SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6031
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 of January 11, 2012
Title: An act relating to expenditure limits on mailings by members of the legislature.
Brief Description: Clarifying expenditure limits on mailings by members of the legislature.
Sponsors: Senators Pflug and Kastama.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections: 1/12/12.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Staff: Sharon Swanson (786-7447)
Background: State statute requires that the House of Representatives and the Senate specifically limit expenditures per member for the total cost of mailings. The purpose of these limits is to pay the cost of members' official communications and correspondence. The costs include, but are not limited to, those associated with production, printing, and postage. The limits imposed apply only to the total expenditures on mailings per member and not to any categorical costs within the total.
The Senate annually authorizes a production budget of equal amounts for each member.
The House of Representatives provides a base allocation per member and a per household allotment based on the number of registered voter households and voter participation in recent elections for the district.
These amounts have been increased and decreased periodically in response to production cost inflation (postage increases, etc.) and changing fiscal conditions.
Summary of Bill: Legislator's expenditure limits for mailings are based on the number of resident registered voters, voter participation, and the number of households within the member's legislative districts.
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.