyist who terminates his or her registration shall file all reports required by chapter 29B.50 RCW for the period during which he or she was registered as a lobbyist. The employer of a lobbyist who terminates his or her registration shall not be relieved of any duty to file the reports otherwise required by Title 29B RCW.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-20-015, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-20-015, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 99-12-070, § 390-20-015, filed 5/27/99, effective 6/27/99
WSR 85-24-020 (Order 85-05), § 390-20-015, filed 11/26/85
Order 62, § 390-20-015, filed 8/26/75.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-20-017 Suspension of registration.

Lobbyists may temporarily suspend their registration by amending the registration to indicate the months in which no lobbying will be done, no expenditures will be made for lobbying, and no compensation will be received for lobbying. The amendment must be made before the beginning of the suspension period.

(1) During the period when the suspension is effective, the PDC will not require L-2 Reports to be filed.

(2) The registration shall be reinstated upon the expiration of the suspension period indicated on the amended registration, or if the lobbyist further amends the registration in advance to indicate a new date of reinstatement. The lobbyist must update any information on the registration upon reinstatement.

(3) Notification under this rule does not suspend or modify the requirement in RCW 29B.50.010(4) for a new registration each odd-numbered year.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-20-017, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110, 42.17A.125, 42.17A.615, and 42.17A.640. WSR 24-01-028, § 390-20-017, filed 12/8/23, effective 1/8/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-20-017, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-24-020 (Order 85-05), § 390-20-017, filed 11/26/85.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-20-018 Lobbyist voluntary registration.

A person, exempt from registration under RCW 29B.50.010, who voluntarily registers as a lobbyist, shall not be required to file the reports required by RCW 29B.50.050.

The employer of any voluntarily registered lobbyist shall not be required to file the reports provided in RCW 29B.50.080.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-20-018, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-20-018, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-24-020 (Order 85-05), § 390-20-018, filed 11/26/85.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-20-020 Reporting lobbyist expenditures.

The official report of expenditures is designated "L-2," which includes the L-2 Memo Report. This report is available on the PDC's website, www.pdc.wa.gov, and at the PDC Office, Room 206, Evergreen Plaza Building, Olympia, Washington.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-20-020, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 17-22-071, § 390-20-020, filed 10/27/17, effective 11/27/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.615(4). WSR 15-01-064, § 390-20-020, filed 12/11/14, effective 1/11/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.125. WSR 14-15-015, § 390-20-020, filed 7/3/14, effective 12/1/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 14-01-011, § 390-20-020, filed 12/5/13, effective 1/5/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 02-03-018, § 390-20-020, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/4/02
WSR 96-01-103, § 390-20-020, filed 12/19/95, effective 1/19/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-04-072, § 390-20-020, filed 1/29/93, effective 3/1/93
WSR 91-24-011, § 390-20-020, filed 11/22/91, effective 12/23/91
WSR 90-20-088, § 390-20-020, filed 9/28/90, effective 10/29/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-24-020 (Order 85-05), § 390-20-020, filed 11/26/85
WSR 82-21-020 (Order 82-07), § 390-20-020, filed 10/12/82
WSR 80-02-055 (Order 80-01), § 390-20-020, filed 1/17/80
Order 94, § 390-20-020, filed 10/31/77
Order 88, § 390-20-020, filed 12/29/76
Order 62, § 390-20-020, filed 8/26/75
Order 45, § 390-20-020, filed 9/26/74
Order 6, § 390-20-020, filed 3/23/73.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-20-020A L-2 Reporting guide.

For Entertainment, Receptions, Travel and Educational Expenditures

| Typical Expenditures* (Only permitted if receipt could not reasonably be expected to influence the performance of the officer's or employee's official duties.) | Itemize Expense? | Give Copy of Monthly Expense Report or Memo Report to Elected Official? | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Entertaining State Officials, Employees or Their Families: | | | | | | □ | Any type of entertainment occasion costing $100 or less | No | No | | | □ | Breakfast, lunch or dinner for legislator or other state official or employee (singly, or in conjunction with family member(s)) and total cost for occasion is: | | | | | | º | $100 or less | No | No | | | º | More than $100, and amount attributable to legislator/family is more than $100 | Yes | Yes | | □ | Tickets to theater, sporting events, etc. | Yes | No | | | □ | Golf outing | Yes | No | | | Receptions: | | | | | | □ | Reception to which the entire legislature, all members of a chamber, or any of the two largest caucuses recognized in each chamber are invited and is: | Yes Disclose list of attendees (submitting sign-in sheet is sufficient). A per-person cost is not required | No | | | | º | Sponsored by a person other than a lobbyist; | | | | | º | Attended by individuals other than legislators, lobbyists, and lobbyist employers; | | | | | º | A social event; and | | | | | º | Does not include a sit-down meal. | | | | □ | All other receptions | Yes | Yes, if the food and beverage cost for the legislator and family members exceeds $50 | | | Travel-Related Expenditures for Officials, Employees: | | | | | | □ | Travel, lodging, meals for office-related appearance or speech at lobbyist employer's annual conference | Yes | Yes | | | □ | Travel, lodging, meals for office-related tour of lobbyist employer's manufacturing plant or other facility | Yes | Yes | | | Educational Expenditures for Officials, Employees: | | | | | | □ | Travel, lodging, meals, tuition to attend seminar sponsored by nonprofit organization | Yes | Yes | | | Other Lobbying-Related Items: | | | | | | □ | Flowers costing any amount to officials, staff and/or family | No | No | | | □ | Candy costing $100 or less per official or employee | No | No | | | □ | Golf balls, coffee cups or other promotional items | No | No | | | □ | Fruit baskets costing $100 or less per official or employee | No | No | |

| Note: | References to employees or staff do not constitute authority to provide impermissible items to regulatory, contracting or purchasing employees. | | --- | --- |

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110, 42.17A.125, 42.17A.615, and 42.17A.640. WSR 24-01-028, § 390-20-020A, filed 12/8/23, effective 1/8/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-20-020A, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.615(4). WSR 15-01-064, § 390-20-020A, filed 12/11/14, effective 1/11/15.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-20-024 Lobbyist nonreportable expenses.

A registered lobbyist who is not compensated for lobbying and, who in advance, informs the commission that the only expenses to be incurred are those exempt from reporting as provided in RCW 29B.50.050 (3)(a) through (d) shall not be required to file an L-2 report.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-20-024, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-20-024, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-24-020 (Order 85-05), § 390-20-024, filed 11/26/85.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-20-025 Lobbyists expenditures—Apportionment of expenses.

For the purposes of compliance with RCW 29B.50.050 (2)(a) requiring reporting of expenditures by lobbyists, a person registered and reporting as a lobbyist need only report those expenditures made or incurred for lobbying. Each expenditure must be reported in sufficient itemized detail to identify the person and agency being lobbied, and the subject matter of the proposed legislation (or other legislative activity) or rule making that the lobbyist has been engaged in supporting or opposing. Such detail must include the identification of legislation or rule by number or citation, or title of draft if no number has been assigned. If a lobbyist is reporting expenditure activity of a grass roots (indirect) lobbying campaign, pursuant to RCW 29B.50.100 and WAC 390-20-125, such activity must be reported separately from other direct lobbying expenditures.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-20-025, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110, 42.17A.125, 42.17A.615, and 42.17A.640. WSR 24-01-028, § 390-20-025, filed 12/8/23, effective 1/8/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-20-025, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12
Order 62, § 390-20-025, filed 8/26/75.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-20-026 Definition of term "other expenses."

The term "other expenses" in RCW 29B.50.050 shall be deemed to include only expenses or services paid or incurred or performed in connection with lobbying.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-20-026, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-20-026, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12
Order 70, § 390-20-026, filed 2/25/76
Order 62, § 390-20-026, filed 8/26/75.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-20-027 Definition—State elected official, candidate for state office.

For the purposes of reporting by employers of registered lobbyists pursuant to RCW 29B.50.080, the terms "state elected official" and "candidate for state office" shall include governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, state auditor, commissioner of public lands, insurance commissioner, secretary of state, superintendent of public instruction, state treasurer, state senator and state representative.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-20-027, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-20-027, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 95-01-074A, § 390-20-027, filed 12/16/94, effective 1/16/95
Order 71, § 390-20-027, filed 3/23/76.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-20-052 Application of RCW 29B.50.090—Reports of agency lobbying.

Regarding the reporting of lobbying by public agencies pursuant to RCW 29B.50.090:

(1) The phrase "in-person lobbying" contained in RCW 29B.50.090 (5)(d)(v)(B) includes activity which is intended to influence the passage or defeat of legislation, such as testifying at public hearings, but does not include activity which is not intended to influence legislation, such as attending a hearing merely to monitor or observe testimony and debate. "In-person" lobbying also includes meetings through video conferencing or other remote access through an online platform or other digital medium with visual capability.

(2) The phrase "a legislative request" contained in RCW 29B.50.090 (5)(d)(ii) includes an oral request from a member of the legislature or its staff.

(3)(a) When any subagency (i.e., department, bureau, board, commission or agency) within a state agency, county, city, town, municipal corporation, quasi-municipal corporation or special purpose district (i.e., primary agency) has independent authority to expend public funds for lobbying, that subagency may file a separate L-5 reporting the information required by RCW 29B.50.090(5).

(b) When a subagency elects to file its own, separate L-5, it must notify the PDC and the administrative head of the primary agency of its intentions electronically. The primary agency does not thereafter need to include information for the subagency in its L-5, and will have no legal obligation for the filings of the subagency.

(4) Pursuant to RCW 29B.50.090(6), certain local agencies may elect to have lobbying activity on their behalf reported by their elected officials, officers and employees in the same manner as lobbyists who register and report under RCW 29B.50.010 and 29B.50.050:

(a) Whenever such a local agency makes such an election, it shall provide the PDC with a notice electronically.

(b) After such an election, those who lobby on behalf of such local agency must register and report all lobbying activity reportable under RCW 29B.50.090(5) in the same manner as lobbyists who are required to register and report under RCW 29B.50.010 and 29B.50.050. Such a local agency shall report pursuant to RCW 29B.50.080.

(c) In order to terminate such an election, such a local agency must provide the PDC with notice electronically, and report pursuant to RCW 29B.50.090(5) thereafter.

(d) The exemptions from reportable lobbying activity contained in RCW 29B.50.090 (5)(d) apply to all agencies, whether or not they have exercised the election to report in the same manner as lobbyists who report under RCW 29B.50.010, 29B.50.050, and 29B.50.080. The exemptions contained in RCW 29B.50.040 (1), (4), and (5) do not apply to any agency.

(5) Unless an agency has elected to report its lobbying pursuant to RCW 29B.50.090(6) and subsection (3) of this section, an agency must include the reportable lobbying activity on its behalf by an elected official in its quarterly report. Such an elected official does not file any separate report of that activity.

(6) In-person lobbying by elected officials, officers and employees of an agency is not reportable unless and until:

(a) An elected official has expended in excess of $100 of nonpublic funds in connection with such lobbying for or on behalf of any one or more members of the legislature or state elected officials or public officers or employees of the state of Washington during any three-month period as provided in RCW 29B.50.090 (5)(d)(v)(B).

(b) Other officers and employees have, in the aggregate:

(i) Expended in excess of $100 of nonpublic funds in connection with such lobbying for or on behalf of any one or more members of the legislature or state elected officials or public officers or employees of the state of Washington; and

(ii) Engaged in such lobbying for more than four days or parts thereof during any three-month period as provided in RCW 29B.50.090 (5)(d)(v)(B).

(c) When limits in (a) or (b) of this subsection have been exceeded, the agency must report such elected official, officer, or employee as a "person who lobbied this quarter" on the front of L-5 Report and include a listing of those excess expenditures as noted on that report.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-20-052, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110, 42.17A.125, 42.17A.615, and 42.17A.640. WSR 24-01-028, § 390-20-052, filed 12/8/23, effective 1/8/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-20-052, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.125. WSR 14-15-015, § 390-20-052, filed 7/3/14, effective 12/1/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-20-052, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 96-05-001, § 390-20-052, filed 2/7/96, effective 3/9/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 94-11-016, § 390-20-052, filed 5/5/94, effective 6/5/94. Statutory Authority: 42.17.370. WSR 91-16-072, § 390-20-052, filed 8/2/91, effective 9/2/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-24-020 (Order 85-05), § 390-20-052, filed 11/26/85
WSR 80-02-055 (Order 80-01), § 390-20-052, filed 1/17/80.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-20-054 Agency lobbying—Reporting of lobbying by independent contractors.

(1) An independent contractor who is retained to lobby on behalf of an agency shall register and report as a lobbyist pursuant to RCW 29B.50.010 and 29B.50.050.

(2) An agency which retains an independent contractor as a lobbyist and reports all of its expenditures in connection therewith pursuant to RCW 29B.50.090 shall not be obligated to file a report pursuant to RCW 29B.50.080 with regard to that lobbyist.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-20-054, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-20-054, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 81-08-025 (Order 81-01), § 390-20-054, filed 3/26/81.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-20-105 Lobbyist's employer—Meaning—Examples.

(1) The term "lobbyist's employer" includes every person who engages or utilizes the services of any other person to lobby, upon an agreement express or implied, for compensation or for other consideration, as that term is defined in WAC 390-05-220. A person is a lobbyist's employer within the meaning of the act when:

(a) Other persons are actually employed by or receive consideration from such person in whole or in part for lobbying;

(b) Officers or employers of such person, lobby for or on behalf of such person, whether such duties are expressed in the corporate or partnership articles or bylaws or other writings of such employer, or in a written or oral contract, or exist by reason of a mutual understanding;

(2) A person shall not be deemed to be a lobbyist's employer solely because an employee of such person engages in lobbying.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 02-03-018, § 390-20-105, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/4/02
WSR 88-14-064 (Order 88-02), § 390-20-105, filed 7/1/88
WSR 85-24-020 (Order 85-05), § 390-20-105, filed 11/26/85
Order 62, § 390-20-105, filed 8/26/75.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-20-110 Reporting for lobbyist employers.

The official report for statement by employers of registered lobbyists as required by RCW 29B.50.080 is designated "L-3." Electronic filing is required by RCW 29B.15.010 unless the PDC executive director has granted a hardship exemption for lack of technological ability.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-20-110, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110, 42.17A.125, 42.17A.615, and 42.17A.640. WSR 24-01-028, § 390-20-110, filed 12/8/23, effective 1/8/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-20-110, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 17-22-071, § 390-20-110, filed 10/27/17, effective 11/27/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.125(2). WSR 15-01-066, § 390-20-110, filed 12/11/14, effective 1/11/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 2008 c 6 § 1303. WSR 09-01-063, § 390-20-110, filed 12/11/08, effective 1/11/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 05-06-070, § 390-20-110, filed 3/1/05, effective 4/1/05
WSR 04-02-028, § 390-20-110, filed 12/31/03, effective 1/31/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 02-03-018, § 390-20-110, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/4/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1) and 42.17.180 (1)(h). WSR 98-01-062, § 390-20-110, filed 12/11/97, effective 1/11/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 96-01-103, § 390-20-110, filed 12/19/95, effective 1/19/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 95-01-074A, § 390-20-110, filed 12/16/94, effective 1/16/95. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-04-072, § 390-20-110, filed 1/29/93, effective 3/1/93
WSR 90-22-018, § 390-20-110, filed 10/29/90, effective 11/29/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 87-05-001 (Order 87-01), § 390-20-110, filed 2/5/87
WSR 85-24-020 (Order 85-05), § 390-20-110, filed 11/26/85
WSR 84-05-018 (Order 84-01), § 390-20-110, filed 2/10/84
Order 62, § 390-20-110, filed 8/26/75.]Reviser's note: Notice of Objection: The Joint Administrative Rules Review Committee finds that WAC 390-20-110 has not been modified, amended, withdrawn, or repealed by the Public Disclosure Commission so as to conform with the intent of the Legislature as expressed in RCW 42.17.170 and 42.17.180. Therefore, pursuant to its authority under RCW 34.04.240, this notice of objection is filed.The Joint Committee finds that WAC 390-20-110 requires the disclosure of information from lobbyists' employers which RCW 42.17.170 specifically excludes from reporting by lobbyists. It is the opinion of the Joint Committee that the Commission is attempting to obtain information from lobbyists' employers which the Commission would not otherwise be able to obtain from lobbyists themselves. This would thwart the express intent of the Legislature that such information is inappropriate for reporting. WAC 390-20-110 would effectively neuter the reporting exemptions in RCW 42.17.170—the Commission would have the information. This is not what the Legislature intended. [Joint Administrative Rules Review Committee, Memorandum, August 16, 1984—Filed August 28, 1984, WSR 84-18-014.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-20-111 Lobbyist employers reporting of political contributions.

The official report entitled "Employer of Lobbyist Monthly Political Contribution Report" as required by RCW 29B.50.080 (2)(a) is designated "L-3c." Hard copies of this report are available for download on the PDC's website, www.pdc.wa.gov, and at the PDC Office, Olympia, Washington. Any attachments must be on 8-1/2" x 11" white paper.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-20-111, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-20-111, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 17-22-071, § 390-20-111, filed 10/27/17, effective 11/27/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.125. WSR 14-15-015, § 390-20-111, filed 7/3/14, effective 12/1/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-20-111, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 02-03-018, § 390-20-111, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/4/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 90-16-083, § 390-20-111, filed 7/31/90, effective 8/31/90.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-20-120 Reporting legislative activity by public agencies.

The official report for legislative activity by public agencies as required by RCW 29B.50.090 is designated "L-5." This report is available on the PDC's website, www.pdc.wa.gov, and at the PDC Office, Olympia, Washington.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-20-120, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-20-120, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 17-22-071, § 390-20-120, filed 10/27/17, effective 11/27/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.125. WSR 14-15-015, § 390-20-120, filed 7/3/14, effective 12/1/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 12-01-031, § 390-20-120, filed 12/13/11, effective 1/13/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 09-01-068, § 390-20-120, filed 12/12/08, effective 1/12/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 02-03-018, § 390-20-120, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/4/02
WSR 85-24-020 (Order 85-05), § 390-20-120, filed 11/26/85
WSR 80-02-106 (Order 80-02), § 390-20-120, filed 1/24/80. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.160(4) and 42.17.370(1). WSR 78-08-061 (Order 100), § 390-20-120, filed 7/24/78
Order 94, § 390-20-120, filed 10/31/77
Order 77, § 390-20-120, filed 6/2/76
Order 62, § 390-20-120, filed 8/26/75.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-20-125 Registration and reporting by sponsors of grass roots lobbying campaigns.

