SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6599

BYSenators Anderson, Rasmussen, West, Owen, Craswell and Deccio

Amending provisions regarding lobbying by government employees and agents.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 4, 1988

Senate Staff:Jon Carlson (786-7459)

AS OF FEBRUARY 3, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Public agency lobbyists are allowed a number of reporting exemptions under the Public Disclosure Act.  There is some feeling that these exemptions allow public agency lobbyists an advantage over private sector lobbyists, particularly during the legislative sessions.  It is suggested that the provisions relating to public agency lobbying be modified to put public agency and private lobbyists on more equal footing during the legislative process.

SUMMARY:

An employee or agent of any elected official or governmental commission who represents a position of the official or member of the commission with regard to any legislative proposal must have a written statement from the official or commission that is consistent with the views expressed by the employee or agent.

Except for an elected official, no public agency lobbyist may lobby for or against state legislation unless the lobbyist's views accord with the written position of the agency.  However, an agency lobbyist who responds to a legislative inquiry on a legislative proposal must advise the inquiring party whenever his or her agency does not take a position regarding the proposal.

A public agency lobbyist is not allowed to receive preferential access to information, legislative chambers, or other lobbying privileges not accorded to nongovernmental lobbyists.

The current exemptions for public agency lobbyists are deleted.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested