SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5843
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 February 17, 2017
Title: An act relating to authorizing waivers of legislative mailing restrictions in response to manifest error.
Brief Description: Authorizing waivers of legislative mailing restrictions in response to manifest error.
Sponsors: Senators Schoesler and Nelson.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: State Government:
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT |
Staff: Samuel Brown (786-7470)
Background: With limited exceptions, state employees and officials may not use or authorize the use of agency facilities, directly or indirectly, to assist a campaign for election of a person to an office or for the promotion or opposition of a ballot measure. Legislators seeking re-election may, using state resources, mail two newsletters to constituents in the 12-month period before the election. One must be mailed within 30 days of the start of the regular legislative session, or within 30 days of appointment for a legislator appointed to fill a vacancy. The other mailing must be mailed within 60 days after the end of the regular legislative session.
Summary of Bill: In an individual case of extreme hardship due to manifest error of no fault to the legislator, the deadlines for legislators seeking re-election to mail newsletters to constituents may be waived by vote of the Senate Facilities and Operations Committee or the House Executive Rules Committee.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Draft Bill: None.
Persons Testifying: No one.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.