The official report for registration and reporting by sponsors of grass roots lobbying campaigns as required by RCW 29B.50.100 is designated "L-6." Hard copies of this report are available for download on the PDC's website, pdc.wa.gov, and at the PDC Office, Olympia, Washington. Any attachments shall be on 8-1/2" x 11" white paper.

(1) Grass roots lobbying, also known as indirect lobbying, as set forth in RCW 29B.50.100, involves an appeal to the public to solicit, urge, or encourage the public to influence legislation. Grass roots (indirect) lobbying is distinguished from direct lobbying of a legislator, state official, or state agency, which may require registration and reporting separately, pursuant to RCW 29B.50.010 and 29B.50.050.

(2) The presentation of a campaign may include any advertising displays, newspaper ads, billboards, signs, brochures, articles, tabloids, flyers, letters, radio or television presentations, digital communication, or other means of mass communication to the public. The commission will consider the definition of "mass communication," as set forth in WAC 390-05-290, as guidance in application to this section.

(a) Internal communications by a membership organization that are directed and limited to the members of that organization do not constitute "lobbying," as defined under RCW 29B.10.350. The commission will use the criteria set forth under WAC 390-05-515 to assist in determining whether a communication is primarily limited to the members within an organization.

(b) The publication or dissemination of news reporting activities by working members of the press, radio, digital media, or television, where no payment for the content has been received and where payment for the space or time of such content is not normally required, is exempt from registration and reporting as provided under RCW 29B.50.040(3).

(3) The sponsor of a grass roots lobbying campaign is the person or persons making expenditures for the presentation of the campaign to the public.

(a) A lobbyist may report the campaign activities of a sponsor, who is a registered lobbyist employer, on the L-2 Report, including the same details as required pursuant to RCW 29B.50.100, and this section, only if:

(i) The sponsor did not receive any contributions for the campaign other than the sponsor's own funds, including general treasury funds;

(ii) The sponsor timely registered for the campaign pursuant to RCW 29B.50.100; and

(iii) The campaign is identified on the L-2 Report.

(b) If the campaign has more than one sponsor (for example a group or coalition of persons with each member making expenditures separately for the campaign), the sponsors must register collectively as a grass roots lobbying campaign on the L-6 Report. All activity must be reported on the L-6 Report, or in accordance with (a) of this subsection.

(4) Expenditures made on behalf of a grass roots lobbying campaign must be reported by financial category, pursuant to RCW 29B.50.100(2), with sufficient detail and itemization to provide the public a reasonable understanding of the nature and scope of the expenditure, including:

(a) Advertising - Any advertising or other form of mass communication must be segregated by media type, including:

(i) The name and address of any commercial advertiser that sold the advertising;

(ii) The quantity of each printed media distributed, or the name and location of each publication, outlet, or platform where the advertisement or communication appeared;

(iii) The date or dates that the advertising or communication was broadcast, distributed, published, or otherwise presented to the public; and

(iv) A description of the major work components or tasks that were provided by media type, in such detail as incorporated from WAC 390-18-050(7).

(b) Entertainment - Any expenditures on entertainment made in furtherance of the campaign must be reported. However, entertainment provided to or on behalf of a legislator or state official may need to be reported as direct lobbying, pursuant to RCW 29B.50.050.

(c) Office expenses - Any equipment, office space, staffing or other services purchased with campaign contributions, or used exclusively for the grass roots lobbying campaign, must be reported and itemized. If office expenses are provided exclusively by an organizational sponsor's general treasury funds, only the proportional campaign use of such office expenses must be reported as follows:

(i) The proportional amount paid or incurred by the sponsor for any employee or contractor who provides the campaign with:

(A) More than 20 hours a month on any administrative, secretarial, or other supportive staffing services; or

(B) More than five hours a month on any professional services, such as legal, accounting, management, or production; and

(ii) The purchase or rental value of any equipment or property used primarily for campaign purposes.

(d) Consultants - Any contractual or other payments made to any professional service provider, or other third party, for campaign purposes must be reported, including the name and address of the provider and a description of the services provided.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-20-125, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110, 42.17A.125, 42.17A.615, and 42.17A.640. WSR 24-01-028, § 390-20-125, filed 12/8/23, effective 1/8/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-20-125, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 17-22-071, § 390-20-125, filed 10/27/17, effective 11/27/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.125. WSR 14-15-015, § 390-20-125, filed 7/3/14, effective 12/1/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-20-125, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 02-03-018, § 390-20-125, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/4/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 90-16-083, § 390-20-125, filed 7/31/90, effective 8/31/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-24-020 (Order 85-05), § 390-20-125, filed 11/26/85
Order 62, § 390-20-125, filed 8/26/75.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-20-130 Statement of employment of legislators, state officers, and state employees.

The official report for statement of employment of legislators, state officers, and state employees as required by RCW 29B.50.110 is designated "L-7." Hard copies of this form are available for download on the PDC's website, www.pdc.wa.gov, and at the PDC Office, Olympia, Washington. Any paper attachments shall be on 8-1/2" x 11" white paper.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-20-130, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-20-130, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 17-22-071, § 390-20-130, filed 10/27/17, effective 11/27/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2015 c 72. WSR 16-04-027, § 390-20-130, filed 1/25/16, effective 2/25/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-20-130, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 05-11-002, § 390-20-130, filed 5/4/05, effective 6/4/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 02-03-018, § 390-20-130, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/4/02
WSR 85-24-020 (Order 85-05), § 390-20-130, filed 11/26/85
Order 62, § 390-20-130, filed 8/26/75.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-20-140 Loss of exemption from registering and reporting lobbying activities.

(1) For the purpose of determining compliance with RCW 29B.50.120, a lobbyist's employer is responsible for the applicability of all of the exemptions provided in RCW 29B.50.040 to any lobbyist the employer employs, pays, or agrees to pay.

(2) The commission recognizes that a lobbyist who initially intends in good faith to utilize the "casual lobbying" exemption from registration and reporting which is provided in RCW 29B.50.040(4) may thereafter become ineligible for that exemption, thus violating RCW 29B.50.010 or 29B.50.050 by not having registered or reported within the prescribed time periods.

(3) The commission will not commence enforcement proceedings against a lobbyist or their employer in circumstances described in subsection (2) of this section if the lobbyist:

(a) Registers pursuant to RCW 29B.50.010 before doing any lobbying in excess of the exemption limitations in RCW 29B.50.040(4); and

(b) Files a report on the L-2 Report when next due under RCW 29B.50.050, including all reportable information for the lobbying activities cumulatively causing the exemption limitations to be reached.

(4) The duty under RCW 29B.50.130(1) of a person required to register as a lobbyist to obtain and preserve all records necessary to substantiate required financial reports includes such records of all activities which cumulatively cause the RCW 29B.50.040(4) exemption limitations to be reached and exceeded.

(5) A lobbyist whose only compensation or other consideration for lobbying is payment of or reimbursement for expenditures not required to be reported per RCW 29B.50.050 (3)(a) through (d), does not qualify for exemption from registration and reporting per RCW 29B.50.040(4).

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-20-140, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-20-140, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-20-140, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-24-020 (Order 85-05), § 390-20-140, filed 11/26/85
WSR 82-14-016 (Order 82-04), § 390-20-140, filed 6/28/82. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.160(4) and 42.17.370(1). WSR 78-07-038 (Order 99), § 390-20-140, filed 6/26/78.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-20-141 Registration and reporting required when a lobbyist employs another lobbyist.

(1) If a registered lobbyist employs another lobbyist to perform lobbying activities in excess of the exemptions specified in RCW 29B.50.010(2) or 29B.50.040 then such registered lobbyist is also an employer of a registered lobbyist.

(2) Any person who becomes an employer of a registered lobbyist under such circumstances must (a) confirm such employment on the employee's L-1 registration statement; (b) in a written instrument filed with such employee's L-1 registration statement identify which clients the employee is authorized to represent; (c) file an annual L-3 report as an employer of a registered lobbyist; and (d) continue to file monthly L-2 reports as a registered lobbyist.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-20-141, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-20-141, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-14-056 (Order 86-05), § 390-20-141, filed 6/27/86.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-20-143 Application of lobbying provisions to organizations.

(1) A lobbyist other than an individual will be considered to have properly restricted its lobbying activities and is eligible for the RCW 29B.50.040(5) "casual lobbying" exemption during any three-month period in which its agents or employees do not make an expenditure of more than $100 for or on behalf of legislators, state elected officials, public officers or employees of the state of Washington.

(2) A lobbyist other than an individual which does sponsor or coordinate or directly make unreported expenditures exceeding $100 during a three-month period, as fully described in subsection (1) of this section, must register and report as required by RCW 29B.50.010 and 29B.50.050: Provided, that it can satisfy these requirements by having an individual agent (a) register and report as a lobbyist, and (b) include a report of these and all other lobbying expenditures made on behalf of the individual during that three-month period as part of the L-2 Report.

(3) An entity including, but not limited to, a law firm, consulting firm, advertising agency, or other similar organization, which receives or expects to receive compensation for lobbying from any person, must register and report as a lobbyist pursuant to RCW 29B.50.010 and 29B.50.050: Provided, that membership dues or contributions to a nonprofit organization made for the purpose of promoting a general interest and not in return for lobbying on behalf of any specific member or contributor will not be regarded as compensation for this purpose. Registration statements and reports must list as the lobbyists both the firm or organization and each individual acting on its behalf. The person paying the compensation must report under RCW 29B.50.080 as a lobbyist's employer.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-20-143, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110, 42.17A.125, 42.17A.615, and 42.17A.640. WSR 24-01-028, § 390-20-143, filed 12/8/23, effective 1/8/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-20-143, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.125. WSR 14-15-015, § 390-20-143, filed 7/3/14, effective 12/1/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-20-143, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-24-020 (Order 85-05), § 390-20-143, filed 11/26/85. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.160(4) and 42.17.370(1). WSR 78-07-038 (Order 99), § 390-20-143, filed 6/26/78.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-20-144 Registration and reporting by lobbyist organizations.

(1) Any firm, company, association, or similar organization required to register as a lobbyist must file one registration statement (L-1 Report) for each employer for which the organization will lobby.

(a) The lobbying organization will include with the registration statement a photo and the biographical information required by RCW 29B.50.030 for each individual agent of the organization who is authorized to lobby for that particular employer.

(b) If the agent is authorized to lobby for several employers, only one photo and biographical sheet need be submitted.

(c) The organization must notify the PDC electronically when there is any change in the employment or assignment of agents who lobby.

(2) One monthly expenditure report (L-2 Report) must be submitted showing all expenditures made by the organization and its agents. It is unnecessary to prorate or attribute expenditures to individual agents of the organization. However, expenditures for entertainment exceeding $50 per occasion must identify the individual agent(s) who were present at the occasion. The L-2 Report must be signed by the president or chief executive officer of the lobbying organization.

(3) If any individual agent of the organization ceases to lobby or the organization terminates that agent's authority to lobby, the organization must make such notation electronically on the L-2 Report of the termination.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-20-144, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-20-144, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.125. WSR 14-15-015, § 390-20-144, filed 7/3/14, effective 12/1/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-20-144, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-24-020 (Order 85-05), § 390-20-144, filed 11/26/85
WSR 81-18-043 (Order 81-03), § 390-20-144, filed 8/28/81
WSR 81-03-001 (Order 80-08), § 390-20-144, filed 1/8/81.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-20-145 Reporting of lobbying events.

(1) A meeting or other gathering of individuals for which lobbying is a purpose or reasonably foreseeable result must be reported by or on behalf of the sponsoring person in accordance with WAC 390-20-143 and other applicable provisions of law: Provided, that the executive director is authorized to provide written guidance how all reportable information relative to a particular gathering must be reported on the L-2 Report whenever the application of the appropriate provisions of law is unclear to the reporting person, and this interpretation must be reviewed and approved, modified or rejected by the commission at its next regular or special meeting.

(2) Any other lobbyist reporting such a gathering may incorporate by reference in their L-2 Report, an L-2 Report which is filed on the sponsor's behalf and which reports the gathering in accordance with applicable provisions of law, including WAC 390-20-143(2) and subsection (1) of this section.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-20-145, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-24-020 (Order 85-05), § 390-20-145, filed 11/26/85. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.160(4) and 42.17.370(1). WSR 78-07-038 (Order 99), § 390-20-145, filed 6/26/78.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-20-146 Reporting of field trips and other excursions.

(1) All persons required to file reports pursuant to RCW 29B.50.050 who provide field trips or other excursions to elected and appointed officials, and other individuals required to file the Personal Financial Affairs Statement (F-1 Report) must file, on the appropriate monthly L-2 or L-2 Memo Report, the identity of persons attending the field trip or other excursion along with the date, pro rata cost, and a brief description of the field trip or other excursion.

(2) All persons required to file pursuant to RCW 29B.55.030 who attend a field trip or other excursion paid for or provided by a lobbyist, lobbyist employer, or other person paying for or providing field trips or other excursions must report the date, name of the person paying for or providing the field trip or excursion, pro rata cost attributable to the filer, applicable code value, and a brief description of the field trip or other excursion as part of the F-1 statement that covers the date of the field trip or other excursion.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-20-146, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-20-146, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-20-146, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 00-22-059, § 390-20-146, filed 10/27/00, effective 11/27/00.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-20-148 Lobbyist direction or control of employer contributions.

For purposes of RCW 29B.40.160, a lobbyist shall be deemed to be exercising direction or control over the choice of the recipient state office candidate, state official against whom recall charges have been filed or a political committee if the lobbyist:

(1) Officially decides to which state office candidates, state officials against whom recall charges have been filed or political committees the lobbyist employer or the employer's political committee contributes; or

(2) Has the ability, on his or her own initiative, to execute or authorize payment of a contribution by the lobbyist employer or the employer's political committee to a state office candidate, a state official against whom recall charges have been filed or a political committee.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-20-148, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-20-148, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 94-11-016, § 390-20-148, filed 5/5/94, effective 6/5/94.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-20-150 Changes in dollar amounts.

Pursuant to the commission's authority in RCW 29B.20.050 to revise the monetary reporting thresholds found in Title 29B RCW to reflect changes in economic conditions, the following revisions are made:

| Code Section | Subject | Value Set in Statute (and last changed) | Previous Adjusted Value in Rule (last changed in 2014) | Current Adjusted Value (effective ...2023) | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 29B.50.010(1) | Threshold for reporting members of a lobbyist employer entity who pay dues or fees | $500 (1973) | $1,450 | $4,000 | | 29B.50.040(5) | Limit for "casual lobbying" exemption from registration for lobbying expenses in a three-month period | $25 (1982) | $35 | $100 | | 29B.50.050(2) | Threshold for itemizing expenditures on entertainment and food or beverage for public officials | $25 (entertainment) (1982) | $50 | $100 | | $50 (food & beverage) (1995) | n/a | $100 | | | | 29B.50.080(2) | Threshold for reporting monthly contributions by lobbyist employer | $100 (1990) | $110 | $250 | | 29B.50.090(5)(d)(v)(B) | Limit on expenditure of nonpublic funds on behalf of any public officer in connection with agency lobbying | $15 (1979) | $25 | $100 | | 29B.50.100(1) | Threshold of expenditure activity for registration as a grassroots lobbying campaign | $500 per month (1985) | $700 | $1,500 | | $1,000 per three-month period (1985) | $1,400 | $3,000 | | | | 29B.50.100(2) | Threshold for reporting the identity of contributors to a grassroots campaign | $25 (1985) | n/a | $100 |

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-20-150, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110, 42.17A.125, 42.17A.615, and 42.17A.640. WSR 24-01-028, § 390-20-150, filed 12/8/23, effective 1/8/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-20-150, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.125. WSR 14-15-015, § 390-20-150, filed 7/3/14, effective 12/1/14.

Chapter 390-24 Reports of financial affairs.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-24-010 Submissions for statement of financial affairs.

The official statement of financial affairs as required by RCW 29B.55.010 is designated "F-1," and is available on the commission's website, www.pdc.wa.gov, and at the Commission Office, Olympia, Washington.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-24-010, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-24-010, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 17-22-071, § 390-24-010, filed 10/27/17, effective 11/27/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.125(2). WSR 15-01-066, § 390-24-010, filed 12/11/14, effective 1/11/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-24-010, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 09-14-061, § 390-24-010, filed 6/29/09, effective 7/30/09
WSR 08-19-058, § 390-24-010, filed 9/12/08, effective 11/5/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 08-01-070, § 390-24-010, filed 12/14/07, effective 1/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.241 (1)(n). WSR 07-04-084, § 390-24-010, filed 2/5/07, effective 3/8/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 06-18-034, § 390-24-010, filed 8/28/06, effective 9/28/06
WSR 05-06-070, § 390-24-010, filed 3/1/05, effective 4/1/05
WSR 02-20-036, § 390-24-010, filed 9/24/02, effective 10/25/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 00-22-053, § 390-24-010, filed 10/27/00, effective 11/27/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 (1) and (11) and 42.17.241 (1)(n). WSR 97-23-020, § 390-24-010, filed 11/10/97, effective 1/1/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 96-09-017, § 390-24-010, filed 4/8/96, effective 5/9/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 91-24-011, § 390-24-010, filed 11/22/91, effective 12/23/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 88-20-029 (Order 88-04), § 390-24-010, filed 9/29/88
WSR 86-19-039 (Order 86-06), § 390-24-010, filed 9/12/86
WSR 86-08-030 (Order 86-02), § 390-24-010, filed 3/26/86
WSR 85-24-020 (Order 85-05), § 390-24-010, filed 11/26/85
WSR 84-01-017 (Order 83-03), § 390-24-010, filed 12/9/83
WSR 80-18-028 (Order 80-07), § 390-24-010, filed 12/1/80
WSR 80-02-055 (Order 80-01), § 390-24-010, filed 1/17/80
Order 94, § 390-24-010, filed 10/31/77
Order 87, § 390-24-010, filed 11/19/76
Order 62, § 390-24-010, filed 8/26/75
Order 48, § 390-24-010, filed 3/3/75
Order 44, § 390-24-010, filed 9/26/74
Order 6, § 390-24-010, filed 3/23/73.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-24-025 Time for filing statement of financial affairs.

