WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Requirement for lobbyists to file reports electronically passes House

OLYMPIA – State Rep. Jim Moeller for many years has maintained that a better system is needed in order for citizens to follow the money trail in politics. That’s why he authored House Bill 1085 which requires lobbying reports to be filed electronically with the state Public Disclosure Commission.

“Our values are responsibility and accountability,” said Rep. Moeller. “Lobbyists need to have more accountability and transparency in their activities. The public deserves to have easy access to those activities through a comprehensive, searchable system. This bill will give Washington citizens a better record of the money trail.”

In addition to requiring lobbyists file their reports electronically, the legislation also requires the PDC to design, develop, implement, and maintain computer hardware and software to accommodate electronic filing that is compatible with current technology. The PDC has for years stated desires to update it’s once state-of-the-art database and website, which has fallen behind the times.

HB 1085 passed the state House of Representatives with a vote of 85-13 and will be sent to the senate for its consideration.