SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5843

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.

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

State Government, February 17, 2017

Title: An act relating to authorizing waivers of legislative mailing restrictions in response to manifest error.

Brief Description: Authorizing waivers of legislative mailing restrictions in response to manifest error.

Brief Summary of Bill

Provides procedure for waiver of deadlines for legislative newsletter mailings in cases of manifest error.

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Miloscia, Chair; Zeiger, Vice Chair; Hunt, Ranking Minority Member; Kuderer and Pearson.

Background: With limited exceptions, state employees and officials may not use or authorize the use of agency facilities, directly or indirectly, to assist a campaign for election of a person to an office or for the promotion or opposition of a ballot measure. Legislators seeking re-election may, using state resources, mail two newsletters to constituents in the 12-month period before the election. One must be mailed within 30 days of the start of the regular legislative session, or within 30 days of appointment for a legislator appointed to fill a vacancy. The other mailing must be mailed within 60 days after the end of the regular legislative session.

Summary of Bill: In an individual case of extreme hardship due to manifest error of no fault to the legislator, the deadlines for legislators seeking re-election to mail newsletters to constituents may be waived by vote of the Senate Facilities and Operations Committee or the House Executive Rules Committee.