(1) Any person holding elected public office, except as exempted by the terms of RCW 29B.55.010, and any appointed official and professional staff member listed or referenced in RCW 29B.55.010, and any appointed official required to comply with the reporting requirements of RCW 29B.55.010 by any other statute are required to file the F-1 for each partial or full calendar year that such person has served.

(a) For any elected official or officer continuing service from the prior year, the reporting period covers the entire preceding calendar year.

(b) For any officer or official who leaves public office prior to January 1st, the reporting period covers only the portion of the previous year that such person was in office.

(c) For any officer or official appointed to office between January through November, or any person who becomes a candidate within the same time period, the reporting period covers the immediately preceding 12-month period from the time of appointment or candidacy (or "from the time the F-1 was filed"). However, if the appointee or candidate files between January 1st and April 15th and also has a prior obligation to file as an officer or official under (a) of this subsection, then the reporting period covers the period from January 1st of the preceding year through the time of appointment or candidacy in the current year. For any officer or official appointed to office in December, the reporting period covers the preceding 12-month period ending December 31st of the same year.

(2) Any person required to file an F-1 must electronically file the F-1 with the commission under the relevant periods as follows:

(a) For any officer or official continuing service from the prior year, between January 1st and April 15th of each year immediately following the year, or portion of the year served;

(b) For any officer or official who leaves office before January 1st of the following year, either:

(i) Within 60 days of leaving public office; or

(ii) Between January 1st and April 15th of the year immediately following the portion of the year served; or

(i) Within two weeks of appointment for appointment of candidacy beginning during the months of January through November; or

(ii) Between January 1st and January 15th for appointment or candidacy beginning in December.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-24-025, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110, [42.17A.]120, and [42.17A.]710. WSR 21-04-073, § 390-24-025, filed 1/29/21, effective 3/1/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-24-025, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-24-025, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-19-039 (Order 86-06), § 390-24-025, filed 9/12/86
WSR 86-08-030 (Order 86-02), § 390-24-025, filed 3/26/86
WSR 84-01-017 (Order 83-03), § 390-24-025, filed 12/9/83
WSR 80-03-089 (Order 80-03), § 390-24-025, filed 3/4/80
Order 62, § 390-24-025, filed 8/26/75.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-24-100 Definition—Direct financial interest.

(1) For the purpose of RCW 29B.55.030 (1)(b), the phrase "direct financial interest" means and includes any direct ownership interest in a bank or savings account, in the cash surrender value of an insurance policy, in stocks, bonds, other securities, evidences of indebtedness, judgments, accounts receivable, and other monetary claims in liquidated amounts.

The term "direct financial interest" as used in that subsection, shall not be deemed to include:

(a) Any direct financial interest which is required to be reported by such elected official or candidate under any other provision of Title 29B RCW; and

(b) An account receivable by a business entity in the ordinary course of such entity's business.

(2) A direct financial interest in stocks, bonds, or other securities held in an account managed by a commercial broker, where a third party solely (or independently) has decision-making authority of the investment, may be reported under the name and value of the account, rather than the individual properties of the portfolio.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-24-100, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110, [42.17A.]120, and [42.17A.]710. WSR 21-04-073, § 390-24-100, filed 1/29/21, effective 3/1/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-24-100, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-08-030 (Order 86-02), § 390-24-100, filed 3/26/86
Order 62, § 390-24-100, filed 8/26/75.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-24-110 Definition—Debt.

(1) For the purpose of RCW 29B.55.030 (1)(c), the term "debt" means and includes a personal obligation or liability to pay or return something of value.

(2) The term "debt" as used in RCW 29B.55.030 (1)(c) shall not be deemed to include:

(a) An account payable of a business entity in the ordinary course of such entity's business; or

(b) A contractual promise as guarantor of a debt.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-24-110, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110, [42.17A.]120, and [42.17A.]710. WSR 21-04-073, § 390-24-110, filed 1/29/21, effective 3/1/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-24-110, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-08-030 (Order 86-02), § 390-24-110, filed 3/26/86
Order 62, § 390-24-110, filed 8/26/75.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-24-150 Definition—Officer.

(1) For the purposes of RCW 29B.55.030 (1)(g), the term "officer" or "office held" means and includes:

(a) President, vice president, secretary, treasurer, or some derivation thereof;

(b) One who holds a corporate office; or

(c) An individual who holds a position described as an officer in a corporation's bylaws or who is appointed by the board of directors in accordance with the bylaws, or an individual who acts in such capacity without the title or appointment.

(2) An individual who has been given the title of "officer" to denote a managerial job classification is not an officer for the purposes of RCW 29B.55.030 (1)(g).

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-24-150, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110, [42.17A.]120, and [42.17A.]710. WSR 21-04-073, § 390-24-150, filed 1/29/21, effective 3/1/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.710 (1)(n). WSR 15-01-067, § 390-24-150, filed 12/11/14, effective 1/11/15.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-24-160 Definition—Professional staff member.

(1) A professional staff member of the office of the governor and of the legislature includes all individuals retained on a full or part-time basis whose primary responsibilities require the exercise of judgment and discretion in policy related matters including, but not limited to, such individuals who are involved in the development of legislation. A professional staff member does not include individuals retained primarily for clerical, ministerial, or internal accounting and bookkeeping purposes.

(2) The commission needs a complete and accurate list of professional staff members of the governor, the senate, and the house of representatives, in order to properly and fairly administer the personal financial affairs disclosure requirements applicable to executive state officers as defined in RCW 29B.55.020. Each December, the executive director will ask the governor, the secretary of the senate, and the clerk of the house to provide the commission by January 15th, the names and positions of the professional staff members meeting the criteria set forth in subsection (1) of this section, who are expected to be retained during the ensuing year, and to provide periodic updates throughout the year as necessary to reflect changes in professional staff.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-24-160, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-24-160, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 13-11-009, § 390-24-160, filed 5/2/13, effective 6/2/13
WSR 12-03-002, § 390-24-160, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 94-05-010, § 390-24-160, filed 2/3/94, effective 3/6/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-08-030 (Order 86-02), § 390-24-160, filed 3/26/86
Order 88, § 390-24-160, filed 12/29/76.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-24-200 Descriptions of real property.

(1) For the purposes of reporting real property as required by RCW 29B.55.030 (1)(h) through (k), the filer must list the street address of each parcel, the assessor's parcel number, the abbreviated legal description appearing on property tax statements, or the complete legal description. Each property description must be followed by the name of the county in which the property is located.

(2) Pursuant to RCW 29B.55.030(2), a judge, prosecutor, sheriff, or their immediate family member who is required under RCW 29B.55.030 (1)(h) through (k) to disclose the personal residence of the judge, prosecutor, or sheriff, may satisfy that reporting requirement by instead reporting:

(a) The city or town; and

(b) The type of residence, such as a single-family or multifamily residence, and the nature of ownership.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-24-200, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-24-200, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-24-200, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 02-03-018, § 390-24-200, filed 1/4/02, effective 2/4/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 01-10-053, § 390-24-200, filed 4/26/01, effective 6/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 88-20-029 (Order 88-04), § 390-24-200, filed 9/29/88
WSR 86-08-030 (Order 86-02), § 390-24-200, filed 3/26/86
Order 63, § 390-24-200, filed 9/10/75.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-24-201 Report of compensation by limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, limited liability companies, and similar entities.

For the purposes of filing financial disclosures required by RCW 29B.55.030:

(1) The terms partnership, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, and limited liability company as defined in Title 25 RCW will apply.

(2) A person filing a personal financial affairs statement shall report the name of any limited partnership, limited liability partnership, limited liability company, professional limited liability company, and similar entity in which the person or member of the person's immediate family holds:

(a) Any office, directorship, or any general partnership interest, including the title held; and

(b) Any ownership interest of 10 percent or more.

(3) In addition to the requirements under subsection (2) of this section, the person shall also report the following:

(a) Regarding a governmental unit in which the filer seeks or holds any office or position, if the entity has received compensation during the reporting period from the governmental unit, the value of the compensation and the consideration given or performed in exchange for the compensation; and

(b) The name of each governmental unit, corporation, partnership, joint venture, sole proprietorship, association, union, or other business or commercial entity from which the entity has received compensation in the amount equal to or greater than the amount specified in WAC 390-24-010 and 390-24-020 (the F-1 reporting forms) during the reporting period and the consideration given or performed in exchange for the compensation.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-24-201, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110, [42.17A.]120, and [42.17A.]710. WSR 21-04-073, § 390-24-201, filed 1/29/21, effective 3/1/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-24-201, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.241 (1)(n) and 42.17.370. WSR 06-21-010, § 390-24-201, filed 10/6/06, effective 11/6/06.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-24-202 Report of compensation from sales commissions.

When a person receives compensation in the form of a commission on sales, the reporting of the compensation, required in RCW 29B.55.030, shall include:

(1) The name and address of the person or persons through whom a commission was paid;

(2) For purposes of RCW 29B.55.030 (1)(f), the name and address of each person (other than an individual) for whom a service was rendered or to whom a product was sold that resulted in a commission of $2,400 or more in the aggregate;

(3) For purposes of RCW 29B.55.030 (1)(g)(i), the name and address of each governmental unit for whom a service was rendered or to whom a product was sold that resulted in a commission;

(4) For purposes of RCW 29B.55.030 (1)(g)(ii), the name and address of each person (other than an individual) for whom a service was rendered or to whom a product was sold that resulted in a commission of $12,000 or more in the aggregate.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-24-202, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.125(2). WSR 15-01-066, § 390-24-202, filed 12/11/14, effective 1/11/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-24-202, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 08-01-070, § 390-24-202, filed 12/14/07, effective 1/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 92-08-105, § 390-24-202, filed 4/1/92, effective 5/2/92.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-24-203 Reporting of field trips and other excursions.

(1) All persons required to file reports pursuant to RCW 29B.50.050 who provide field trips or other excursions to elected and appointed officials, and other individuals required to file the Personal Financial Affairs Statement (PDC Form F-1) shall file, on the appropriate monthly L-2 or L-2 Memo Report, the identity of persons attending the field trip or other excursion along with the date, pro rata cost, and a brief description of the field trip or other excursion.

(2) All persons required to file pursuant to RCW 29B.55.030 who attend a field trip or other excursion paid for or provided by a lobbyist, lobbyist employer, or other person paying for or providing field trips or other excursions shall report the date, name of the person paying for or providing the field trip or excursion, pro rata cost attributable to the filer, applicable code value, and a brief description of the field trip or other excursion as part of the F-1 statement that covers the date of the field trip or other excursion.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-24-203, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-24-203, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 00-22-059, § 390-24-203, filed 10/27/00, effective 11/27/00.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-24-205 Reporting on compensation received for legislation prepared, promoted or opposed, for the statement of financial affairs (F-1).

Pursuant to RCW 29B.55.030 (1)(e), as part of the F-1, unless part of their duties as an elected official, state executive officer, or professional staff member of a governmental entity, if an official has prepared, provided, or opposed any legislation, rule, rate, or standard for compensation, the official must provide information regarding:

(1) Each person for whom such services have been provided and the subject area about which the reporting official has prepared, promoted or opposed legislation, rule, rate, or standard; and

(2) The current or deferred compensation received or promised for said service for each person.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-24-205, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-24-205, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-08-030 (Order 86-02), § 390-24-205, filed 3/26/86
Order 90, § 390-24-205, filed 1/20/77.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-24-210 Report of officers and directors of financial institutions.

An elected official or candidate who is an officer or director of a financial institution may comply in part with RCW 29B.55.030 (1)(g)(ii) by incorporating by reference a list of the financial institution's officers and directors if such a list has been filed with the commission by the financial institution in the current year.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-24-210, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-24-210, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-08-030 (Order 86-02), § 390-24-210, filed 3/26/86
Order 77, § 390-24-210, filed 6/2/76.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-24-211 Reporting on public or private office held for the statement of financial affairs (F-1).

(1) An elected official or executive state officer is not required to report the office, directorship, or position held in a public or private office for service on a governmental board, commission, association, or functional equivalent, when such service is part of the elected official's or executive state officer's official duties.

(2) Such "official duties" may include service in an elected position of a board, commission, or association of which general membership in such organization is part of the official's or officer's official duties.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110, [42.17A.]120, and [42.17A.]710. WSR 21-04-073, § 390-24-211, filed 1/29/21, effective 3/1/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-24-211, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-24-301 Changes in dollar amounts of reporting thresholds and code values for the statement of financial affairs (F-1).

Pursuant to the commission's authority in RCW 29B.20.050 to revise the monetary reporting thresholds and code values found in Title 29B RCW to reflect changes in economic conditions, the following revisions are made:

| Statutory chapter 29B.55 RCW | Subject Matter | Amount Enacted or Last Revised | Revision Effective January 12, 2015 | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | .030 (1)(b) | Bank Accounts | $20,000 | $24,000 | | .030 (1)(b) | Other Intangibles | $2,000 | $2,400 | | .030 (1)(c) | Creditors | $2,000 | $2,400 | | .030 (1)(f) | Compensation | $2,000 | $2,400 | | .030 (1)(g)(ii) | Compensation to Business Entity | $10,000 | $12,000 | | .030 (1)(g) | Bank Interest Paid | $2,400 | $2,900 | | .030 (1)(h) | Real Property- Acquired | $10,000 | $12,000 | | .030 (1)(i) | Real Property- Divested | $10,000 | $12,000 | | .030 (1)(j) | Real Property- Held | $10,000 | $12,000 | | .030 (1)(k) | Real Property- Business | $20,000 | $24,000 | | .030 (1)(l) | Food and Beverages | $50 | |

| Statutory chapter 29B.55 RCW | Subject Matter | Amount Last Revised | Revision Effective May 21, 2019 | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | .030 (2) | Dollar Code A | Up to $4,449 | Up to $29,999 | | | Dollar Code B | $4,500-$23,999 | $30,000-$59,999 | | | Dollar Code C | $24,000-$47,999 | $60,000-$99,999 | | | Dollar Code D | $48,000-$119,999 | $100,000-$199,999 | | | Dollar Code E | $120,000 and up | $200,000-$499,999 | | | Dollar Code F | | $500,000-$749,999 | | | Dollar Code G | | $750,000-$999,999 | | | Dollar Code H | | $1,000,000 or more |

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-24-301, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-24-301, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.125(2). WSR 15-01-066, § 390-24-301, filed 12/11/14, effective 1/11/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-24-301, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 08-01-070, § 390-24-301, filed 12/14/07, effective 1/14/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 (1) and (11) and 42.17.241 (1)(n). WSR 97-23-020, § 390-24-301, filed 11/10/97, effective 1/1/98.

Chapter 390-28 Modifications of reporting requirements—Procedures.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-28-020 Definition—Applicant.

The term applicant for the purposes of chapter 390-28 WAC means any person who seeks a modification of the filing requirements pursuant to RCW 29B.20.040 and these rules.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-28-020, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110, [42.17A.]120, and [42.17A.]710. WSR 21-04-073, § 390-28-020, filed 1/29/21, effective 3/1/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-28-020, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-28-020, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 07-14-117, § 390-28-020, filed 7/3/07, effective 8/3/07
WSR 91-22-083, § 390-28-020, filed 11/5/91, effective 12/6/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-22-029 (Order 85-04), § 390-28-020, filed 10/31/85
Order 62, § 390-28-020, filed 8/26/75
Order 24, § 390-28-020, filed 2/21/74.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-28-025 Hearing to modify reporting requirements.

(1) Any individual who considers compliance with any of the reporting requirements of Title 29B RCW to be a manifestly unreasonable hardship in a particular case may apply for a modification of such reporting requirements pursuant to RCW 29B.20.040 and further pursuant to these rules.

(2) A hearing to modify the reporting requirements will be conducted pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (chapter 34.05 RCW) and its supporting regulations (chapter 10-08 WAC), unless otherwise modified by chapter 390-28 WAC.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-28-025, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-28-025, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-28-025, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 92-05-080, § 390-28-025, filed 2/18/92, effective 3/20/92
WSR 91-22-083, § 390-28-025, filed 11/5/91, effective 12/6/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-22-029 (Order 85-04), § 390-28-025, filed 10/31/85
Order 62, § 390-28-025, filed 8/26/75
Order 24, § 390-28-025, filed 2/21/74.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-28-040 Hearing to modify reporting—Prehearing procedure and requirements.

(1) An applicant must electronically submit with the commission a request for a hearing for suspension or modification of reporting requirements, unless the executive director makes an exception for an applicant who lacks the technological ability to file reports electronically. An applicant requesting a modification regarding a report filed annually including, but not limited to, the statement of financial affairs, should submit the application at least 45 days before the report is due so that action on the request can be completed before the filing deadline.

(2) The request must contain (a) the required report completed to the extent possible, (b) a statement of reasons why the reporting of required information would cause a manifestly unreasonable hardship, with as much detail as possible, and (c) any relevant evidence regarding the request. (A general statement, such as "violates right of privacy" will not be deemed as sufficient compliance with this requirement.) The applicant is encouraged to also include a proposed modification to the required reporting which, in the applicant's opinion, will relieve the perceived hardship.

(3) The submission of a request for modification does not suspend the reporting requirement of any portion of Title 29B RCW. The reporting obligation remains in effect unless the commission grants the request pursuant to a hearing.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-28-040, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110, [42.17A.]120, and [42.17A.]710. WSR 21-04-073, § 390-28-040, filed 1/29/21, effective 3/1/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-28-040, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-28-040, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 91-22-083, § 390-28-040, filed 11/5/91, effective 12/6/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-24-020 (Order 85-05), § 390-28-040, filed 11/26/85
WSR 80-03-089 (Order 80-03), § 390-28-040, filed 3/4/80
Order 62, § 390-28-040, filed 8/26/75
Order 24, § 390-28-040, filed 2/21/74.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-28-060 Hearing to modify reporting—Brief adjudicatory proceedings—Presiding officer.

