PDC discussion: media exemption, tip jars, disclaimers, technical volunteers
The Washington State Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) is considering including web sites in their requirements for reporting for political campaigns.
PDC Assistant Director Doug Ellis summarized his memo, emphasizing the guiding principles that staff developed. Staff is looking to the commission for "general direction" for rulemaking, if the commission decided to take action here.
PDC Counsel Nancy Krier discussed the approach used by the Federal Election Commission (FEC), which takes a "follow the money" approach for spending, not sites receiving advertising revenue. She mentioned that the fact the PDC is looking at the internet reflects they are "cutting edge" and "ahead of the curve", and couldn't mention examples from other states doing so.
The discussion compared the FEC approach, current state law and regulations, and potential areas of interest for action:
- media exemption--does it apply to bloggers? Currently, it doesn't for Washingotn State races.
- how to identify who is the person or organization behind web sites? Currently, sites are not required to disclose.
- does income from "tip jar" contributions to political sites get reported? Currently, it would only be reported as spending if contribution came from a candidate or committee.
- are disclaimers required on mass email? Currently, they are not in Washington State races.
- what is the threshold volunteers who are freelancers or semi-professionals provide services of web site deign and maintenance without it being considered an in-kind contribution? The commission discussed having a threshold of $10,000.
The discussion between Commissioners and Staff was fairly detailed, informed, with good specific questions based on scenarios that we laid out in last month's panel and others that the commissioners are exploring.
The PDC recessed for lunch without formal action.
