SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2961
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. |
As of February 20, 2018
Title: An act relating to election year restrictions on email updates from state legislators.
Brief Description: Concerning election year restrictions on email updates from state legislators.
Sponsors: Representatives Kraft and Hudgins.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/08/18, 97-0.
Committee Activity: State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections: 2/19/18.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Staff: Samuel Brown (786-7470)
Background: Subject to some exceptions, state legislators are restricted from certain activities leading into the general election for their seat. Beginning on December 1 of the year before a general election for a legislator's seat, the legislator may not mail, either by regular mail or e-mail, to a constituent at public expense a letter, newsletter, brochure, or other piece of literature, except in certain circumstances.
Throughout the legislative session, and special legislative session, and up until the first day of the declaration of candidacy filing period, a legislator may e-mail regular or periodic updates on legislative matters to constituents that have either:
specifically indicated that they would like to be contacted to receive updates on legislative matters; or
been added to a distribution list and been provided regular opportunities to unsubscribe from the list.
Summary of Bill: A legislator may only e-mail at public expense regular or periodic updates to constituents that request the updates, or that have been added to a distribution list, only until the first day of the declaration of candidacy filing period, or during any special legislative session.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is a simple fix that will allow legislators to communicate via e-mail all the way through session, allowing us to stay in better communication with our constituents on a constant basis.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Vicki Kraft, Prime Sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.