SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 6207

             AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS,

                               FEBRUARY 3, 1992

Brief Description:  Regulating campaigning by state employees and officials.

SPONSORS: Senators West, McCaslin and Thorsness

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Roach, Vice Chairman; and Madsen.

Staff:  Barbara Howard (786‑7410)

Hearing Dates: February 3, 1992

BACKGROUND:

The use of public facilities is prohibited in campaigning for an elected office or a ballot measure.  Among the exceptions are activities which are part of the normal and regular conduct of an office or agency.  It has been suggested that some forms of agency publicity constitute campaigning, and should be limited.

SUMMARY:

Once an individual has announced as a candidate or filed for election, he or she may not appear in an official capacity in any public broadcast announcement, including a public service announcement.  If such an announcement is made outside the official capacity, it will count as a contribution in kind, and will be charged against any campaign spending limits.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR: None

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  No one