SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5843

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 Reported by Senate Committee On:

State Government, February 17, 2017

Title: An act relating to authorizing waivers of legislative mailing restrictions in response to manifest error.

Brief Description: Authorizing waivers of legislative mailing restrictions in response to manifest error.

Sponsors: Senators Schoesler and Nelson.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: State Government: 2/17/17 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Provides procedure for waiver of deadlines for legislative newsletter mailings in cases of manifest error.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Miloscia, Chair; Zeiger, Vice Chair; Hunt, Ranking Minority Member; Kuderer and Pearson.

Staff: Samuel Brown (786-7470)

Background: With limited exceptions, state employees and officials may not use or authorize the use of agency facilities, directly or indirectly, to assist a campaign for election of a person to an office or for the promotion or opposition of a ballot measure. Legislators seeking re-election may, using state resources, mail two newsletters to constituents in the 12-month period before the election. One must be mailed within 30 days of the start of the regular legislative session, or within 30 days of appointment for a legislator appointed to fill a vacancy. The other mailing must be mailed within 60 days after the end of the regular legislative session.

Summary of Bill: In an individual case of extreme hardship due to manifest error of no fault to the legislator, the deadlines for legislators seeking re-election to mail newsletters to constituents may be waived by vote of the Senate Facilities and Operations Committee or the House Executive Rules Committee.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Draft Bill: None.

Persons Testifying: No one.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.