Title: An act relating to restrictions on mailing by legislators.

Brief Description: Regulating legislators' mail to constituents.

Sponsors: Representatives Hunt, Chandler, Appleton, Miloscia, Armstrong, Green, Morrell, Ormsby, Schual-Berke, Wallace, Lantz and Hasegawa.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/05/07, 95-0.

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 3/19/07.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)

Background: For the 12-month period preceding a general election in which a legislator is running for office, the legislator is generally prohibited from sending regular or electronic mailings to constituents. However, a legislator may send two newsletters and respond to constituent inquiries during the 12-month period. Violating this prohibition constitutes use of public facilities for campaign purposes.

Summary of Bill: The prohibition against legislative mailings by electronic mail only applies for the period starting 45 days after the regular legislative session and concludes at the end of November. The existing 12-month prohibition on legislative mailings continues to apply to mailings sent by regular mail.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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