Subject of Possible Rule Making: Registration Statement for Candidates--Form C-1.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 42.17.370(1).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Chapter 401, Laws of 1999 (E2SSB 5931), amended RCW 42.17.080(4), the provision that relates to public inspection of campaign books during the eight days before an election. For many years, candidates and political committees that receive contributions or make expenditures in an election have been required to open their campaign books to public inspection for two consecutive hours between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. during the eight days before an election, except on weekends and legal holidays. As of July 25, 1999, the law requires that campaign books be available for two consecutive hours between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m on the eighth day before an election, even if this Monday is a legal holiday, and by appointment on the other seven days of the eight day period, except weekends and legal holidays.

The candidate registration form needs to be changed to implement this statutory amendment. The form also may be modified to include space for reporting the campaign's electronic mail address. The commission may decide that additional rule making is necessary to implement RCW 42.17.080(4).

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Process for Developing New Rule: At its meeting on August 24, 1999, the commission is expected to discuss whether to move forward with (a) revising WAC 390-16-012 and the C-1 form and (b) adopting any other rules necessary to implement RCW 42.17.080(4) as amended by chapter 401, Laws of 1999. Public comment will be welcome at this meeting. Interested persons are invited to submit written comments by August 23, 1999, to Vicki Rippie, Public Disclosure Commission, P.O. Box 40908, Olympia, WA 98504-0908.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting the Public Disclosure Commission Assistant Director Vicki Rippie at Washington State Public Disclosure Commission, P.O. Box 40908, Olympia, WA 98504-0908, phone (360) 586-4838, fax (360) 753-1112, e-mail vrippie@pdc.wa.gov.

A public hearing on this matter may occur on October 26, 1999.

July 29, 1999

Melissa Warheit

Executive Director