November 25, 2020

The Public Disclosure Commission is soliciting comment on proposed permanent rules to implement a new state law regarding foreign involvement and financing in campaign activities.

Earlier this year, the Legislature passed Substitute Senate Bill 6152 prohibiting foreign national financing or involvement in campaign-related contribution or expenditure activity. The law also requires entities to certify that any contributions they make do not include any foreign national funding or involvement.

The PDC passed emergency rules to apply through the 2020 election cycle. The proposed permanent rules would replace the emergency rules in late 2020 or early 2021.

The Commission has scheduled a public hearing on the permanent rules for Dec. 3. Written comment can be provided in advance. Please send comments to pdc@pdc.wa.gov, attention Sean Flynn, by Nov. 23. Any feedback received will be considered in preparing the final draft to recommend for possible approval by the Commission on Dec. 3.

Comments received as of Nov. 24:

Kristi Cichon, Washington Hospitality Association

Julia Gorton, Washington Hospitality Association

Danielle Franco-Malone and Dmitri Iglitzin, counsel for SEIU 775 and OneAmerica

Dan Brady, Dan Brady Law

Carolyn Logue, CA Logue Public Affairs

Caleb Heimlich, Washington State Republican Party

Toby Nixon, Washington Coalition for Open Government, and Bea Nahon, Neighbors for a Safer Kirkland

Linda Meyer

Larry DeVries, 17th Legislative District Republican Committee