SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SHB 2673

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

          State & Local Government, February 24, 2000

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

Brief Description:  Regulating mail to constituents.

Sponsors:  House Committee on State Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Lambert, Ruderman, Cox, McIntire, Carrell, Edwards, Sump, Miloscia, Woods, Romero, Bush, Stensen, Esser, Keiser, Rockefeller, Morris, Koster, Edmonds, Ericksen, Lantz, Mulliken, Campbell and O'Brien).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government:  2/23/2000, 2/24/2000 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

  Signed by Senators Patterson, Chair; Gardner, Vice Chair; Hale, Horn, Kline and McCaslin.

Staff:  Roger Brodniak (786-7445)

Background:  For the 12-month period preceding a general election in which a legislator is running for office, the legislator may not send to a constituent, either by regular mail or electronic mail, a letter, newsletter, brochure, or other piece of literature.  Exceptions to this general rule include:

$the legislator may send two newsletters during the 12-month period; and

$the legislator may respond to constituent inquiries.

Summary of Amended Bill:  The 12-month prohibition on legislative mailings via electronic mail is shortened.  The prohibition applies from 45 days after a regular session in the year a legislator is running for office until the day after the general election of that year.

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The original bill prohibited state legislators from sending e-mail to constituents until November 30 of a general election year.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  It is important to be in touch with legislators as much as possible.  This bill provides for better access of the people so they better understand what is happening.  The cost of sending literature to constituents by e-mail is minor.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  John Overbaugh.