Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government, Elections & Information Technology Committee |
HB 2961
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. |
Brief Description: Concerning election year restrictions on email updates from state legislators.
Sponsors: Representatives Kraft and Hudgins.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/2/18
Staff: Travis Yonker (786-7383).
Background:
Subject to some exceptions, state legislators are restricted from certain activities leading into a legislator's general election. Beginning on December 1 of the year before a general election for a legislator's election, the legislator may not mail, either by regular mail or electronic mail (email), to a constituent at public expense a letter, newsletter, brochure, or other piece of literature, except in certain circumstances.
Throughout the legislative session, and special legislative session, and up until the first day of the declaration of candidacy filing period, a legislator may email regular or periodic updates on legislative matters to constituents that have either:
specifically indicated that they would like to be contacted to receive updates on legislative matters; or
been added to a distribution list and been provided regular opportunities to unsubscribe from the list.
Summary of Bill:
A legislator may only email at public expense regular or periodic updates to constituents that request the updates, or that have been added to a distribution list, only until the first day of the declaration of candidacy filing period, or during any special legislative session.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.