HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No. HB 1006

Expand incumbents authority/individual letters       Public Hrg: 1/22/97 

Brief Title

Reps. Carlson/Ogden/Pennington                                Staff Contact: Steve Lundin

Sponsor                                    Comm. on Govt. Admin.

                                           Phone: 786-7127

BACKGROUND:

Restrictions exist on mailings that a legislator may make with public funds during the 12 months period preceding the last day for certifying election results for the legislator=s election to office.  During this 12 months period, a legislator may mail one identical newsletter to constituents no later than 30 days after the start of a regular legislative session and one identical newsletter to constituents no later than 60 days after the end of a regular legislative session.

However, a legislator may use public funds to mail an individual letter to an individual constituent who has contacted the legislator concerning the subject matter of the letter during his or her current term of office or if the constituent holds a governmental office with jurisdiction over the subject matter of the letter.

The legislative ethics board consists of nine members, two senators, two members of the house of representatives, and five citizen members.  Among other duties, the legislative ethics board develops educational materials and training on legislative ethics for legislators and legislative employees, issues advisory opinions, and investigates complaints.

SUMMARY:

The authority of a legislator is expanded to use public funds to mail individual letters to individual constituents during the 12 months period preceding the last day for certifying election results for the legislator=s election to office.

A legislator may use public funds to mail an individual letter to a constituent during this period if the constituent has received an award or honor for extraordinary civic or academic achievement, as defined by rule of the legislative ethics board.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournemnt of session in which bill is passed.