Reporting modification requests may be heard in a brief adjudicatory proceeding, as provided under the Administrative Procedure Act, RCW 34.05.482 through 34.05.494, and WAC 390-37-140 through 390-37-144. The commission may preside over the proceedings. Alternatively, one of the following persons may act as the presiding officer: The commission chair; another commissioner appointed by the chair; or, at the request of the commission chair, an administrative law judge through the office of administrative hearings.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-28-060, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 17-03-028, § 390-28-060, filed 1/6/17, effective 2/6/17
WSR 12-03-002, § 390-28-060, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 91-22-083, § 390-28-060, filed 11/5/91, effective 12/6/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-22-029 (Order 85-04), § 390-28-060, filed 10/31/85
Order 67, § 390-28-060, filed 1/16/76
Order 62, § 390-28-060, filed 8/26/75
Order 24, § 390-28-060, filed 2/21/74.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-28-070 Hearing to modify reporting—By affidavit or sworn statement.

(1) An applicant may choose to waive a personal appearance at a hearing conducted pursuant to chapter 390-28 WAC. In the event that an applicant chooses to waive such appearance, the applicant must submit a written, sworn statement setting out in detail the rationale for requesting modification or suspension.

(2) The commission or presiding officer will decide the application in the same manner as if an appearance were made. However, in the event the commission, or presiding officer is not able to reach a conclusion on the request because of an insufficiency of the evidence, the hearing may be adjourned for the purposes of gathering further evidence, or the application may be denied.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-28-070, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 07-14-117, § 390-28-070, filed 7/3/07, effective 8/3/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-22-029 (Order 85-04), § 390-28-070, filed 10/31/85
Order 64, § 390-28-070, filed 11/25/75
Order 62, § 390-28-070, filed 8/26/75
Order 24, § 390-28-070, filed 2/21/74. Formerly WAC 390-28-080.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-28-080 Hearing to modify reporting—Evidence, record, adverse decisions.

(1) All evidence presented at hearings held pursuant to chapter 390-28 WAC and RCW 29B.20.040 are considered to be a public record. However, if a modification of reporting requirements is requested by a filer because of a concern for personal safety that is caused by the potential disclosure of information required to be reported, upon request by the filer, the information submitted for that modification request regarding that safety concern will not be made public prior to, or at the hearing on the request for modification. In accordance with RCW 29B.20.040, any information provided or prepared by the applicant for the modification hearing will remain exempt from public disclosure under Title 29B and chapter 42.56 RCW to the extent it is determined at the hearing that disclosure of such information would reasonably present a personal safety risk to the applicant or a member of their family. If no written order is entered based on findings pursuant to this section, then the exempted information will become available for public disclosure.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (1) of this section, there is a presumption that all hearings and evidence presented in hearing records are open to the public. Requests for closure of hearings or portions of hearings or hearing records generally will be denied. However, pursuant to RCW 34.05.449(5) and 29B.20.040, the commission or presiding officer may close the hearing or a portion of the hearing or hearing record for a limited purpose to protect compelling interests and where closure is specifically justified if it finds that it is necessary to allow the applicant to:

(a) Provide sufficient evidence to assure that proper findings are made regarding the name of an entity the disclosure of which would likely adversely affect the competitive position of the applicant as provided in RCW 29B.20.040; or

(b) Provide other information or relevant legal authorities for which it finds a compelling interest has otherwise been shown by the applicant to close the hearing.

(3)(a) Before concluding that closure of a hearing or portion of a hearing or hearing record is warranted, the commission or presiding officer must find by clear and convincing evidence that:

(i) The applicant has satisfied a basis for seeking closure under subsection (2)(a) or (b) of this section;

(ii) An open hearing or record to report the information would present a manifestly unreasonable hardship, or personal safety risk, to the applicant;

(iii) Anyone present when the closure request is made has been given an opportunity to object to the closure;

(iv) The proposed method for closing the hearing or hearing record is the least restrictive means available for protecting the threatened interests, after considering alternatives;

(v) The commission or presiding officer has had the opportunity to weigh the competing interests of the applicant seeking closure and the public's interests;

(vi) Closing the hearing or portion of the hearing or hearing record will not frustrate the purposes of Title 29B RCW; and

(vii) The proposed protective order is not broader in its application or duration than necessary to serve its purpose.

(b) All evidence presented at any portion of a closed session identifying the matters for which the applicant requests modification under these rules will be considered confidential by the commission or presiding officer pursuant to a protective order which will be entered by the commission or presiding officer unless otherwise ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction. In the event that an administrative law judge, acting as the presiding officer, determines that testimony in private may be necessary, the judge will immediately adjourn the hearing and refer the matter to the commission.

(4) Any decision or order rendered by the commission or presiding officer must be in writing or stated in the record, however any dispositive order accompanied by findings of fact and conclusions of law must be in writing. The full commission may review any order rendered by a presiding officer, pursuant to WAC 390-37-144.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-28-080, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110, [42.17A.]120, and [42.17A.]710. WSR 21-04-073, § 390-28-080, filed 1/29/21, effective 3/1/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-28-080, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-28-080, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 07-14-117, § 390-28-080, filed 7/3/07, effective 8/3/07
WSR 91-22-083, § 390-28-080, filed 11/5/91, effective 12/6/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-22-029 (Order 85-04), § 390-28-080, filed 10/31/85
Order 62, § 390-28-080, filed 8/26/75
Order 24, § 390-28-080, filed 2/21/74. Formerly WAC 390-28-070.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-28-090 Hearing to modify reporting—Required findings.

(1) The commission or presiding officer, after a hearing, as provided in these rules, may suspend the applicable reporting requirement of Title 29B RCW if the commission or presiding officer finds that the literal application of such requirement works a manifestly unreasonable hardship in the case under consideration and if it also finds that such suspension or modification will not frustrate the purposes of the act. The commission or presiding officer must suspend or modify such reporting requirement or requirements only to the extent necessary to substantially relieve such hardship, and only upon clear and convincing proof to support such claim.

(2) The commission or presiding officer may approve a modification for the length of an elected official's term of office, or up to three years for an executive state officer. If the commission has approved a modification for more than one year, and there is a material change in the applicant's circumstances or relevant information after the initial year, then the applicant must request a modification at least one month prior to the next filing deadline (rather than at the conclusion of the approval period).

(3) The commission or presiding officer may apply a modification retroactively to previously filed reports. In such cases, the previously reported information of the kind that is no longer being reported is confidential and exempt from public disclosure under this chapter and chapter 42.56 RCW.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-28-090, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-28-090, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-28-090, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-22-029 (Order 85-04), § 390-28-090, filed 10/31/85
Order 62, § 390-28-090, filed 8/26/75
Order 24, § 390-28-090, filed 2/21/74.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-28-100 Reporting modifications—Possible qualifications—Standards—Statement of financial affairs.

(1) Under RCW 29B.20.040, the commission or presiding officer may modify reporting requirements, including the statement of financial affairs, if literal application of the requirement would work a manifestly unreasonable hardship and the suspension or modification would not frustrate the purpose of the law. One or more of the following may be considered by the commission or presiding officer as possible qualifications for a reporting modification with respect to the statement of financial affairs, when such standard is met:

(a) Banks, savings accounts, insurance policies - Financial interests. An applicant may be exempted from reporting any financial interest, otherwise required to be reported by RCW 29B.55.030 (1)(b) if:

(i) The financial institution or other entity in which the applicant held an interest does not engage in business in the state of Washington, or is not regulated in whole or in part by the office sought or held by the applicant;

(ii) Such reporting would present a manifestly unreasonable hardship to the applicant; and

(iii) The interest would present no actual or potential conflict with the proper performance of the duties of the office sought or held.

(b) Income and ownership interests. An applicant may be exempted from reporting the information otherwise required by RCW 29B.55.030 (1)(f) and (g), if:

(i) The information does not relate to a business entity which would be subject to the regulatory authority of the office sought or held by the applicant in whole or in part;

(ii) Such reporting would present a manifestly unreasonable hardship to the applicant including, but not limited to:

(A) Violating a legally recognized confidential relationship that serves a legitimate business interest, and otherwise was not formed to prevent required disclosure, although such relationship may be subject to administrative subpoena or court order to require disclosure; or

(B) Adversely affecting the competitive position of an entity in which the applicant had an interest of 10 percent or more as described in RCW 29B.20.040; and

(iii) The interest in question would present no actual or potential conflict with the performance of the duties of the office sought or held.

(c) Immediate family members' interests. An applicant may be exempted from reporting the information otherwise required by RCW 29B.55.030 for members of the applicant's immediate family, if:

(i) Such information relates to a financial interest held by such member under a bona fide separate property agreement, or other bona fide separate status; and, such financial interest is not a present or prospective source of income to the applicant or to any other person who is dependent upon the applicant for support in whole or in part; or

(ii) Reporting the name of an entity in which the immediate family holds an interest of 10 percent or more would be likely to adversely affect the competitive position of the entity, under RCW 29B.20.040.

(d) Personal residence - Real property. Regarding reporting the information otherwise required by RCW 29B.55.030 (1)(h) through (k):

(i) No modification will be necessary if the filer describes the real property using one of the alternatives in WAC 390-24-200, plus the name of the county. Judges, prosecutors, or sheriffs may describe a personal residence in the alternative manner provided under RCW 29B.55.030(2) and WAC 390-24-200 without a modification.

(ii) A modification will be required if the filer seeks some other means to describe reportable real property including the personal residence of the filer. The commission may consider and grant such a modification to amend the description of a residential address to the extent necessary to protect the applicant or an immediate family member who has received a threat, has obtained a no contact order, or has presented a similar personal safety concern.

(e) Other. An applicant may be exempted from reporting information otherwise required under RCW 29B.55.030 which would constitute a manifestly unreasonable hardship in a particular case, when the circumstances presented would not indicate any actual or potential conflict with the proper performance of the duties of the office sought or held. Examples of other common requests will be considered as follows:

(i) Lawyers and law firms (when applicant is an incumbent or candidate and acts alone or as part of a governing body, board, or commission). An applicant may be allowed to satisfy the reporting requirements of RCW 29B.55.030 (1)(g)(ii) and WAC 390-24-020 by disclosing reportable clients from whom compensation has been paid in excess of the reporting threshold as follows:

(A) The names of the business clients for whom the applicant has done legal work;

(B) Other clients of the law firm whose interests are significantly affected by the applicant's actions as an elected or appointed official or whose actions will be affected by the applicant's action should the applicant be elected whose identities become known to the applicant through any means;

(C) The names of the clients of the law firm who are listed in Martindale Hubbell, the firm's resume, website, or similar promotional materials; and

(D) Governmental clients that have done business with the law firm.

An applicant may also be required to disclose all business customers from whom compensation in excess of the reporting threshold has been received whose identities are publicized or referenced in documents open for public inspection at the courts, in administrative hearings, at proceedings conducted by public agencies, or are a matter of public knowledge in other similar public forums. Alternatively, the commission may require an applicant to report only those publicly identifiable customers of which the applicant is aware.

(ii) Judges and former law firms. An applicant may be allowed to satisfy the reporting requirements of RCW 29B.55.030 (1)(g)(ii) and WAC 390-24-020 by disclosing any required information of which the applicant is aware, provided the applicant certifies that the applicant is no longer able to access or has been denied access to the former law firm's client information.

The commission may apply (e)(i) of this subsection when the applicant is a nonincumbent judicial candidate who practiced law during the reporting period and who seeks a modification regarding reportable business clients of the law firm.

(iii) Motor vehicle dealers. An applicant may satisfy the reporting requirements of RCW 29B.55.030 (1)(g) and WAC 390-24-020 by disclosing:

(A) All purchases and leases of vehicles, and purchases of parts and services from the dealership, by the agency or jurisdiction in which the applicant seeks or holds office;

(B) Other business and governmental entities that purchased or leased 10 or more vehicles from the dealership;

(D) Any other governmental entity that paid the dealership in excess of the disclosure threshold established under RCW 29B.55.030 (1)(g)(ii) for the purchase of parts and/or service.

(iv) Applicants whose spouse or registered domestic partner creates a reporting obligation for the applicant. When an applicant is required to report the activities of an entity solely because the applicant's spouse or registered domestic partner held an office, directorship, general partnership or ownership interest in the entity and the applicant does not have direct knowledge of the information that must be reported, the applicant may be allowed to satisfy the disclosure requirements of RCW 29B.55.030 (1)(g)(ii) by disclosing reportable customers from whom compensation in excess of the disclosure threshold established under RCW 29B.55.030 (1)(g)(ii) has been received as follows:

(A) All payments made by the agency or jurisdiction in which the applicant seeks or holds office to the entity;

(B) The business and other governmental customers or clients of the applicant's spouse/domestic partner of which the applicant is aware; and

(C) Any other business and other governmental customers or clients of the entity whose identities are known to the applicant and whose interests are significantly affected by the agency or jurisdiction in which the applicant seeks or holds office. The commission may apply (e)(i) through (iii) of this subsection when the applicant's spouse/domestic partner is a lawyer, judge, or motor vehicle dealer.

(2) "Bona fide separate property agreement" means an agreement or court order describing separate property in a valid:

(a) Prenuptial agreement;

(b) Separate property contract under chapter 26.09 RCW;

(d) Domestic partnership agreement under chapter 26.60 RCW;

(e) Domestic partnership agreement as part of a notice of termination under chapter 26.60 RCW; or

(f) Postnuptial agreement.

(3) "Other bona fide separate status" means a valid written agreement or court decree recognizing the separate status of the parties under state law, including their individual property that is separate under state law.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-28-100, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110, [42.17A.]120, and [42.17A.]710. WSR 21-04-073, § 390-28-100, filed 1/29/21, effective 3/1/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-28-100, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.120. WSR 14-15-013, § 390-28-100, filed 7/3/14, effective 8/3/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-28-100, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 09-20-081, § 390-28-100, filed 10/6/09, effective 11/6/09
WSR 85-22-029 (Order 85-04), § 390-28-100, filed 10/31/85
WSR 80-02-106 (Order 80-02), § 390-28-100, filed 1/24/80
Order 64, § 390-28-100, filed 11/25/75
Order 62, § 390-28-100, filed 8/26/75
Order 24, § 390-28-100, filed 2/21/74.

Chapter 390-32 Fair Campaign Practices Code.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-32-010 Fair Campaign Practices Code for candidates and political committees.

Pursuant to the provisions of RCW 29B.20.030 (1) and (6) the public disclosure commission adopts this Fair Campaign Practices Code:

(1) I shall conduct my campaign, and to the extent reasonably possible shall insist that my supporters conduct themselves, in a manner consistent with the best American tradition, discussing the issues and presenting my record and policies with sincerity and candor.

(2) I shall uphold the right of every qualified voter to free and equal participation in the election process.

(3) I shall not participate in, and I shall condemn, personal vilification, defamation, and other attacks on any opposing candidate or party which I do not believe to be truthful, provable, and relevant to my campaign.

(4) I shall not use or authorize, and I shall condemn material relating to my campaign which falsifies, misrepresents, or distorts the facts, including but not limited to malicious or unfounded accusations creating or exploiting doubts as to the morality, patriotism or motivations of any party or candidate.

(5) I shall not appeal to, and I shall condemn appeals to, prejudices based on race, creed, sex or national origin.

(6) I shall not practice, and I shall condemn practices, which tend to corrupt or undermine the system of free election or which hamper or prevent the free expression of the will of the voters.

(7) I shall promptly and publicly repudiate the support of any individual or group which resorts, on behalf of my candidacy or in opposition to that of my opponent(s) to methods in violation of the letter or spirit of this code.

(8) I shall refrain from any misuse of the Public Disclosure Law, Title 29B RCW to gain political advantage for myself or any other candidate.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-32-010, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-32-010, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-22-029 (Order 85-04), § 390-32-010, filed 10/31/85
Order 93, § 390-32-010, filed 8/26/77
Order 64, § 390-32-010, filed 11/25/75
Order 62, § 390-32-010, filed 8/26/75
Order 50, § 390-32-010, filed 3/3/75.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-32-020 Filing—Fair Campaign Practices Code.

(1) A copy of the code provided in WAC 390-32-010 shall be printed in appropriate campaign reporting instructions made available to candidates and political committees.

(2) Failure to subscribe to the code shall not constitute a violation of Title 29B RCW.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-32-020, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-32-020, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 92-18-002, § 390-32-020, filed 8/20/92, effective 9/20/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-08-030 (Order 86-02), § 390-32-020, filed 3/26/86
WSR 85-22-029 (Order 85-04), § 390-32-020, filed 10/31/85
Order 93, § 390-32-020, filed 8/26/77
Order 91, § 390-32-020, filed 7/22/77
Order 62, § 390-32-020, filed 8/26/75
Order 59, § 390-32-020, filed 7/16/75
Order 52, § 390-32-020, filed 4/17/75.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-32-030 Complaint publication—Fair Campaign Practices Code—Alternative to investigation or adjudicative proceeding.

(1) Written and signed complaints alleging a violation of one or more specific provisions of WAC 390-32-010. The Fair Campaign Practices Code may be submitted to the commission by any person.

(a) Subject to the limitations in subsection (4) of this section, upon receipt of a complaint under subsection (1) of this section, the executive director shall forward a copy of the complaint to the respondent within 24 hours, accompanied by a request for a response to the complaint returned within five business days from the date of mailing.

(b) Upon receipt of any response, the executive director shall forward a copy of the response to the complainant. A copy of the complaint and the response shall be sent to news media at the expiration of the five business days for response. The complaint and the response shall be available at the commission office for public inspection and copying. If no response is received within five business days, the complaint shall be made public without a response.

(2) As provided by WAC 390-37-060, and considering the factors set forth in WAC 390-37-061, the executive director may authorize the processing of a complaint alleging violations of Titles 29B RCW or 390 WAC according to the complaint publication process provided in this section.

(a) Subject to the limitations in subsection (4) of this section, upon receipt of a complaint authorized by the executive director for processing under this subsection, the executive director shall forward a copy of the complaint to the respondent, accompanied by a request for a response to the complaint to be returned within five business days from the date of mailing.

(b) Complaints authorized by the executive director for processing under this subsection shall be forwarded to the respondent within eight days prior to the date that ballots must be available under RCW 29A.40.070(1).

(c) Upon receipt of any response, the executive director shall forward a copy of the response to the complainant. A copy of the complaint and the response shall be sent to news media at the expiration of the five business days for response. The complaint and the response shall be available at the commission office for public inspection and copying. If no response is received within five days, the complaint shall be made public without a response.

(d) Except as provided under (a) or (b) of this subsection, the publication of complaints or responses under this subsection shall constitute the final disposition of complaints authorized by the executive director for processing under this section.

