Brief Description: Regulating distribution of communications by state employees.

Sponsors: Representatives Hunt and Williams.

Hearing Date: 1/24/06

Staff: Stephanie Toby (786-7106).

Background:

State public officials and employees must comply with the State Ethics Act. This law is enforced by the Legislative Ethics Board for the legislative branch and by the Executive Ethics Board for the executive branch. This statute prohibits public officials and employees from using, authorizing the use of, or acquiescing in the use of public facilities to assist a candidate or ballot proposition campaign. The term "facilities" includes stationery, postage, machines, equipment, employees, vehicles, office space, publications, and clientele lists.

Summary of Bill:

State employees may distribute communications from an employee organization or charitable organization to other state employees, so long as the communications do not support or oppose a ballot proposition or candidate for any public office, without violating the State Ethics Act.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.