| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee | |
HB 2904
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Prohibiting county and city incumbent candidates from appearing on publicly funded television during the election.
Sponsors: Representatives Haler and Hailey.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/1/08
Staff: Tracey Taylor (786-7196).
Background:
Candidates for public office are subject to numerous laws regarding campaigning. These laws
include filing campaign contribution and expenditure reports. Incumbent candidates also face
additional restrictions to ensure they do not use public resources for campaign purposes. For
example elective officials, their employees, or their agency's employees may not use any of the
facilities of a public agency or office, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of assisting a
campaign for election of any person or any office or for the promotion or opposition to a ballot
measure. This includes stationery, postage, use of employees during working hours, and agency
publications.
Summary of Bill:
Beginning June 1 of an election year for county or city legislative or executive office, and
continuing through November 30 immediately after the general election, an incumbent county or
city legislative member or executive may not appear on a publicly funded television station
except in certain circumstances. An incumbent candidate may appear as a participant in a
meeting of the county or city legislative body, as part of an open public meeting by members of
an elected legislative body to express a collective opinion or acting in an official capacity at an
open public event.
"Candidate" is defined as any individual who seeks the nomination for election to a city or
county public office. An individual is considered to be seeking the nomination when he or she
first: receives contributions or makes expenditures or reserves space or facilities with an intent to
promote his or her candidacy for office; announces publicly or files for office; purchases
commercial advertising space or broadcast time to promote his or her candidacy; or gives his or
her consent to another person to do any of these activities.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.