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Fair Campaign Practices Act

Washington · Public Officers and Agencies · §§ 42.17A.001 to 42.17A.920 · 113 sections

Overview

The act governs campaign finance disclosure and political advertising, requiring candidates, political committees, and incidental committees to organize formally — registering, designating a treasurer and depository, and keeping records — and to report their contributions and expenditures on a recurring basis, with expedited special reports for independent expenditures, late contributions, and certain advertising. It creates a public disclosure commission empowered to adopt rules, issue subpoenas, adjust contribution limits and reporting thresholds, and suspend or modify reporting obligations in appropriate cases, with the attorney general assigned a supporting enforcement role. It also makes the filed statements public records subject to electronic filing and accessibility requirements, and imposes content rules on political advertising, including sponsor identification and restrictions on the use of a candidate's likeness.

Editorial summary generated from the text of this act. It is not part of the statute — read the sections below for the operative language.

In the courts

Sections of this act have been cited in 108 court decisions.

Most-cited authority: 182 WASH2D 398 - Utter v. Building Industry Ass'n

Sections covered

  • RCW 42.17A.001Declaration of policy. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.05.010.)14 cites
  • RCW 42.17A.005Definitions. (Effective until January 1, 2026.)12 cites
  • RCW 42.17A.010Conservation district exception. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.05.020.)
  • RCW 42.17A.020Statements and reports public records. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.05.030.)
  • RCW 42.17A.055Electronic filing—Availability. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.15.010.)
  • RCW 42.17A.060Access to reports—Legislative intent. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.15.020.)
  • RCW 42.17A.065Access performance measures. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.15.030.)
  • RCW 42.17A.100Public disclosure commission—Established—Commissioners—Prohibited activities—Compensation, travel expenses. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.20.010.)1 cite
  • RCW 42.17A.105Commission—Duties. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.20.020.)1 cite
  • RCW 42.17A.110Commission—Additional powers. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.20.030.)2 cites
  • RCW 42.17A.120Suspension or modification of reporting requirements. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.20.040.)
  • RCW 42.17A.125Revising monetary contribution limits, reporting thresholds, and code values. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.20.050.)
  • RCW 42.17A.130Duties of attorney general. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.20.060.)
  • RCW 42.17A.135Application of reporting requirements in small political subdivisions. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.20.070.)
  • RCW 42.17A.140Date of receipt—Exceptions—Electronic filings. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.20.080.)
  • RCW 42.17A.145Certification of reports. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.20.090.)
  • RCW 42.17A.150Duty to preserve statements and reports. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.20.100.)
  • RCW 42.17A.160Subpoenas. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.20.110.)
  • RCW 42.17A.200Application of chapter—Exceptions. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.010.)
  • RCW 42.17A.205Statement of organization by political committees. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.020.)7 cites
  • RCW 42.17A.207Statement of organization by incidental committees. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.030.)
  • RCW 42.17A.210Treasurer. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.040.)
  • RCW 42.17A.215Depositories. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.050.)
  • RCW 42.17A.220Deposit of contributions—Investment—Unidentified contributions. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.060.)1 cite
  • RCW 42.17A.225Filing and reporting by continuing political committee. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.070.)1 cite
  • RCW 42.17A.230Fund-raising activities—Alternative reporting method. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.080.)
  • RCW 42.17A.235Reporting of contributions and expenditures—Public inspection of accounts. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.090.)5 cites
  • RCW 42.17A.240Contents of report. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.100.)4 cites
  • RCW 42.17A.250Out-of-state political committees—Reports. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.110.)
  • RCW 42.17A.255Special reports—Independent expenditures. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.120.)4 cites
  • RCW 42.17A.260Special reports—Political advertising. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.130.)
  • RCW 42.17A.265Special reports—Late contributions or large totals—Certain late contributions prohibited. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.140.)
  • RCW 42.17A.270Earmarked contributions. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.25.150.)
  • RCW 42.17A.300Findings—Intent—Rule-making authority. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.30.010.)1 cite
  • RCW 42.17A.305Report—Information required—Time—Method—By whom—Penalty. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.30.020.)
  • RCW 42.17A.310When a contribution. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.30.030.)
  • RCW 42.17A.315Recordkeeping. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.30.040.)
  • RCW 42.17A.320Identification of sponsor—Exemptions. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.30.050.)1 cite
  • RCW 42.17A.330Picture of candidate. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.30.060.)
  • RCW 42.17A.335Political advertising or electioneering communication—Libel or defamation per se. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.30.070.)
  • RCW 42.17A.340Responsibility for compliance. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.30.080.)
  • RCW 42.17A.345Commercial advertisers—Public inspection of documents—Copies to commission. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.30.090.)1 cite
  • RCW 42.17A.350Top five contributors to political advertisement. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.30.100.)
  • RCW 42.17A.400Findings—Intent. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.010.)2 cites
  • RCW 42.17A.405Limits specified—Exemptions. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.020.)5 cites
  • RCW 42.17A.410Candidates for judicial office—Special elections to fill vacancies—Contribution limits—Adjustments. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.030.)
  • RCW 42.17A.415Contributions. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.040.)
  • RCW 42.17A.417Foreign nationals—Contributions, expenditures, and electioneering prohibited. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.050.)
  • RCW 42.17A.418Foreign nationals—Contribution certification. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.060.)
  • RCW 42.17A.420Reportable contributions—Preelection limitations. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.070.)
  • RCW 42.17A.425Expenditures—Authorization of and restrictions on. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.080.)