(3) Following the processing of a complaint under subsection (2) of this section, the executive director shall review the complaint and any response received. Whenever a complaint and response indicate that a material violation of Title 29B RCW may have occurred and/or the respondent may not be in substantial compliance with the relevant statutes and rules, considering the factors set forth in WAC 390-37-061, the executive director may:

(a) Dispose of the complaint through an additional alternative response as provided in WAC 390-37-060; or

(b) Direct a formal investigation be conducted.

(4) The commission will make no attempt to secure a reply to and will make no public release of complaints received within eight days of the date that ballots must be mailed to voters under RCW 29A.40.070(1).

(5) The filing of a complaint with the commission under this section or any provision of chapter 390-37 WAC constitutes implied consent to have the complainant's identity disclosed.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-32-030, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 18-08-062, § 390-32-030, filed 4/2/18, effective 5/3/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 17-03-028, § 390-32-030, filed 1/6/17, effective 2/6/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 16-01-015, § 390-32-030, filed 12/4/15, effective 1/4/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-22-029 (Order 85-04), § 390-32-030, filed 10/31/85
Order 93, § 390-32-030, filed 8/26/77
Order 91, § 390-32-030, filed 7/22/77.

Chapter 390-37 Enforcement rules.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-001 Enforcement cases—Jurisdiction.

The public disclosure commission (PDC) enforces Title 29B RCW concerning campaign financing, lobbyist reporting, reporting of public officials' financial affairs, reporting by public treasurers, political advertising, campaign contribution limitations and the other provisions in Title 29B RCW. (The PDC does not enforce the Public Records Act under chapter 42.56 RCW. RCW 42.56.550 provides for direct review by the superior courts for persons seeking to enforce chapter 42.56 RCW.)

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-37-001, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-001, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.56.100, 42.56.040, and 42.17A.110. WSR 12-18-015, § 390-37-001, filed 8/24/12, effective 9/24/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 03-22-065, § 390-37-001, filed 11/4/03, effective 12/5/03.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-005 Complaint review and categorization.

(1) PDC staff, upon receiving or initiating a complaint, will promptly conduct an initial review and preliminarily assign matters to certain categories.

(2) Upon initial review, a matter may be preliminarily categorized as:

(a) Unfounded or frivolous, pursuant to WAC 390-37-060;

(b) A "remediable violation," pursuant to RCW 29B.60.020;

(d) A minor violation, appropriate for alternative resolution alternatives, pursuant to WAC 390-37-061;

(e) Appropriate to initiate an investigation as to whether or not there has been a material violation;

(f) Appropriate for referral to the attorney general, pursuant to WAC 390-37-042; or

(g) Other status as authorized and appropriate under Title 29B RCW or Title 390 WAC.

(3) Each enforcement matter will be posted on the PDC's public case-tracking database, where its status will be updated from time to time as appropriate until the matter is closed, to apprise the parties and general public.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-37-005, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]755. WSR 25-16-030, s 390-37-005, filed 7/28/25, effective 11/5/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-37-005, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-005, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-010 Enforcement procedures—General.

This chapter provides the procedures for the PDC's enforcement of compliance with Title 29B RCW, including categorization of enforcement matters, complaint processes, alternative resolutions, investigations, and adjudicative proceedings (enforcement hearings) in compliance cases under the commission's jurisdiction. The procedures are also governed by RCW 29B.60.020, and the adjudicative proceedings provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW. Unless they differ or are otherwise specifically addressed in this chapter, the procedures, are supplemented by the model rules of procedure in chapter 10-08 WAC. In lieu of holding an adjudicative proceeding or issuing an order as a result of such a proceeding, the commission may refer the matter to the attorney general or other law enforcement agency at any time, pursuant to RCW 29B.20.020 and 29B.60.020.

In addition, the procedures for a person required to file a report under this chapter to request a hearing on a petition to modify or suspend reporting requirements are provided in RCW 29B.20.040 and chapters 390-24 and 390-28 WAC.

The policy of the PDC is to facilitate the resolution of compliance matters in a fair and expeditious manner. The PDC encourages the parties to consider corrections, alternative resolution, partial resolution, statements of understanding, settlement and stipulation procedures as set forth in WAC 390-37-040, 390-37-060, 390-37-062, 390-37-075, 390-37-090, or 390-37-142 whenever appropriate. Informal settlements are encouraged by RCW 34.05.060.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-37-010, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-010, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 16-01-015, § 390-37-010, filed 12/4/15, effective 1/4/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-37-010, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 03-22-065, § 390-37-010, filed 11/4/03, effective 12/5/03
Order 79, § 390-37-010, filed 6/25/76.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-020 Enforcement procedures—Who may allege a violation with the PDC.

Alleged violations of Title 29B RCW may be brought to the attention of the PDC staff by:

(1) A member of the public;

(2) The PDC staff;

(3) A commission member, who shall thereafter, in their discretion, determine whether disqualification from participating in the adjudication of an enforcement matter that may arise from a complaint regarding the alleged violation(s) is appropriate;

(4) Referral from the office of the attorney general or any other law enforcement agency; or

(5) A state agency, local agency or member of a state or local agency.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-37-020, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-020, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(8). WSR 15-12-079, § 390-37-020, filed 5/29/15, effective 6/29/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-37-020, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-24-003, § 390-37-020, filed 11/18/93, effective 12/19/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 84-12-017 (Order 84-03), § 390-37-020, filed 5/25/84
Order 79, § 390-37-020, filed 6/25/76.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-030 Enforcement procedures—Standing and notice for complainants.

(1) When a complaint is filed with the PDC other than by PDC staff pursuant to WAC 390-37-040, neither the complainant nor any other person shall have special standing to participate or intervene in any investigation or consideration of the complaint by the commission or its staff. However, the staff shall give notice to the complainant of any commission hearings on the matter and the complainant may be called as a witness in any enforcement hearing or investigative proceeding. The commission's presiding officer has the discretion to allow comment by a person other than the respondent during the consideration of a complaint by the commission. Any person who wishes to comment should notify staff at least three business days before the proceeding.

(2) The complainant or any other person may submit documentary evidence and/or written factual or legal statements to the staff at any time up to and including the fifth calendar day before the date of any enforcement hearing or proceeding, but complainants are encouraged to provide as much information as possible at the time of filing a complaint to help ensure the complaint review and investigation processes are as thorough as possible. Complainants and others are encouraged to submit evidence electronically wherever feasible.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-030, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 16-01-015, § 390-37-030, filed 12/4/15, effective 1/4/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-37-030, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 04-12-058, § 390-37-030, filed 5/28/04, effective 6/28/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 03-22-065, § 390-37-030, filed 11/4/03, effective 12/5/03
WSR 02-23-001, § 390-37-030, filed 11/6/02, effective 12/7/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-04-071 (Order 86-01), § 390-37-030, filed 2/5/86
WSR 84-12-017 (Order 84-03), § 390-37-030, filed 5/25/84
Order 79, § 390-37-030, filed 6/25/76.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-040 Enforcement procedures—Procedures for filing complaints with the PDC.

(1) A complaint filed with the PDC must be by electronic writing. Complainants must use the form(s) provided by the PDC on its website. The executive director may waive this requirement and allow for the use of another written format on the basis of hardship.

(2) A complaint must include:

(a) A statement of the nature of the alleged violation or violations, referencing Title 29B RCW and/or Title 390 WAC (if known), date, time and place of each occurrence and name of person or persons believed to be responsible, and a description of the impact of the alleged violation on the public;

(b) All available documentation and other evidence which the complainant is able to supply that supports the allegations made in the complaint. Information about where documents or evidence can be obtained and any relevant contact information should be included for any items that cannot be supplied with the complaint;

(c) The names and telephone numbers, email addresses, and U.S. mail address, if known, of any witnesses or other persons who have knowledge of facts related to the complaint;

(d) The complainant's name, email address which will be the PDC's official method of communication, U.S. mail address, and telephone number;

(e) The signature of the complainant certifying under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of Washington that the information provided with the complaint is true and correct to the best of their knowledge and belief;

(f) Identification of any complaint filed by the complainant against the same respondent within the previous 12 months from the date of the complaint; and

(g) Other pertinent information, as required by the PDC.

(3) The person or entity against whom a complaint is filed is known as the respondent.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-37-040, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]755. WSR 25-16-030, s 390-37-040, filed 7/28/25, effective 11/5/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-040, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(8). WSR 15-12-079, § 390-37-040, filed 5/29/15, effective 6/29/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-37-040, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 03-22-065, § 390-37-040, filed 11/4/03, effective 12/5/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 84-12-017 (Order 84-03), § 390-37-040, filed 5/25/84
Order 79, § 390-37-040, filed 6/25/76.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-042 Enforcement procedures—Process and criteria for referring enforcement matters to the attorney general.

(1) When a complaint is filed or initiated by the PDC, the PDC may refer the matter at any time to the attorney general in accordance with RCW 29B.60.020. The determination to refer a matter to the attorney general will be made by either:

(a) A majority vote of the commission at a regular or special commission meeting; or

(b) By the executive director with the documented concurrence by electronic writing of either the chair or vice chair of the commission.

Any referral to the attorney general will be made in writing and may be made by electronic transmission.

(2) Enforcement matters potentially appropriate for referral may be brought to the executive director's attention by members of the commission, by PDC staff, by another party, or by the attorney general.

(3) Where the attorney general has requested referral of a matter and addressed the relevant criteria under RCW 29B.60.020, the executive director shall respond to the request within two business days. Both the request and the response shall be in writing and may be by electronic transmission.

(4) The executive director shall report at each regular commission meeting all referrals made by the executive director to the attorney general and all requests for referral by the attorney general since the prior commission meeting.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-37-042, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-042, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-050 Enforcement procedures—Respondent's notice of complaint.

(1) Within ten days of receipt by the PDC of a complaint which on its face appears to have merit, or initiation of a complaint by the PDC staff, the PDC staff must notify the respondent that a complaint has been filed, along with an explanation of possible next steps, including the categorization process under WAC 390-37-005. Sending the complaint to the respondent's email address of record as provided to the PDC will constitute sufficient notice.

(2) The notice must set forth the nature of the complaint and the statutory and/or rule provision(s) alleged to have been violated.

(3) Respondents who wish to respond must file their response electronically within fourteen days of being notified by PDC staff, addressing the alleged noncompliance in the complaint. The response may address the respondent's view of which category or categories appropriately address the alleged noncompliance pursuant to WAC 390-37-005 (remediable, technical corrections, etc.). The PDC staff may provide for a shorter response period in order to conclude a timely investigation so the public will not be deprived of important information before the election.

(4) If an alternative response to the alleged violation has been issued as provided by this chapter, the notice must also describe that response, including any conditions the respondent is required to meet.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-37-050, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-050, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 17-03-004, § 390-37-050, filed 1/4/17, effective 2/4/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 16-01-015, § 390-37-050, filed 12/4/15, effective 1/4/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 03-22-065, § 390-37-050, filed 11/4/03, effective 12/5/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 79-08-046 (Order 79-03), § 390-37-050, filed 7/19/79
Order 81, § 390-37-050, filed 7/22/76.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-060 Case initiation and resolution procedures—Alternative responses to noncompliance—Technical corrections—Investigation of complaints—Initiation of adjudicative proceeding.

(1) Upon receipt or initiation of a complaint, the PDC staff will conduct an initial review pursuant to WAC 390-37-005.

(a) If the executive director determines that any complaint is obviously unfounded or frivolous, or outside of the PDC's jurisdiction, the executive director will inform the complainant and, as appropriate, the respondent why no further action is warranted.

(b) The executive director may resolve a matter as a technical correction pursuant to RCW 29B.60.020. PDC staff will notify the respondent of the need to make a correction and the deadline by which that correction must be made. The deadline will be no less than two days and no more than 21 days from the date of the notification. The failure to make the requested correction may result in the initiation of an investigation or other enforcement action.

(d) The executive director may resolve any complaint that alleges minor violations of Title 29B RCW by issuing a formal written warning. If the resolution is conditioned upon the respondent reaching or maintaining compliance, specific expectations and any deadlines will be clearly explained in the written warning. A respondent's failure to meet conditions may result in a complaint being reopened.

(e) The executive director may use the complaint publication process set out in WAC 390-32-030 to resolve any complaint.

(f) The executive director may enter into a statement of understanding, in accordance with WAC 390-37-142.

(g) The executive director may propose a stipulation to the commission before or after conducting an investigation.

(h) The executive director may initiate an investigation whenever an initial review of a complaint indicates that a material violation may have occurred.

(i) The executive director may, with the concurrence of the commission chair or vice chair, refer a complaint to the attorney general, in accordance with WAC 390-37-042.

(j) The executive director must report at each regular commission meeting a summary covering the period since the previous commission meeting of all complaints initiated or received; how they were categorized; the nature of the allegations; conformance to required timelines; and actions taken and resolutions achieved pursuant to the alternatives provided for under Title 29B RCW, such as dismissals, requests for technical correction, warning letters, complaint publication, statements of understanding, initiations of investigations, status reviews, stipulations, referrals to the attorney general's office, brief adjudicative proceedings, or commission hearings.

(2) If the executive director determines an investigation will require the expenditure of substantial resources, the executive director may request review and concurrence by the commission before proceeding.

(3) If the executive director determines an investigation is warranted, an initial hearing (also referred to as a "case status review") will be held pursuant to WAC 390-37-071.

(4) Following the initial hearing (case status review), and further investigation if needed, the executive director may initiate an adjudicative proceeding before the commission whenever the facts support that a material violation may have occurred and the matter is not appropriate for a dismissal or an alternative resolution.

(5) The respondent and complainant must be notified of the date of the adjudicative proceeding or a report on an enforcement matter resulting from a complaint no later than 10 calendar days before that date. The notice must contain the information required by RCW 34.05.434, the staff investigative report, if a report was completed, and any charges to be adjudicated. The notice, whenever possible, will be delivered electronically.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-37-060, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]755. WSR 25-16-030, s 390-37-060, filed 7/28/25, effective 11/5/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-37-060, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-060, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 17-03-004, § 390-37-060, filed 1/4/17, effective 2/4/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 16-01-015, § 390-37-060, filed 12/4/15, effective 1/4/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.56.100, 42.56.040, and 42.17A.110. WSR 12-18-015, § 390-37-060, filed 8/24/12, effective 9/24/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-37-060, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 05-11-001, § 390-37-060, filed 5/4/05, effective 6/4/05
WSR 03-22-065, § 390-37-060, filed 11/4/03, effective 12/5/03
WSR 93-24-003, § 390-37-060, filed 11/18/93, effective 12/19/93
WSR 91-16-072, § 390-37-060, filed 8/2/91, effective 9/2/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-04-071 (Order 86-01), § 390-37-060, filed 2/5/86
WSR 84-12-017 and 84-12-029 (Orders 84-03 and 84-03A), § 390-37-060, filed 5/25/84 and 5/29/84
Order 81, § 390-37-060, filed 7/22/76.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-061 Enforcement procedures—Alternative responses to noncompliance—Goals and objectives—Factors to be considered.

(1) In considering appropriate responses to violations, the PDC staff will consider whether an investigation or adjudicative proceeding constitutes an efficient and effective use of public funds; or whether an alternative response better meets the PDC's mission and public expectations by allowing the expedited resolution of minor violations and technical reporting errors, and the focusing of resources on more significant violations of Titles 29B RCW and 390 WAC.

(2) A minor violation is a violation that occurs:

(a) When required information is not timely disclosed, but the public is not deprived of critical information;

(b) When incomplete information is disclosed, but a good faith effort to comply with disclosure is made, and the public is not deprived of critical information; or

(3) In authorizing an alternative response to alleged noncompliance, the executive director may consider the nature of the alleged violation and any relevant circumstances including, but not limited to, the factors described in subsection (4) of this section: Provided, that, if after weighing the relevant circumstances and factors, the executive director determines there is evidence that so warrants, the allegations may be addressed through an investigation as provided by WAC 390-37-060.

(4) The factors the executive director may consider in permitting an alternative response to noncompliance, an investigation, or an adjudicative proceeding include, but are not limited to:

| An alternative response to noncompliance may be appropriate if … | An investigation and possible adjudicative hearing may be appropriate if … | | --- | --- | | It appears that noncompliance resulted from a good-faith error, omission, or misunderstanding. | It appears that the noncompliance may have resulted from a knowing or intentional effort to conceal, deceive or mislead, or violate the law or rule, or from collusive behavior. | | The respondent is a first-time filer. | The respondent has experience in complying with the applicable requirements. | | The respondent's compliance history indicates the noncompliance was isolated or limited in nature, and not indicative of systematic or ongoing problems. | The noncompliance is part of a pattern of violations by the respondent, or in the case of a political committee, or other entity, part of a pattern of violations by the respondent's officers, staff, principal decision makers, consultants, or sponsoring organization. | | The impact of the noncompliance on the public was minimal. | The noncompliance deprived the public of timely or accurate information during a time-sensitive period in a campaign, legislative session, etc., or otherwise had a significant or material impact on the public. | | The respondent's organization or campaign was relatively unsophisticated or small. | The respondent or the respondent's organization or campaign demonstrated a relatively high level of sophistication, or was well financed and staffed. | | The total expenditures by the respondent in the campaign or statement period were relatively modest. | The campaign or statement period involved significant expenditures by the respondent. | | The amount of late-reported activity, or the duration of the untimely disclosure, was small in proportion to the amount of activity that was timely reported by the respondent. | The late or unreported activity was significant in amount or duration under the circumstances, including in proportion to the total amount of expenditures by the respondent in the campaign or statement period. | | There is no evidence that any person, including an entity or organization, benefited politically or economically from the noncompliance. | It appears the respondent or anyone else benefited politically or economically from the noncompliance. | | Personal emergency or illness of the respondent, the respondent's officer, or member of their immediate family contributed to the noncompliance. | There are no circumstances that appear to mitigate or appropriately explain the late reporting or other noncompliance. | | Other emergencies such as fire, flood, or utility failure prevented compliance. | There are no circumstances that appear to mitigate or appropriately explain the late reporting or other noncompliance. | | PDC staff or equipment error including technical problems at the agency prevented or delayed electronic filing. | PDC staff or equipment error did not appear to contribute to the noncompliance. | | The noncompliance resulted from the respondent's demonstrated good-faith uncertainty concerning staff guidance or instructions, a lack of clarity in the rule or statute, or uncertainty concerning the valid application of the commission's requirements. | It appears the respondent understood the application of staff's guidance or instructions, and did not dispute the valid application of the commission's rules. | | The respondent quickly took corrective action or initiated other remedial measures prior to any complaint, or when noncompliance was brought to respondent's attention (e.g., filing missing reports, amending incomplete or inaccurate reports, returning prohibited or over limit contributions). | The respondent appeared negligent or unwilling to address the noncompliance. | | The respondent made a good-faith effort to comply, including by consulting with PDC staff following a complaint and cooperating during any preliminary investigation, or demonstrated a wish to acknowledge and take responsibility for the alleged violation. | The respondent failed to provide a timely or adequate response to the complaint, or was otherwise uncooperative. | | The alleged violation was or is being addressed under an analogous local ordinance, regulation, or policy. | The commission has primary jurisdiction over the alleged violation. | | The alleged violation presents a new question or issue for the commission's interpretation. | The alleged violation does not present a case of first impression. | | Other factors relevant to a particular case | |

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-37-061, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]755. WSR 25-16-030, s 390-37-061, filed 7/28/25, effective 11/5/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-37-061, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-061, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 16-01-015, § 390-37-061, filed 12/4/15, effective 1/4/16.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-062 Enforcement procedures—Alternative responses—Cases resolvable by stipulation prior to an investigation—Penalty schedule.

