Brief Description: Allowing public officials to provide information on the impact of ballot propositions.

Sponsors: Representatives Sommers, Haigh, Armstrong, McDermott, Benson, Wallace, Veloria, Hunt, Kenney, Schual-Berke, Fromhold, Wood, Rockefeller, Cody and O'Brien.

Hearing Date: 2/4/03

Staff: Katie Blinn (786-7114).

Background:

Local public officials and employees must comply with the ethics laws contained in RCW 42.17.130, which are enforced by the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC). State public officials and employees must comply with the ethics laws contained in RCW 42.52.180, which are enforced by the Legislative Ethics Board for the legislative branch and by the Executive Ethics Board for the executive branch.

Both statutes prohibit public officials and employees from using, authorizing the use of, or acquiescing in the use of public facilities to assist a candidate or ballot proposition campaign. Facilities include stationery, postage, machines, equipment, employees, vehicles, office space, publications, and clientele lists. Exceptions to the rule include:

•    Action taken at an open public meeting by members of an elected legislative body to express a collective decision, to actually vote on a motion, proposal or ordinance, or to support or oppose a ballot proposition. Notice of the meeting must include the title and number of the ballot proposition, and members of the public and the legislative body must be allowed equal opportunity to express opposing views;

•    a statement by an elected official supporting or opposing a ballot proposition made at an open press conference or made in response to an inquiry; and

•    activities that are part of the "normal and regular conduct" of the office or agency.

In statute, state officials are afforded an additional exception of de minimis use of public facilities incidental to the preparation or delivery of self-initiated communications of their views on those ballot propositions that foreseeably may affect a matter that falls within their responsibilities. However, the Legislative Ethics Board has ruled that the "normal and regular conduct" of the Legislature does not include providing either information or views on initiatives to the people or referendum measures. The only ballot measures considered part of the "normal and regular conduct" of the Legislature are measures that must go through the Legislature: initiatives to the Legislature, alternative legislative measures, and referendum bills.

On the other hand, the PDC has adopted a rule that does allow local officials to make an objective and fair presentation of facts relevant to a ballot proposition if such action is part of the normal and regular conduct of the office or agency. The information from the local government cannot advocate how to vote on the measure.

Summary of Bill:

For state officials and employees, a new exception to the ethics law is created allowing them to use public facilities to prepare and deliver self-initiated communications consisting of information on the impact of any ballot proposition that foreseeably may affect a matter that falls within their responsibilities. The exception applies to all ballot measures, not just those that go through the Legislature. The use of public facilities is not limited to de minimis use, but is limited to communicating information, rather than views. The portions of existing law allowing de minimis use of public facilities for expressing views are removed to more accurately reflect interpretations of the law by the Legislative Ethics Board.

For local officials and employees, an additional exception to the ethics law is created that allows them to use public facilities to prepare and deliver self-initiated communications consisting of information on the impact of any ballot proposition that foreseeably may affect a matter that falls within their responsibilities. This exception is distinct from the existing exception that allows local officials to make an objective and fair presentation of facts relevant to a ballot proposition.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not Requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.