| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee | |
HB 2447
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Clarifying agency facilities in the context of political campaigns.
Sponsors: Representative Simpson.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/15/08
Staff: Colleen Kerr (786-7168).
Background:
Washington statute prohibits the use of public office or agency facilities for campaign purposes
by elected officials, appointees, or employees.
Facilities of a public office or agency include, but are not limited to, the use of: stationary,
postage, machines, equipment, use of the employees of the office or agency during working
hours, vehicles, office space, publications of the office or agency, and clientele lists of the
persons served by the office or agency.
Facilities of a public office or agency does not include: action taken at an open public meeting,
provided the statutory requirements were met; a statement by an elected official in support of or
in opposition to any ballot proposition at an open space press conference or in response to a
specific inquiry; or activities which are part of the normal and regular conduct of the office or
agency.
Summary of Bill:
The prohibition against the use of "stationary" is clarified so that both official stationary or its
likeness are both prohibited, regardless of who is paying for the likeness.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.