(1) The purpose of this section is to set forth a schedule of violations and penalties that may be agreed to by a respondent pursuant to a stipulation prior to an investigation, as authorized by RCW 29B.60.020. That schedule appears in the table below.

(2) A violation not set forth in the schedule may be resolved pursuant to a stipulation, provided that the proposed penalty amount is within the dollar ranges listed in the schedule.

(3) "Occasion" as used in the schedule means a violation found by the commission, or acknowledged by the respondent in a statement of understanding.

(4) Only violations within the last five years will be considered for determining whether the violation under consideration will be deemed a second or third occasion.

(5) Any proposed stipulation must be in writing, must include a brief recitation of the facts, violations, and penalty, and be signed by each party to the stipulation or their representative and provided by 4:00 p.m. three business days preceding the commission meeting. The executive director will sign for PDC staff.

(6) The commission has the option of accepting, modifying or rejecting the proposed stipulation. If the commission accepts the stipulation, or modifies the stipulation with the agreement of the parties, the commission will enter an order in conformity with the terms of the stipulation. If the commission rejects the stipulation, the commission staff may consider whether:

(a) An investigation should be initiated; or

(b) The matter may appropriately be resolved in another manner.

(7) In determining whether to accept the stipulation, the commission may consider the nature of the violation(s), and any aggravating and/or mitigating factors as provided in WAC 390-37-185.

| Violations: | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Respondent failed to file or timely file an accurate or complete: (1) Statement of Financial Affairs (F-1 Report) / (2) Candidate Registration / (C-1 Report) / (3) Lobbyist Monthly Expense Report (L-2 Report) / (4) Lobbyist Employer Annual Report (L-3 Report) and (5) Local Treasurer's Annual Report (T-1 Report). | | | | | | 1st Occasion | 2nd Occasion | 3rd Occasion | | Filed missing report after being notified about the complaint, and provided written explanation with mitigating circumstances. | $0 - $500 | $500 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $1,500 | | Report is filed late and is incomplete or inaccurate. | $0 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $2,000 | $1,200 - $2,400 | | Respondent failed to file or timely file accurate and complete campaign disclosure reports: | | | | | Cash Receipts Monetary Contributions Report (C-3 Report) | | | | | Filed missing C-3 Report or amended C-3 Report after being notified about the complaint, and provided written explanation with mitigating circumstances. | $0 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $2,000 | $2,000 - $3,000 | | Failed to timely deposit monetary contributions within five business days of receipt. | $0 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $2,000 | $2,000 - $3,000 | | Failed to include employer and occupation information for contributors of more than $100. | $0 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $2,000 | $2,000 - $3,000 | | Campaign Summary Receipts and Expenditures Report (C-4 Report) | | | | | Filed missing C-4 Report or amended C-4 Report after being notified about the complaint, and provided written explanation with mitigating circumstances. | $0 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $2,000 | $2,000 - $3,000 | | Failed to properly report the "purpose" of an expenditure under RCW 29B.25.100(6) or 29B.25.120 (5)(b). | $0 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $2,000 | $2,000 - $3,000 | | Failed to properly report expenditures made on behalf of a candidate or political committee by any person, agency, firm, organization, etc. | $0 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $2,000 | $2,000 - $3,000 | | Failed to report a contractual contingent liability. | $0 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $2,000 | $2,000 - $3,000 | | Failed to properly dispose of surplus funds. | $0 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $2,000 | $2,000 - $3,000 | | Failed to properly make campaign books of account available for public inspection as required immediately preceding the date of an election. | $0 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $2,000 | $2,000 - $3,000 | | Independent Expenditure Report (C-6 Report) | | | | | Filed missing C-6 Report or amended C-6 Report after being notified about the complaint, and provided written explanation with mitigating circumstances. | $0 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $2,000 | $2,000 - $3,000 | | Report is incomplete or inaccurate. | $0 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $2,000 | $2,000 - $3,000 | | Out-of-State Political Committee Report (C-5 Report) | | | | | Filed missing C-5 Report or amended C-5 Report after being notified about the complaint, and provided written explanation with mitigating circumstances. | $0 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $2,000 | $2,000 - $3,000 | | Last Minute Contribution Report (LMC report) | | | | | Filed missing LMC report or amended LMC report after being notified about the complaint, and provided written explanation with mitigating circumstances. | $0 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $2,000 | $2,000 - $3,000 | | Exceeding Contribution Limits | | | | | Refunded contributions after being notified of the complaint, over limit contributions were not significant, and respondent provided written explanation with mitigating circumstances. | $0 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $2,000 | $2,000 - $3,000 | | Other Alleged Violations | | | | | Exceeding Mini Reporting Threshold | | | | | Filed C-3 and C-4 Reports for full reporting after being notified about the complaint, and provided written explanation with mitigating circumstances. | $0 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $2,000 | $2,000 - $3,000 | | Failure to file electronically | | | | | Filed C-3 and C-4 Reports electronically after being notified about the complaint, and provided written explanation with mitigating circumstances. | $0 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $2,000 | $2,000 - $3,000 | | Use of public facilities for the purpose of assisting a campaign for the election of any person to any office, or for the promotion of or opposition to any ballot proposition. | | | | | Use of public facilities was incidental and isolated, and evidence was not submitted indicating that the use may have affected the outcome of the election. | $0 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $2,000 | $2,000 - $3,000 | | Use of public facilities was not incidental or isolated, or evidence was submitted indicating that the use may have affected the outcome of the election. | $0 - $1,500 | $1,500 - $3,000 | $3,000 - $5,000 | | Failure to file Lobbyist Registration report (L-1 Report) | | | | | Filed missing L-1 Report after being notified about the complaint, and provided written explanation with mitigating circumstances. | $0 - $500 | $500 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $1,500 | | Failure to File Agency Lobbying Report (L-5 Report) | | | | | Filed missing L-5 Report or amended L-5 Report after being notified about the complaint, and provided written explanation with mitigating circumstances. | $0 - $500 | $500 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $1,500 | | Grassroots Lobbying Report (L-6 Report) | | | | | Filed missing L-6 Report or amended L-6 Report after being notified about the complaint, and provided written explanation with mitigating circumstances. | $0 - $500 | $500 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $1,500 | | Sponsor identification requirements for political advertising | | | | | Political advertising failed to include any sponsor identification, or included improper or misleading sponsor identification. | $0 - $500 | $500 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $1,500 | | Party preference requirement for political advertising | | | | | Political advertising failed to include a candidate's party preference. | $0 - $500 | $500 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $1,500 | | Use of current picture requirement in political advertising | | | | | Political advertising fails to include at least one picture of the candidate used in the advertising that was taken within the last five years, that is no smaller than any other picture of the same candidate used in the same advertisement. | $0 - $500 | $500 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $1,500 | | Political advertising or electioneering communication—Libel or defamation per se | | | | | Political advertising or an electioneering communication that contains a false statement of material fact about a candidate for public office; falsely represents that a candidate is the incumbent for the office sought; or makes a false claim stating or implying the support or endorsement of any person or organization. | $0 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $2,000 | $2,000 - $3,000 | | Commercial advertisers—Public inspection of documents | | | | | Commercial advertisers who after accepting or providing political advertising or electioneering communications during an election campaign fail to maintain records and books of account, or make such information available by the methods provided under WAC 390-18-050. | $0 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $2,000 | $2,000 - $3,000 | | Candidates and political committees—Public inspection of books of accounts | | | | | Candidates or political committees who fail to accommodate requests for public inspection as required by WAC 390-16-043. | $0 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $2,000 | $2,000 - $3,000 | | Limitations on employers or labor organizations | | | | | Failed to maintain open for public inspection, during normal business hours, documents and books of accounts showing a copy of each employee's request for funds to be withheld for transfer to a political committee. | $0 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $2,000 | $2,000 - $3,000 |

(8) In a matter where the PDC staff have completed an investigation or resolved the matter as a technical correction, as authorized in RCW 29B.60.020, the schedule set forth in the table above is not applicable.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-37-062, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]755. WSR 25-16-030, s 390-37-062, filed 7/28/25, effective 11/5/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-37-062, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-062, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-063 Enforcement procedures—Demand for information—Subpoenas.

(1) During the course of a PDC audit or investigation, the executive director may issue a subpoena directed to any person who probably possesses information which is relevant and material to the audit or the investigation. The subpoena must:

(a) Specifically describe the information which is sought; and

(b) Set forth a reasonable time and place for the production of the information; and

(c) Notify the person that if the information is not produced, the executive director will apply to the superior court for an appropriate order or other remedy.

The subpoena may be personally delivered or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested.

(2) The commission or the presiding officer may issue a subpoena under RCW 29B.20.030(6) and WAC 390-37-120 to compel persons to appear and give testimony and may require the production of any books, papers, correspondence, text messages, records, memoranda, electronically stored data, or other evidence that the commission deems relevant and material.

(3) As provided in the act, the commission or executive director may apply in superior court for authorization to issue a subpoena before issuing the subpoena, in circumstances where appropriate.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-37-063, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-37-063, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-063, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-37-063, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 03-18-003, § 390-37-063, filed 8/20/03, effective 9/20/03
WSR 93-24-003, § 390-37-063, filed 11/18/93, effective 12/19/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-04-071 (Order 86-01), § 390-37-063, filed 2/5/86
WSR 82-02-007 (Order 81-04), § 390-37-063, filed 12/28/81.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-070 Enforcement procedures—Complaints dismissed by executive director after an investigation has been commenced.

The executive director, at any time prior to consideration by the commission, may dismiss a complaint which on its face, or as shown by investigation, provides reason to believe that a violation has occurred, but also shows that the respondent is in substantial compliance with the relevant statutes or rules, or shows that formal enforcement action is not warranted. The executive director must report at each regular commission meeting all complaints dismissed.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-37-070, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-070, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 16-01-015, § 390-37-070, filed 12/4/15, effective 1/4/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-37-070, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 03-22-065, § 390-37-070, filed 11/4/03, effective 12/5/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 94-05-010, § 390-37-070, filed 2/3/94, effective 3/6/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-04-071 (Order 86-01), § 390-37-070, filed 2/5/86
WSR 84-12-017 (Order 84-03), § 390-37-070, filed 5/25/84
Order 81, § 390-37-070, filed 7/22/76.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-071 Enforcement procedures—Initial hearing (case status review prior to 90 days).

(1) After initiating an investigation pursuant to WAC 390-37-060, the executive director will conduct a case status review, referred to as an initial hearing in RCW 29B.60.020. The case status review is not an adjudicative proceeding conducted pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (chapter 34.05 RCW), and does not determine any rights of the parties. Its purpose is to ensure the investigation, is being conducted expeditiously and to provide an opportunity to discuss possible alternative resolutions.

(2) The case status review will be conducted within 90 days of the complaint being filed in the matter, and may be held by telephone conference or in-person at a time and place specified by PDC staff. Notice of the case status review will be delivered electronically whenever possible.

(3) Participation in the case status review by the respondent is not mandatory. The failure to participate in the hearing will not prejudice or affect any rights of the respondent with respect to the investigation or potential adjudication of the matter.

(4) The case status review shall have a set time limit as determined by the executive director.

(5) At the case status review, the executive director shall have the authority to:

(a) Provide the respondent with a brief opportunity to explain the respondent's view of the matter, including why further investigation may not be warranted;

(b) Identify any available options to resolve the matter;

(c) When appropriate, encourage the parties to enter into a stipulated agreement as authorized by RCW 29B.60.020 and WAC 390-37-062; and

(d) Consider such other matters as may aid in the investigation, disposition or resolution of the matter.

(6) Following the case status review, the executive director shall direct PDC staff to update the PDC's public case-tracking database pursuant to WAC 390-37-005.

(7) The executive director shall report to the commission, no later than the next regular commission meeting, any case status reviews held. The executive director's report shall include an overview of matters addressed and any review outcomes.

(8) Nothing in this section shall limit the authority of the commission or its staff to resolve a complaint, pursue an investigation and enforcement, or refer a matter to the attorney general at any time.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-37-071, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]755. WSR 25-16-030, s 390-37-071, filed 7/28/25, effective 11/5/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-071, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-075 Enforcement procedures—Deferred enforcement after an investigation has been commenced.

(1) As provided by WAC 390-37-060, the chair or the chair's designee commissioner may authorize deferred enforcement:

(a) Following a case status review provided for in WAC 390-37-071, referred to as an initial hearing in RCW 29B.60.020, in lieu of a formal investigation;

(b) Following an investigation, in lieu of a notice of administrative charges for an adjudicative proceeding; or

(2) The executive director will recommend to the chair or the chair's designee commissioner the conditions of a deferred enforcement. The conditions shall be clearly defined and agreed to by the respondent, along with the consequences for failure to meet the conditions of the deferral. Negotiations regarding deferred enforcement shall be informal and without prejudice to rights of a participant in the negotiations.

(3) With concurrence of the chair or the chair's designee commissioner, the executive director or designee (commission staff) shall memorialize the pertinent facts and the conditions of the deferral by electronic writing to the respondent, together with the consequences for failure to meet the conditions of the deferral. The agreement shall be signed by the executive director or designee (commission staff) and the respondent. Staff shall notify the respondent that any administrative charges issued in the matter are stayed pending satisfaction of the deferral conditions.

(4) Once the deferral conditions are met, the complaint shall be dismissed with no further investigation or action as provided by WAC 390-37-070.

(5) If the deferral conditions are not met, the complaint shall proceed in accordance with WAC 390-37-060.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-37-075, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]755. WSR 25-16-030, s 390-37-075, filed 7/28/25, effective 11/5/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-075, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 16-01-015, § 390-37-075, filed 12/4/15, effective 1/4/16.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-090 Enforcement procedures—Cases resolvable by stipulation after an investigation and prior to an enforcement hearing (adjudicative proceeding).

(1) RCW 34.05.060 authorizes agencies to establish by rule specific procedures for attempting and executing informal settlement of matters. The following procedures are available for informal dispute resolution prior to an adjudicative proceeding that may make more elaborate proceedings under the Administrative Procedure Act (chapter 34.05 RCW) unnecessary.

(a) Any enforcement matter before the commission which has not yet been heard in an adjudicative proceeding may be resolved by settlement. The respondent shall communicate their request to the executive director or designee (commission staff), setting forth all pertinent facts and the desired remedy. Settlement negotiations shall be informal and without prejudice to rights of a participant in the negotiations.

(b) The executive director and respondent may also agree to a stipulation of facts, violations, and/or penalty. The commission staff shall prepare the stipulation for presentation to the commission.

(c) Any proposed stipulation shall be in writing, must include a brief recitation of the facts, violations and penalty, and be signed by each party to the stipulation or their representative. The executive director or designee shall sign for PDC staff. Any stipulation to facts, violations, or penalty shall be provided by 4:00 p.m. three business days preceding the hearing. The commission has the option of accepting, rejecting, or modifying the proposed stipulation or asking for additional facts to be presented. If the commission accepts the stipulation or modifies the stipulation with the agreement of the parties, the commission shall enter an order in conformity with the terms of the stipulation. If the commission rejects the stipulation or either party does not agree to the commission's proposed modifications to the stipulation, and if no revised stipulation or staff report is presented to the commission, then an adjudicative proceeding shall be scheduled and held.

(2) Parties are encouraged to be creative in resolving cases without further litigation where appropriate.

(3) As part of the commission's review of any proposed stipulation of facts, violations and law or other alternative resolution ruled on at a hearing, if the commission determines certain additional sanctions or other steps are required by the respondent and states on the record that the commission intends to enter an order, and the respondent does not timely raise an objection at the hearing, it shall be presumed that the respondent has waived objections and appeals, and agrees to the entry of the order.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]755. WSR 25-16-030, s 390-37-090, filed 7/28/25, effective 11/5/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-090, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 16-01-015, § 390-37-090, filed 12/4/15, effective 1/4/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 06-14-057, § 390-37-090, filed 6/29/06, effective 7/30/06
WSR 05-11-001, § 390-37-090, filed 5/4/05, effective 6/4/05
WSR 03-22-065, § 390-37-090, filed 11/4/03, effective 12/5/03
WSR 91-16-072, § 390-37-090, filed 8/2/91, effective 9/2/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-04-071 (Order 86-01), § 390-37-090, filed 2/5/86
WSR 84-12-017 (Order 84-03), § 390-37-090, filed 5/25/84
Order 81, § 390-37-090, filed 7/22/76.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-100 Enforcement procedures—Conduct of hearings (adjudicative proceedings).

(1) An enforcement hearing (adjudicative proceeding) will be conducted pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (chapter 34.05 RCW). Chapter 390-37 WAC further governs these proceedings, as supplemented by chapter 10-08 WAC. To the extent chapters 390-37 and 10-08 WAC differ, chapter 390-37 WAC controls.

(2) An adjudicative proceeding must be heard by the commission, except for brief adjudicative proceedings which may be conducted by a presiding officer pursuant to WAC 390-37-142. The commission may request through the office of administrative hearings the appointment of an administrative law judge to preside over any adjudicatory proceeding.