  • RCW 42.17A.430Disposal of surplus funds. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.090.)
  • RCW 42.17A.435Identification of contributions and communications. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.100.)5 cites
  • RCW 42.17A.440Candidates' political committees—Limitations. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.110.)
  • RCW 42.17A.442Contributions by political committees to political committees. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.120.)1 cite
  • RCW 42.17A.445Personal use of contributions—When permitted. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.130.)
  • RCW 42.17A.450Attribution and aggregation of family contributions. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.140.)
  • RCW 42.17A.455Attribution of contributions by controlled entities. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.150.)2 cites
  • RCW 42.17A.460Attribution of contributions generally—"Earmarking." (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.160.)2 cites
  • RCW 42.17A.465Restriction on loans. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.170.)
  • RCW 42.17A.470Contributions on behalf of another. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.180.)
  • RCW 42.17A.475Certain contributions required to be by written instrument. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.190.)
  • RCW 42.17A.480Solicitation of endorsement fees. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.200.)
  • RCW 42.17A.485Reimbursement for contributions. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.210.)
  • RCW 42.17A.490Prohibition on use of contributions for a different office. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.220.)
  • RCW 42.17A.495Limitations on employers or labor organizations. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.230.)2 cites
  • RCW 42.17A.500Agency shop fees as contributions. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.240.)
  • RCW 42.17A.550Use of public funds for political purposes. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.40.250.)
  • RCW 42.17A.555Use of public office or agency facilities in campaigns—Prohibition—Exceptions. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.45.010.)3 cites
  • RCW 42.17A.560Time limit for state official to solicit or accept contributions. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.45.020.)
  • RCW 42.17A.565Solicitation of contributions by public officials or employees. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.45.030.)
  • RCW 42.17A.570Public accounts of governmental entities held by financial institutions—Statements and reports—Contents—Filing. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.45.040.)
  • RCW 42.17A.575Public service announcements. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.45.050.)
  • RCW 42.17A.600Registration of lobbyists. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.50.010.)
  • RCW 42.17A.603Code of conduct—Verification—Penalty. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.50.020.)
  • RCW 42.17A.605Photograph and information—Publication. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.50.030.)
  • RCW 42.17A.610Exemption from registration and reporting.(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.50.040.)
  • RCW 42.17A.615Reporting by lobbyists—Rules. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.50.050.)1 cite
  • RCW 42.17A.620Notification to person named in report. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.50.060.)
  • RCW 42.17A.625Special reports—Lobbyists—Late contributions or large totals. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.50.070.)
  • RCW 42.17A.630Reports by employers of registered lobbyists, other persons.(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.50.080.)
  • RCW 42.17A.635Legislative activities of state agencies, other units of government, elective officials, employees. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.50.090.)1 cite
  • RCW 42.17A.640Grass roots lobbying campaigns. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.50.100.)1 cite
  • RCW 42.17A.645Employment of legislators, board or commission members, or state employees—Statement, contents.(Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.50.110.)
  • RCW 42.17A.650Employment of unregistered persons. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.50.120.)
  • RCW 42.17A.655Lobbyists' duties, restrictions—Penalties for violations. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.50.130.)
  • RCW 42.17A.700Elected officials, executive state officers, candidates, and appointees—Statement of financial affairs. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.55.010.)
  • RCW 42.17A.705"Executive state officer" defined. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.55.020.)
  • RCW 42.17A.710Statement of financial affairs—Contents. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.55.030.)
  • RCW 42.17A.715Concealing identity of source of payment prohibited—Exception. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.55.040.)
  • RCW 42.17A.750Civil remedies and sanctions—Referral for criminal prosecution. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.60.010.)7 cites
  • RCW 42.17A.755Violations—Determination by commission—Penalties—Procedure. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.60.020.)2 cites
  • RCW 42.17A.760Procedure upon petition for enforcement of order of commission—Court's order of enforcement. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.60.030.)
  • RCW 42.17A.765Enforcement—Attorney general. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.60.040.)10 cites
  • RCW 42.17A.770Limitation on actions. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.60.050.)
  • RCW 42.17A.775Citizen's action. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.60.060.)1 cite
  • RCW 42.17A.780Damages, costs, and attorneys' fees—Joint and several liability. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.60.070.)3 cites
  • RCW 42.17A.785Public disclosure transparency account. (Effective until January 1, 2026. Recodified as RCW 29B.60.080.)
  • RCW 42.17A.89999PUBLIC OFFICERS AND AGENCIES › CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE AND CONTRIBUTION
  • RCW 42.17A.900Effective date—1973 c 1. (Effective until January 1, 2026.)
  • RCW 42.17A.904Construction—1973 c 1. (Effective until January 1, 2026.)2 cites
  • RCW 42.17A.905Chapter, section headings not part of law. (Effective until January 1, 2026.)1 cite
  • RCW 42.17A.906Repealer—1973 c 1. (Effective until January 1, 2026.)
  • RCW 42.17A.907Construction—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 112. (Effective until January 1, 2026.)
  • RCW 42.17A.908Captions. (Effective until January 1, 2026.)
  • RCW 42.17A.909Short title—1993 c 2. (Effective until January 1, 2026.)2 cites
  • RCW 42.17A.910Effective date—1995 c 397. (Effective until January 1, 2026.)
  • RCW 42.17A.911Captions—1995 c 397. (Effective until January 1, 2026.)
  • RCW 42.17A.915Effective dates—2005 c 445. (Effective until January 1, 2026.)
  • RCW 42.17A.917Effective date—2010 c 204 ss 505, 602, and 703. (Effective until January 1, 2026.)
  • RCW 42.17A.918Effective date—2010 c 204. (Effective until January 1, 2026.)
  • RCW 42.17A.919Effective date—2011 c 60. (Effective until January 1, 2026.)
  • RCW 42.17A.920Local regulations not preempted—2020 c 152. (Effective until January 1, 2026.)

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