The bill amends RCW 29B.40.020 to establish specific campaign contribution limits for state employees, prohibiting them from making contributions exceeding $250 to various political offices, including legislative, state, county, city council, mayoral, school board, and public hospital district positions. This new provision is inserted to ensure that state employees do not have undue influence in political campaigns through financial contributions. Additionally, the bill maintains existing contribution limits for other individuals and organizations, which are set at $800 for certain local offices and $1,600 for state offices, with specific conditions regarding contributions made during primary and general elections.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the contribution limits for bona fide political parties and caucus political committees, allowing them to contribute based on the number of eligible registered voters in the jurisdiction. It also outlines the rules for contributions during recall campaigns, ensuring that contributions made to candidates or officials facing recall charges are subject to the same limits as those for regular elections. Overall, the bill aims to enhance transparency and fairness in campaign financing by imposing stricter limits on contributions from state employees while preserving existing regulations for other contributors.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 29B.40.020