SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6236

As Passed Senate, February 6, 2002

Title:  An act relating to mailings by legislators.

Brief Description:  Revising restrictions on mailings by legislators.

Sponsors:  Senators West, Snyder and Gardner.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government:  1/23/02 [DP].

Passed Senate:  2/6/02, 44-2.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Gardner, Chair; Fairley, Vice Chair; Hale, Haugen, Keiser, Kline, McCaslin, T. Sheldon and Swecker.

Staff:  Mac Nicholson (786‑7445)

Background:  In general, during the 12 month period beginning on December 1 of the year before a general election for a state legislator's election to office and continuing through November 30 immediately after the general election, a legislator may not mail, either by regular mail or electronic mail, to a constituent at public expense a letter, newsletter, brochure, or other piece of literature.

Summary of Bill:  The period during which a legislator may not mail to a constituent at public expense is changed to December 1 through the day immediately after the general election.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  No one.

House Amendment(s):  Electronic mailings made by legislators running for re-election are not restricted until the period beginning 45 days after the adjournment of the regular legislative session through the day immediately after the general election.