The Public Disclosure Commission is beginning the process of making inflationary adjustments to lobbying reporting requirements, similar to the recent move to adjust campaign finance limits and thresholds.
Cite as PDC Interpretation No. 23-01
A candidate who solicits or receives contributions for a state, local, or judicial office may not use those contributions to further that same person’s candidacy for a different office without first obtaining written approval from the applicable contributor. RCW 42.17A.490. The authorization and required written approval apply to the use of contributions to the original campaign “whether or not surplus”. Id.
Commissioners discussed whether to reconsider PDC staff guidance on whether contribution limits apply when candidates transfer funds from a previous campaign to a subsequent campaign for a different office.
PDC website may be offline for website maintenance between approximately 6:30 a.m.-7:30 a.m.
Commission highlights: January 2023
The Commission found Lynnwood City Council Member Joshua Binda in violation of campaign finance law for improperly using $2,742 in 2021 campaign funds for personal expenses. Binda was also found in violation for filing a final campaign report 280 days late.
The Commission imposed a fine of $1,000, with $500 suspended provided there are no further violations for four years and the fine is paid on time.
Following two years of delivering enhancements and new features in our ORCA system, we’re about to unveil the biggest upgrade of them all.
Starting March 1, 2023, ORCA (Online Reporting of Campaign Activity) will operate as a fully web-based system, without a desktop application.
ORCA has a new import contact function that is easier and more straightforward for campaigns to use.
To import contacts to a new year or campaign, open the previous year's campaign and select search contacts. Scroll to the bottom of the contact list and select the export to CSV function. Export the list to a CSV and save it in your computer.
We suggest, but do not require, that you attend compliance training before our Online Reporting of Campaign Activity (ORCA) training. You may also wish to view ORCA information on our website.
This class is offered as a live online class using Zoom. Please register by 5 p.m. on Dec. 12. The day before class, you will receive an email with a link to join Zoom and a link to course materials.
Candidates and committees, join us for an overview of campaign finance regulations. Learn the basics of reporting, including rules around contributions and expenditures. Hear guidance on using volunteers, hosting fundraisers, and advertising campaigns.