Legislative Ethics Board Advisory Opinions
Topic
Public Resources - Advocacy on Behalf of 3rd Parties
Issue/Question
LEB Opinion Issue/Question
When may public resources or the office of a legislator
be utilized to assist a third party in a legislative and/or advocacy context?
Summary
LEB Opinion Summary
When a legislator becomes an advocate for a
constituent, public resources and the office of the legislator may be used on
behalf of that constituent if a government official or government office is
involved or if the constituent is seeking assistance on legislative issues. If
either of these two conditions is met, there is a sufficient and tangible
legislative nexus to conclude that the advocacy is within the scope of a
legislator's employment and/or within his or her official duties. RCW
42.52.070; RCW 42.52.160
Document
LEB Advisory Opinion Document
Review Outcome and Date
Reviewed July 2022 - Retained.