(3) The commission or the presiding officer have the authority to:

(a) Determine the order of presentation of evidence;

(b) Administer oaths and affirmations;

(d) Rule on offers of proof and receive relevant evidence;

(e) Pursuant to RCW 34.05.449(5), close parts of a hearing to public observation or order the exclusion of witnesses upon a showing of good cause;

(f) Interrogate witnesses called by the parties in an impartial manner to develop any facts deemed necessary to fairly and adequately decide the matter;

(g) Call additional witnesses and request additional exhibits deemed necessary to complete the record and receive such evidence subject to full opportunity for cross-examination and rebuttal by all parties;

(h) Take official notice of facts pursuant to RCW 34.05.452(5);

(i) Regulate the course of the hearing and take any appropriate action necessary to maintain order during the hearing;

(j) Permit or require oral argument or briefs and determine the time limits for submission thereof;

(k) Issue an order of default pursuant to RCW 34.05.440;

(l) Take any other action necessary and authorized by any applicable statute or rule;

(m) Waive any requirement of these rules unless a party shows that it would be prejudiced by such a waiver; and

(n) The commission chair or the chair's designee may conduct the procedural aspects of the adjudicative proceeding under (a) through (m) of this subsection, unless a majority of members present vote to seek a full commission decision on any particular matter.

(4) The commission may decide dispositive motions, and any other matters referred to it by the presiding officer at a prehearing conference.

(5) After an adjudicative proceeding by the commission, the commission may:

(a) Find that the respondent did not violate Title 29B RCW, as alleged, and dismiss the case; or

(b) Find that the respondent violated Title 29B RCW, as alleged, and determine the sanction, if any, to be imposed; or

(c) Find that the respondent is in apparent violation of Title 29B RCW, and that the commission's statutory remedies are inadequate, and enter an order referring the matter to the attorney general or another appropriate law enforcement agency as provided in RCW 29B.20.020 and 29B.60.020.

(6) Upon the conclusion of an adjudicative proceeding or after submission of memos, briefs or proposed findings when requested by the presiding officer, the commission:

(a) Must set forth in writing its findings of fact, conclusions of law and decision on the merits of the case and enter an order within 30 days, unless extended by the presiding officer due to the complexity of the case or other good cause; and

(b) Must serve the parties by electronic communication a copy of the findings of fact, conclusions of law and decision and order.

(7) Once the commission has drafted and approved an order, the executive director is authorized to sign orders on behalf of the commission at the discretion of the commission.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-37-100, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-37-100, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-100, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 17-03-004, § 390-37-100, filed 1/4/17, effective 2/4/17
WSR 12-03-002, § 390-37-100, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 03-22-065, § 390-37-100, filed 11/4/03, effective 12/5/03
WSR 91-16-072, § 390-37-100, filed 8/2/91, effective 9/2/91
WSR 90-16-083, § 390-37-100, filed 7/31/90, effective 8/31/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 86-04-071 (Order 86-01), § 390-37-100, filed 2/5/86
WSR 85-15-020 (Order 85-03), § 390-37-100, filed 7/9/85
WSR 84-12-017 (Order 84-03), § 390-37-100, filed 5/25/84
Order 81, § 390-37-100, filed 7/22/76.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-103 Enforcement procedures—Commission options following receipt of a staff report on alleged violations.

Upon receipt of a PDC staff report concerning alleged violations, the commission may:

(1) Direct the executive director to pursue an alternative resolution as provided in WAC 390-37-060;

(2) Defer enforcement as provided in WAC 390-37-075;

(3) Issue an order; or

(4) Refer the matter or apparent violations to the attorney general or other enforcement agency pursuant to RCW 29B.20.020 and 29B.60.020.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-37-103, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-103, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 16-01-015, § 390-37-103, filed 12/4/15, effective 1/4/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.130 and 42.17.093. WSR 12-01-047, § 390-37-103, filed 12/14/11, effective 1/14/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 03-22-065, § 390-37-103, filed 11/4/03, effective 12/5/03.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-105 Enforcement hearings (adjudicative proceedings)—Prehearing conference.

(1) In any prehearing conference prior to an enforcement hearing (adjudicative proceeding), the presiding officer upon their own motion or upon request by one of the parties or their qualified representative, may direct the parties to appear at a specified time and place for a conference to consider:

(a) Identifying and simplifying issues;

(b) The necessity of any amendments to the case documents;

(d) Limiting the number and consolidation of the examination of witnesses;

(e) Submitting proposed orders;

(f) Deadlines for briefs, exhibit and witness lists and objections thereto, proposed orders, and other procedural matters as may aid in the conduct of the proceeding.

(2) Prehearing conferences may be presided over by the chair or designee commissioner as presiding officer.

(3) Prehearing conferences may be held by telephone conference call or at a time and place specified by the presiding officer.

(4) In a prehearing conference, the presiding officer may hear prehearing motions regarding preliminary matters such as motions in limine, discovery motions, and other similar matters. The presiding officer shall not consider dispositive motions in a prehearing conference and such motions will automatically be scheduled for consideration before the commission.

(5) Following the prehearing conference, the presiding officer shall issue an order reciting the action taken and decisions made at the conference and the date on which objections to the order are to be filed and served. If no objection to the order is timely filed with the presiding officer, the order shall control the subsequent course of the proceeding unless modified for good cause by subsequent order.

(6) When the chair or designee commissioner presides over a prehearing conference, the presiding officer is acting as a quasi-judicial body which relates to a quasi-judicial matter between named parties. Therefore, a prehearing conference is not subject to chapter 42.30 RCW, Open Public Meetings Act.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-105, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 17-03-004, § 390-37-105, filed 1/4/17, effective 2/4/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 03-22-065, § 390-37-105, filed 11/4/03, effective 12/5/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 94-05-010, § 390-37-105, filed 2/3/94, effective 3/6/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 91-16-072, § 390-37-105, filed 8/2/91, effective 9/2/91.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-120 Enforcement hearings (adjudicative proceedings)—Subpoenas—Discovery—Hearings.

(1) The commission, or presiding officer, may issue subpoenas for discovery, subpoenas to persons to appear and give testimony, and may require the production of any books, papers, correspondence, memorandums, or other records deemed relevant or material and the commission or presiding officer may issue protective orders as a part of an enforcement hearing. The PDC staff or its legal representative may issue subpoenas as may the attorney of the party against whom action is being taken. Upon request of the commission or presiding officer, all subpoenas must be filed with the commission, together with proof of proper service. Such subpoenas will issue and may be enforced in the form and manner set forth in RCW 34.05.446 and WAC 10-08-120(4). The subpoena may be personally delivered or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested.

(2) The commission, or presiding officer, upon motion or before the time specified in the subpoena for compliance therewith, may:

(a) Quash or modify the subpoena if it is unreasonable and oppressive; or

(b) Condition denial of the motion upon the advancement by the person in whose behalf the subpoena is issued of the reasonable cost of producing the books, papers, documents, or tangible things.

(3) The attendance of witnesses and such production of evidence may be required from any place within the state of Washington to any location where a hearing is being conducted.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-120, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 03-22-065, § 390-37-120, filed 11/4/03, effective 12/5/03
WSR 91-16-072, § 390-37-120, filed 8/2/91, effective 9/2/91.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-130 Enforcement hearings (adjudicative proceedings)—Depositions and interrogatories—Right to take.

Unless otherwise provided, any party may take the testimony of any person, including a party, by deposition upon oral examination or written interrogatories for use as evidence in the hearing. The deposition of a commissioner, the executive director, or other staff, may only be taken upon application to the commission, for good cause shown, and only in those circumstances where the statements or depositions of other staff members would not reveal the information, evidence, or details needed by the party for the case. The attendance of witnesses to a deposition may be compelled by use of a subpoena. Depositions shall be taken only in accordance with this rule and the rules on subpoenas.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-130, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 03-22-065, § 390-37-130, filed 11/4/03, effective 12/5/03
WSR 91-16-072, § 390-37-130, filed 8/2/91, effective 9/2/91.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-132 Enforcement hearings (adjudicative proceedings)—Depositions—Notice.

A party desiring to take the deposition of any person upon oral examination shall give reasonable notice of not less than five business days in writing to the commission and all parties. The notice shall state the time and place for taking the deposition and the name and address of each person to be examined. On motion of a party to whom the notice is served, the commission or its hearing officer may, for cause shown, enlarge or shorten the time. If the parties so stipulate in writing, depositions may be taken at any time or place, upon any notice, and in any manner and when so taken may be used as other depositions.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 17-03-004, § 390-37-132, filed 1/4/17, effective 2/4/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 03-22-065, § 390-37-132, filed 11/4/03, effective 12/5/03
WSR 91-16-072, § 390-37-132, filed 8/2/91, effective 9/2/91.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-134 Enforcement hearings (adjudicative proceedings)—Depositions and interrogatories—Protection of parties and deponents.

After notice is served for taking a deposition, upon its own motion or upon motion reasonably made by any party or by the person to be examined and upon notice and for good cause shown, the commission or the presiding officer in a prehearing conference may make an order that the deposition shall not be taken, or that it may be taken only at some designated place other than that stated in the notice, or that it may be taken only on written interrogatories, or that certain matters shall not be inquired into, or that the scope of the examination shall be limited to certain matters, or that the examination shall be held with no one present except the parties to the action and their officers or counsel, or the commission may make any other order which justice requires to protect the party or witness from annoyance, embarrassment, or oppression. At any time during the taking of the deposition, on motion of any party or the deponent, and upon a showing that the examination is being conducted in bad faith or in such manner as unreasonably to annoy, embarrass, or oppress the deponent or party, the commission or the presiding officer in a prehearing conference may order the officer conducting the examination to cease forthwith from taking the deposition or may limit the scope and manner of the taking of the deposition as above provided. If the order made terminates the examination, it shall be resumed only upon the order of the agency. Upon demand of the objecting party or deponent, the taking of the deposition shall be suspended for the time necessary to make a motion for an order.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-134, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 03-18-003, § 390-37-134, filed 8/20/03, effective 9/20/03
WSR 91-16-072, § 390-37-134, filed 8/2/91, effective 9/2/91.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-136 Enforcement hearings (adjudicative proceedings)—Production of documents and use at hearing and other hearing procedures.

(1) Unless a prehearing order states otherwise, the provisions of this rule apply to evidence and written argument (legal briefs) filed and served in hearings (adjudicative proceedings). Parties or the executive director may request a prehearing conference if provisions of this rule need to be adjusted or if the provisions are not adhered to by the parties.

(2) The parties are encouraged to exchange copies of proposed exhibits, exhibit lists and witness lists prior to the deadline specified in subsection (3)(a) of this section. The parties are encouraged to exchange documents by email whenever possible. The parties are encouraged to confer and determine whether there are any objections to the evidence and whether any agreements or stipulations can be reached regarding proposed exhibits, witnesses, and legal and factual issues.

(3)(a) Unless the commission determines otherwise, when evidence is to be offered at the adjudicative proceeding or when briefs are to be submitted at the adjudicative proceeding, the party offering the evidence or brief shall file with the commission and serve on all parties a copy of proposed exhibits, exhibit lists, witness lists, and briefs with the commission via an email to the executive director or his or her designee by the date and time designated by the executive director or designee, which is typically by 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time at least eight days prior to the hearing. The email shall provide the name of the party submitting the documents, the total number of pages, the software used to prepare the document, and the name, address, telephone number and email address of the person sending the email message.

(b) In the event electronic submission is not readily available to a pro se respondent or the evidence is not suited to email transmission, other means of providing these materials to the commission may be approved by the chair or the executive director, or their designees if requested in advance of the date and time in (a) of this subsection.

(c) The parties shall confirm in advance with the executive director that any documents provided electronically are able to be accessed by software available at the agency. If they are not accessible, the executive director shall direct how the documents are to be submitted.

(d) The documents are considered filed when received during actual business hours at the commission office. If received after actual business hours, they will be deemed filed the next business day.

(4) Respondent's exhibits shall be numbered R-1, R-2, etc. PDC staff exhibits shall be numbered S-1, S-2, etc. Jointly submitted exhibits shall be numbered J-1, J-2, etc. If an exhibit is not jointly submitted but there is no objection to it by the responding party, the party offering the exhibit shall designate agreed-to exhibits on the party's exhibit list.

(5) Briefs shall contain the name of the respondent in the caption and the cause number. Briefs shall be no more than twenty-five pages, double-spaced, excluding attachments or exhibits.

(6) The parties shall inform the executive director of any special equipment necessary for the adjudicative proceeding at the time documents are filed with the commission.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-136, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 17-03-004, § 390-37-136, filed 1/4/17, effective 2/4/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.690. WSR 06-07-001, § 390-37-136, filed 3/1/06, effective 4/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 03-22-065, § 390-37-136, filed 11/4/03, effective 12/5/03
WSR 91-16-072, § 390-37-136, filed 8/2/91, effective 9/2/91.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-140 Brief enforcement hearings (brief adjudicative proceedings)—Authority.

(1) The commission may provide a brief adjudicative proceeding for violations in which the facts are undisputed, the violations appear to be relatively minor in nature, and a penalty no greater than $2,000 will be assessed for the violations. Typical matters to be heard in a brief adjudicative proceeding include, but are not limited to, the following:

(a) Failure to file or late filing of required reports;

(b) Failure to report or accurately report campaign contributions or expenditures or funds spent in lobbying;

(d) Infractions of political advertising law regarding sponsor identification or political party identification.

(2) The commission may utilize a penalty schedule for brief adjudicative proceedings.

(3) Brief adjudicative proceedings are set forth in RCW 34.05.482 through 34.05.494.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]755. WSR 25-16-030, s 390-37-140, filed 7/28/25, effective 11/5/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-140, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 16-01-015, § 390-37-140, filed 12/4/15, effective 1/4/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-37-140, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 03-22-065, § 390-37-140, filed 11/4/03, effective 12/5/03
WSR 93-15-004, § 390-37-140, filed 7/7/93, effective 8/7/93
WSR 91-16-072, § 390-37-140, filed 8/2/91, effective 9/2/91.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-142 Brief enforcement hearing (brief adjudicative proceeding)—Procedure.

(1) A brief adjudicative proceeding may be presided over by the chair, or a member of the commission designated by the chair.

(2) When a violation, as described in WAC 390-37-140, is alleged, before taking action, the executive director shall send the respondent notice, which shall include:

(a) Alleged violation;

(b) The maximum amount of the penalty that can be imposed at the hearing, relevant penalty schedules, and the amount of any proposed fine; and

(3) As provided in RCW 34.05.050, a respondent may waive the opportunity for a hearing by providing the following:

(a) A signed statement of understanding;

(b) Any missing required reports; and

(c) A penalty payment specified by the executive director in accordance with the penalty authority of WAC 390-37-140 and the brief enforcement hearing penalty schedules of this chapter.

(4) As used in this section, the term "statement of understanding" means a written statement signed by the respondent that:

(a) Acknowledges a violation of Title 29B RCW and any relevant rules; and

(b) Expresses the respondent's understanding that the commission will not hold any adjudicative proceeding concerning the violation.

(5) At the time of the hearing if the presiding officer believes alleged violations are of such magnitude as to merit penalties greater than $2,000, the presiding officer shall immediately adjourn the hearing and direct the matter be scheduled for an adjudicative proceeding by the full commission.

(6) Within 30 days after the hearing, the commission shall serve upon each party a written statement describing the violation, the reasons for the decision, the penalty imposed, and information about any internal administrative review or reconsideration available. The executive director is authorized to sign the decision on behalf of the presiding officer.

(7) The written decision of the presiding officer is an initial order. If no review is taken of the initial order, the initial order shall be the final order.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-37-142, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]755. WSR 25-16-030, s 390-37-142, filed 7/28/25, effective 11/5/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-142, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 17-03-004, § 390-37-142, filed 1/4/17, effective 2/4/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 16-01-015, § 390-37-142, filed 12/4/15, effective 1/4/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 03-22-065, § 390-37-142, filed 11/4/03, effective 12/5/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.390. WSR 94-05-010, § 390-37-142, filed 2/3/94, effective 3/6/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-15-004, § 390-37-142, filed 7/7/93, effective 8/7/93
WSR 91-16-072, § 390-37-142, filed 8/2/91, effective 9/2/91.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-143 Brief enforcement hearings (brief adjudicative proceeding)—Penalty schedule.

The presiding officer may assess a penalty up to $2,000 upon finding a violation of Title 29B RCW or Title 390 WAC.

