SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 6433

                    AS OF JANUARY 25, 1994

Brief Description:  Revising the definition of ballot proposition.

SPONSORS: Senators Pelz, Haugen, West, Bauer, Newhouse, Quigley, Loveland, Deccio, Talmadge, Williams, Winsley, Sheldon, Prentice, Rinehart, Snyder, Wojahn, Spanel, Moyer, Franklin and Prince

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Marty Lovinger (786‑7443)

Hearing Dates: January 27, 1994

BACKGROUND:

A measure becomes a ballot proposition at the time it is initially filed with the appropriate election officer prior to its circulation for signatures.

People expect public officials to provide leadership and express their opinions on current issues, many of which are the subject of the initiative and referendum process.  Current law prohibits elected officials from using any public office or agency facilities to promote or oppose any ballot proposition except in very limited circumstances.  It is felt that permitting public officials to more fully participate in the debate over such issues will better allow them to provide the leadership they were elected to provide.

SUMMARY:

A proposed measure becomes a "ballot measure" after it has received sufficient signatures and been certified by the appropriate election officer.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested