Edelman v. State ex rel. Public Disclosure Commission

We granted review to determine whether the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) exceeded its authority in promulgating WAC 390-16-311 to interpret a perceived ambiguity in RCW 42.17.660. Reversing the trial court, the Court of Appeals held that the PDC exceeded its authority in making a rule that alters an unambiguous statute. We affirm.

*587BACKGROUND

In 1992, the people of Washington passed Initiative 134 (1-134), the Fair Campaign Practices Act (chapter 42.17 RCW). Laws of 1993, ch. 2, §§ 1-36. The legislature passed RCW 42.17.640 and RCW 42.17.660 to implement this initiative. Laws of 1993, ch.…