(1) Base penalty amounts:

| Violation | 1st Occasion | 2nd Occasion | 3rd Occasion | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Failure to timely file an accurate and complete statement of financial affairs (F-1): | | | | | Filed report after hearing notice, but before enforcement hearing. Provided written explanation or appeared at hearing to explain mitigating circumstances. Did not enter into statement of understanding. | $0 - $500 | $500 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $1,500 | | Filed report after hearing notice, but before enforcement hearing. Did not enter into statement of understanding. | $150 - $500 | $500 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $1,500 | | Failed to file report by date of enforcement hearing. | $250 - $750 | $750 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $2,000 | | Candidate's failure to timely file an accurate and complete registration statement (C-1)/statement of financial affairs (F-1): | | | | | Filed report after hearing notice, but before enforcement hearing. Provided written explanation or appeared at hearing to explain mitigating circumstances. Did not enter into statement of understanding. | $0 - $500 per report | $500 - $1,000 per report | $1,000 - $1,500 per report up to $2,000 | | Filed report after hearing notice, but before enforcement hearing. Did not enter into statement of understanding. | $150 per report | $300 per report | $600 per report up to $1,000 | | Failed to file report by date of enforcement hearing. | $250 per report | $500 per report | consideration by full commission | | Failure to timely file an accurate and complete lobbyist monthly expense report (L-2): | | | | | Filed report after hearing notice, but before enforcement hearing. Provided written explanation or appeared at hearing to explain mitigating circumstances. Did not enter into statement of understanding. | $0 - $500 | $500 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $1,500 | | Filed report after hearing notice, but before enforcement hearing. Did not enter into statement of understanding. | $500 | $1,000 | $1,500 | | Failed to file report by date of enforcement hearing. | $750 | $1,500 | $2,000 | | Failure to timely file an accurate and complete lobbyist employer report (L-3): | | | | | Filed report after hearing notice, but before enforcement hearing. Provided written explanation or appeared at hearing to explain mitigating circumstances. Did not enter into statement of understanding. | $0 - $500 | $500 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $1,500 | | Filed report after hearing notice, but before enforcement hearing. Did not enter into statement of understanding. | $500 | $1,000 | $1,500 | | Failed to file report by date of enforcement hearing. | $750 | $1,250 | $2,000 | | Failure to timely file accurate and complete disclosure reports: | | | | | Political committee registration (C-1pc). | $500 | $1,000 | $1,500 | | Statement of contributions deposit (C-3). | $500 | $1,000 | $1,500 | | Summary of total contributions and expenditures (C-4). | $500 | $1,000 | $1,500 | | Independent expenditures and electioneering communications (C-6). | $500 | $1,000 | $1,500 | | Last minute contribution report (LMC). | $500 | $1,000 | $1,500 | | Out-of-state committee report (C-5). | $500 | $1,000 | $1,500 | | Annual report of major contributors (C-7). | $500 | $1,000 | $1,500 | | Failure to timely file accurate and complete reports disclosing lobbying activities: | | | | | Lobbyist registration (L-1). | $500 | $1,000 | $1,500 | | Public agency lobbying report (L-5). | $500 | $1,000 | $1,500 | | Grass roots lobbying report (L-6). | $500 | $1,000 | $1,500 | | Failure to file electronically. | $750 | $1,500 | $2,000 | | Exceeding contribution limits. | $500 | $1,000 | $1,500 | | Exceeding mini reporting threshold. | $500 | $1,000 | $1,500 | | Failure to comply with political advertising sponsor identification requirements. | $500 | $1,000 | $1,500 | | Failure to include required candidate's party preference in political advertising. | $500 | $1,000 | $1,500 | | Failure to comply with other political advertising requirements, RCW 29B.30.060 through 29B.30.090. | $500 | $1,000 | $1,500 | | Use of public facilities to assist a campaign for election or promote a ballot measure. | $500 | $1,000 | $1,500 | | Treasurer's failure to timely file an accurate and complete annual treasurer's report (T-1): | | | | | Filed report after hearing notice, but before enforcement hearing. Provided written explanation or appeared at hearing to explain mitigating circumstances. Did not enter into statement of understanding. | $0 - $500 | $500 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $1,500 | | Filed report after hearing notice, but before enforcement hearing. Did not enter into statement of understanding. | $500 | $1,000 | $1,500 | | Failed to file report by date of enforcement hearing. | $750 | $1,500 | $2,000 |

"Occasion" means established violation, including any violation acknowledged by the respondent in a statement of understanding. Only violations in the last five years will be considered for the purpose of determining second and third occasions.

(2) In determining the appropriate penalty, the presiding officer may consider the nature of the violation and aggravating and mitigating factors as set forth under WAC 390-37-185.

(3) The presiding officer has authority to suspend all or a portion of an assessed penalty under the conditions to be determined by that officer including, but not limited to, payment of the nonsuspended portion of the penalty within 30 business days of the date of the entry of the order in that case.

(4) If, on the third occasion, a respondent has outstanding penalties or judgments, the matter will be directed to the full commission for consideration.

(5) The presiding officer may direct a matter to the full commission if the officer believes the penalty limit would be an insufficient penalty or the matter warrants consideration by the full commission. Cases will automatically be scheduled before the full commission for an enforcement action when:

(a) The respondent already had been found in violation during a previous reporting period;

(b) That prior violation remains in effect, following any appeals; and

(c) The person has not filed the disclosure forms that were the subject of the prior violation at the time the current hearing notice is being sent.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-37-143, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]755. WSR 25-16-030, s 390-37-143, filed 7/28/25, effective 11/5/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-143, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 42.17A.570. WSR 18-10-088, § 390-37-143, filed 5/1/18, effective 6/1/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 17-03-004, § 390-37-143, filed 1/4/17, effective 2/4/17.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-144 Brief enforcement hearing (brief adjudicative proceedings)—Process for full commission review.

(1) The commission shall conduct a review of the initial order upon the electronic written request of a party if the commission receives the request within twenty-one days after the service of the initial order. "Service" is defined as the date the order was deposited in the U.S. mail per RCW 34.05.010(19), electronically distributed or personally served. The party seeking review shall state the reason for the review, and identify what alleged errors are contained in the initial order.

(2) If a party has not requested review, the commission may conduct a review of the initial order upon its own motion and without notice to the parties, but it may not take any action on review less favorable to any party than the original order without giving that party notice and an opportunity to explain that party's view of the matter.

(3) The order on review shall be by electronic writing stating the findings made, and the reasons for the decision, and notice that reconsideration and judicial review are available. The order on review shall be entered within twenty days after the date of the initial order or of the request for review, whichever is later.

(4) If the commission is not scheduled to meet within twenty days after the date of the initial order or request for review and therefore cannot dispose of the request within that time period, the request is:

(a) Deemed denied under RCW 34.05.491(5) and the initial order becomes final;

(b) Considered a request for reconsideration under WAC 390-37-150; and

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-144, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 17-03-004, § 390-37-144, filed 1/4/17, effective 2/4/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 03-22-065, § 390-37-144, filed 11/4/03, effective 12/5/03
WSR 91-16-072, § 390-37-144, filed 8/2/91, effective 9/2/91.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-150 Commission reconsideration and judicial review of decisions.

(1) For purposes of this rule, "decision" means any findings, conclusions, order, or other action by the commission which is reviewable by a court.

(2) A decision may be reconsidered only upon (a) the request of a party by electronic writing or (b) the motion or written request, by electronic writing, of a commissioner who voted on the prevailing side when that decision was made.

(3) Such a request or motion for reconsideration shall be filed electronically at the office of the public disclosure commission (PDC), or motion made, within ten days of service of the decision of which reconsideration is sought. Copies of the request or motion shall be served electronically on all parties of record at the time the request for reconsideration or motion is filed.

(4) A request or motion for reconsideration shall specify the grounds therefor. Grounds for reconsideration shall be limited to:

(a) A request for review was deemed denied in accordance with WAC 390-37-144(4);

(b) New facts or legal authorities that could not have been brought to the commission's attention with reasonable diligence in time for the review process in WAC 390-37-144. If errors of fact are alleged, the requester must identify the specific evidence in the prior proceeding on which the requester is relying. If errors of law are alleged, the requester must identify the specific citation; or

(5) Upon being served with a decision, the respondent may treat that decision as final for the purpose of petitioning for judicial review. The commission may not reconsider any decision after being served with a petition for judicial review.

(6) When a request for reconsideration is served, or motion made, enforcement of the decision of which reconsideration is sought shall be stayed and the decision shall not be final until the commission has acted on the request or motion for reconsideration.

(7) The commission is deemed to have denied the request or motion for reconsideration if, within twenty days from the date the request or motion is filed, the commission does not either (a) dispose of the request or motion, or (b) serve the parties with written notice specifying the date if will act upon the request or motion.

(8) The commission shall act on the reconsideration request or motion, at the next meeting at which it practicably may do so, by:

(a) Deciding whether to reconsider its decision; and

(b) If it decides to do so, either:

(i) Affirming its decision; or

(ii) Withdrawing or modifying the final order; or

(iii) Setting the matter for further hearing.

Provided, that before a decision may be amended other than by lowering a penalty, the respondent shall be given notice and an opportunity to be heard if, and in the same manner as, required for the original decision.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-150, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 17-03-004, § 390-37-150, filed 1/4/17, effective 2/4/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 03-22-065, § 390-37-150, filed 11/4/03, effective 12/5/03
WSR 91-16-072, § 390-37-150, filed 8/2/91, effective 9/2/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 79-08-046 (Order 79-03), § 390-37-150, filed 7/19/79.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-182 Penalty factors (full adjudicatory proceedings).

(1) Under RCW 29B.60.020, the commission:

(a) May waive a penalty for a first-time violation;

(b) Must assess a penalty for a second violation by the same person or individual, regardless if the person or individual committed the violation for a different political committee;

| Violations: | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Respondent failed to file or timely file an accurate or complete: (1) Statement of Financial Affairs (F-1 Report) / (2) Candidate Registration / (C-1 Report) / (3) Lobbyist Monthly Expense Report (L-2 Report) / (4) Lobbyist Employer Annual Report (L-3 Report) and (5) Local Treasurer's Annual Report (T-1 Report). | | | | | | 1st Occasion | 2nd Occasion | 3rd Occasion | | Filed missing report after being notified about the complaint. | $0 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | | Report is filed late and is incomplete or inaccurate. | $0 - $2,000 | $2,000 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $7,500 | | Failed to file missing report by date of enforcement hearing. | $0 - $3,000 | $3,000 - $7,500 | $7,500 - $10,000 | | Respondent failed to file or timely file accurate and complete campaign disclosure reports: | | | | | Cash Receipts Monetary Contributions Report (C-3 Report) | | | | | Filed missing C-3 Report or amended C-3 Report after being notified about the complaint. | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | | Failed to timely deposit monetary contributions within five business days of receipt. | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | | Failed to include employer and occupation information for contributors of more than $100. | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | | Failed to file missing or amended C-3 Report by date of enforcement hearing. | $0 - $3,000 | $3,000 - $7,500 | $7,500 - $10,000 | | Campaign Summary Receipts and Expenditures Report (C-4 Report) | | | | | Filed missing C-4 Report or amended C-4 Report after being notified about the complaint. | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | | Failed to file missing or amended C-4 Report by date of enforcement hearing. | $0 - $3,000 | $3,000 - $7,500 | $7,500 - $10,000 | | Failed to properly report the "purpose" of an expenditure under RCW 29B.25.100(6) or 29B.25.120 (5)(b). | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | | Failed to properly report expenditures made on behalf of a candidate or political committee by any person, agency, firm, organization, etc. | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | | Failed to report a contractual contingent liability. | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | | Failed to properly dispose of surplus funds. | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | | Failed to properly make campaign books of account available for public inspection as required immediately preceding the date of an election. | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | | Independent Expenditure Report (C-6 Report) | | | | | Filed missing C-6 Report or amended C-6 Report after being notified about the complaint. | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | | Report is filed late and is incomplete or inaccurate. | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | | Failed to file missing or amended C-6 Report by date of enforcement hearing. | $0 - $3,000 | $3,000 - $7,500 | $7,500 - $10,000 | | Out-of-State Political Committee Report (C-5 Report) | | | | | Filed missing C-5 Report or amended C-5 Report after being notified about the complaint. | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | | Failed to file missing or amended C-5 Report by date of enforcement hearing. | $0 - $3,000 | $3,000 - $7,500 | $7,500 - $10,000 | | Last Minute Contribution Report (LMC report) | | | | | Filed missing LMC report or amended LMC report after being notified about the complaint. | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | | Failed to file missing or amended LMC Report by date of enforcement hearing. | $0 - $3,000 | $3,000 - $7,500 | $7,500 - $10,000 | | Exceeding contribution limits | | | | | Refunded contributions after being notified of the complaint, over limit contributions were not significant, and respondent provided written explanation with mitigating circumstances. | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | | Other Alleged Violations: | | | | | Exceeding mini reporting threshold | | | | | Filed C-3 and C-4 Reports for full reporting after being notified about the complaint. | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | | Failed to file missing C-3 and C-4 Reports by date of enforcement hearing. | $0 - $3,000 | $3,000 - $7,500 | $7,500 - $10,000 | | Failure to file electronically | | | | | Filed C-3 and C-4 Reports electronically after being notified about the complaint. | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | | Failed to file C-3 and C-4 Reports electronically by date of enforcement hearing. | $0 - $3,000 | $3,000 - $7,500 | $7,500 - $10,000 | | Use of public facilities for the purpose of assisting a campaign for the election of any person to any office, or for the promotion of or opposition to any ballot proposition | | | | | Use of public facilities was incidental and isolated, and evidence was not submitted indicating that the use may have affected the outcome of the election. | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | | Use of public facilities was not incidental or isolated, or evidence was submitted indicating that the use may have affected the outcome of the election. | $0 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $7,500 | $7,500 - $10,000 | | Failure to File Lobbyist Registration Report (L-1 Report) | | | | | Filed missing L-1 Report after being notified about the complaint. | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | | Failed to file missing L-1 Report by date of enforcement hearing. | $0 - $3,000 | $3,000 - $7,500 | $7,500 - $10,000 | | Failure to File Agency Lobbying Report (L-5 Report) | | | | | Filed missing L-5 Report or amended L-5 Report after being notified about the complaint. | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | | Failed to file missing or amended L-5 Report by date of enforcement hearing. | $0 - $3,000 | $3,000 - $7,500 | $7,500 - $10,000 | | Grassroots Lobbying Report (L-6 Report) | | | | | Filed missing L-6 Report or amended L-6 Report after being notified about the complaint. | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | | Failed to file missing or amended L-6 Report by date of enforcement hearing. | $0 - $3,000 | $3,000 - $7,500 | $7,500 - $10,000 | | Sponsor identification requirements for political advertising | | | | | Political advertising failed to include any sponsor identification or included improper or misleading sponsor identification. | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | | Party preference requirement for political advertising | | | | | Political advertising failed to include a candidate's party preference. | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | | Use of current picture requirement in political advertising | | | | | Political advertising fails to include at least one picture of the candidate used in the advertising that was taken within the last five years, that is no smaller than any other picture of the same candidate used in the same advertisement. | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | | Political advertising or electioneering communication—Libel or defamation per se | | | | | Political advertising or an electioneering communication that contains a false statement of material fact about a candidate for public office. | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | | Political advertising or an electioneering communication that falsely represents that a candidate is the incumbent for the office sought when in fact the candidate is not the incumbent. | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | | Political advertising or an electioneering communication that makes either directly or indirectly, a false claim stating or implying the support or endorsement of any person or organization when in fact the candidate does not have such support or endorsement. | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | | Commercial advertisers—Public inspection of documents | | | | | Commercial advertisers who after accepting or providing political advertising or electioneering communications during an election campaign fail to maintain records and books of account, or make such information available by the methods provided under WAC 390-18-050. | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | | Candidates and political committees—Public inspection of books of account | | | | | Candidates or political committees who fail to accommodate requests for public inspections as required by WAC 390-16-043. | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 | | Limitations on employers or labor organizations | | | | | Failed to maintain open for public inspection, during normal business hours, documents and books of accounts showing a copy of each employee's request for funds to be withheld for transfer to a political committee. | $0 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 |

(2) In determining the appropriate penalty, the commission may consider the nature of the violation and aggravating and mitigating factors as set forth under WAC 390-37-185. The commission may consider the factors in the penalty schedule under subsection (1) of this section, and the factors set forth under WAC 390-37-185, in determining whether to suspend a portion or all of a penalty upon identified conditions, and whether to accept, reject, or modify a stipulated penalty amount recommended by the parties.

(3) Notwithstanding the above schedule, the commission may assess a penalty of up to $10,000 per violation, or a greater amount if agreed to by the parties, pursuant to RCW 29B.60.020, based on the aggravating factors set forth in subsections (1) and (2) of this section. In making an assessment outside of the schedule, the commission may evaluate the deterrent effect the penalty will have on the respondent, in consideration of the sophistication of respondent or the financing, staffing, or size of the respondent's campaign or organization, or other factors.

(4) The penalty schedule for brief enforcement proceedings is provided under WAC 390-37-143.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-37-182, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]755. WSR 25-16-030, s 390-37-182, filed 7/28/25, effective 11/5/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-37-182, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-37-182, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1). WSR 16-01-015, § 390-37-182, filed 12/4/15, effective 1/4/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110, 42.17A.755. WSR 13-05-014, § 390-37-182, filed 2/7/13, effective 3/10/13.

Wash. Admin. Code § 390-37-185 Aggravating and mitigating factors for consideration of penalty amounts for brief enforcement hearings and full adjudicatory proceedings.

(1) In assessing a penalty after a brief enforcement hearing or a full adjudicatory proceeding, the commission considers the purposes of Title 29B RCW, including the public's right to know of the financing of political campaigns, lobbying and the financial affairs of elected officials and candidates as declared in the policy of RCW 29B.05.010; and, promoting compliance with the law. The commission also considers and applies RCW 29B.60.020 and may consider any of the factors described in subsection (2) of this section.

(2) In addition to the requirements of RCW 29B.60.020, the commission may consider the nature of the violation and any relevant circumstances, including the following factors:

(a) The respondent's compliance history for the last five years, including whether the noncompliance was isolated or limited in nature, indicative of systematic or ongoing problems, or part of a pattern of violations by the respondent, or in the case of a political committee or other entity, part of a pattern of violations by the respondent's officers, staff, principal decision makers, consultants, or sponsoring organization;

(b) The impact on the public, including whether the noncompliance deprived the public of timely or accurate information during a time-sensitive period, or otherwise had a significant or material impact on the public;

(d) Amount of financial activity by the respondent during the statement period or election cycle;

(e) Whether the noncompliance resulted from a knowing or intentional effort to conceal, deceive or mislead, or violate the law or rule, or from collusive behavior;

(f) Whether the late or unreported activity was significant in amount or duration under the circumstances, including in proportion to the total amount of expenditures by the respondent in the campaign or statement period;

(g) Whether the respondent or any person, including an entity or organization, benefited politically or economically from the noncompliance;

(h) Personal emergency or illness of the respondent, the respondent's officer, or member of their immediate family;

(i) Other emergencies such as fire, flood, or utility failure preventing filing;

(j) PDC staff or equipment error, including technical problems at the PDC, or with a third-party vendor, preventing or delaying electronic filing;

(k) The respondent's demonstrated good-faith uncertainty concerning staff guidance or instructions;

(l) Corrective action or other remedial measures initiated by the respondent prior to enforcement action, or promptly taken when noncompliance brought to respondent's attention (e.g., filing missing reports, amending incomplete or inaccurate reports, returning prohibited or overlimit contributions);

(m) Whether the respondent is a first-time filer;

(n) Good faith efforts to comply, including consultation with PDC staff prior to initiation of enforcement action and cooperation with PDC staff during enforcement action, and a demonstrated wish to acknowledge and take responsibility for the violation;

(o) Participation in one or more PDC training courses that demonstrates a proactive effort to become familiar with filing requirements;

(p) Penalties imposed in factually similar cases;

(q) Any unpaid or outstanding penalties from a prior enforcement action; and

(r) Other factors relevant to a particular case.

History

Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 2024 c 164. WSR 26-01-209, s 390-37-185, filed 12/24/25, effective 1/1/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]755. WSR 25-16-030, s 390-37-185, filed 7/28/25, effective 11/5/25.