April 22, 2022
The Public Disclosure Commission is proposing to raise the threshold for accelerated reporting of large, last-minute contributions.
The threshold would rise from $1,000 to $1,500 under the proposal. State law requires additional reporting of contributions of $1,000 or more given within 21 days of a general election and within seven days of a primary election. The last-minute contribution (LMC) threshold also applies to donors who give lesser amounts during the period that in aggregate reach the $1,000 mark.
Details about the proposal:
The proposed change will adjust the threshold for reporting last-minute contributions. The adjustment will raise the threshold for which contributions must be reported within the special reporting period under RCW 42.17A.265 (six days before the primary and 21 days before the general election). The last-minute contribution value and adjustment will be added to the revisions of contribution limits and reporting thresholds under WAC 390-05-400.
The monetary threshold for reporting last-minute contributions has not been changed in law since 2002. In 2019, the Legislature authorized the Commission to revise additional monetary values and reporting thresholds (not previously authorized) by rule every two to five years, including the threshold for last minute contributions. The proposal would adjust the threshold in recognition of the economic changes reflected in the inflationary index recommended by the Office of Financial Management and rounded off to be most accessible for the public.
Under the expedited process, the new threshold would be in place for the 2022 campaign cycle. State law prohibits the Commission from changing any rules affecting the current year's campaign finance reporting after June 30.
THIS RULE IS BEING PROPOSED UNDER AN EXPEDITED RULE-MAKING PROCESS THAT WILL ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR THE AGENCY TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS, PREPARE A SMALL BUSINESS ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT, OR PROVIDE RESPONSES TO THE CRITERIA FOR A SIGNIFICANT LEGISLATIVE RULE. IF YOU OBJECT TO THIS USE OF THE EXPEDITED RULE-MAKING PROCESS, YOU MUST EXPRESS YOUR OBJECTIONS IN WRITING AND THEY MUST BE SENT TO SEAN FLYNN, SEAN.FLYNN@PDC.WA.GOV, AND RECEIVED BY JUNE 6, 2022.