SGA 9107
In CommitteeSenate
JAMES D. OSWALD
- Introduced (completed)
- 2Committee (current stage)
- 3Floor Vote (not started)
- 4Opposite Chamber (not started)
- 5Governor (not started)
- 6Signed (not started)
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This bill formally appoints James D. Oswald to serve on the Public Disclosure Commission, the state agency that oversees campaign finance, lobbying, and government ethics. His five-year term begins immediately upon appointment and ends at the end of 2028.
- Appoints James D. Oswald as a member of the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC).
- Sets the term of office from April 1, 2024, to December 31, 2028.
Who is affected
- Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) staff and commissioners — The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) is the state agency responsible for enforcing Washington's campaign finance, lobbying, and conflict-of-interest laws. Adding a new member helps ensure the commission can carry out its oversight duties.
- Washington voters and residents — Voters and Washington residents who participate in elections or interact with government officials benefit from stronger transparency and accountability in political spending and conduct.
- Political candidates, campaigns, and lobbyists — Candidates, political committees, and lobbyists must comply with PDC rules; a fully staffed commission helps ensure consistent enforcement.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (3)
Filling a vacancy on the PDC ensures the commission can function at full capacity to enforce campaign finance, lobbying, and ethics rules — supporting consistent oversight of political activity.
Local GovernmentRef: Appoints James D. Oswald as a Member of the Public Disclosure CommissionA fully staffed PDC improves enforcement of transparency and accountability in government, which helps deter corruption and enhances public trust in electoral and governmental processes.
Public SafetyLean peopleRef: Appoints James D. Oswald as a Member of the Public Disclosure CommissionRobust PDC enforcement helps protect the integrity of elections and the public’s right to know how money influences politics — reinforcing democratic participation and informed civic engagement.
Rights & LibertiesLean peopleRef: Appoints James D. Oswald as a Member of the Public Disclosure Commission
Who Is Most Affected
- Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) staff and commissionersPositive Impact
Commission members and staff benefit from having a full complement of leadership, improving operational capacity and reducing delays in enforcement and investigations.
- Washington voters and residentsPositive Impact
Voters benefit from more consistent enforcement of disclosure rules and ethics laws, increasing transparency around political spending and official conduct.
- Political candidates, campaigns, and lobbyistsMixed Impact
Candidates, campaigns, and lobbyists benefit from clearer, more consistent enforcement of rules — though this also means more predictable compliance expectations rather than arbitrary or under-resourced enforcement.
- Journalists and government watchdogsPositive Impact
Media and watchdog organizations rely on PDC data and enforcement to hold officials accountable; a fully staffed commission improves data quality and responsiveness.
- General public / taxpayersMixed Impact
This appointment has no direct fiscal impact and does not alter the commission’s authority — so while Oswald’s background (former PDC chair, attorney with government ethics experience) may influence enforcement priorities, the bill itself does not specify ideological or policy shifts.