SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5910

                    As of February 19, 1999

Title:  An act relating to use of public resources for political campaigns.

Brief Description:  Authorizing state legislatures to send a letter to constituents to explain positions taken on ballot measures.

Sponsors:  Senators McCaslin and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government:  2/25/99.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Staff:  Diane Smith (786-7410)

Background:  The ethics law prohibits elected officials from using state facilities to oppose or promote a ballot proposition.  There are statutory exceptions to this general rule.

Summary of Bill:  A state senator or representative may use state facilities to initiate one individualized letter to his or her constituents explaining his or her position on a ballot proposition.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.