Legislative Ethics Board Advisory Opinions

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Type
Advisory Opinion
Date
2/17/1997
Number
97-02
Topic
Use of public resources - electronic mail
Issue/Question

To what extent are the mailing restrictions found in RCW 42.17.132 (now 42.52.185) affected by the publication and distribution of legislative materials by electronic means?

Summary

A violation of the mailing statute constitutes a violation of RCW 42.52.180, use of public resources to assist a campaign.  Legislators and legislative employees should treat e-mail and faxes as regular mail for the purposes of the mailing restrictions found in 42.17.132.  Board concludes there is a distinction between the passive act of posting information on the Internet and the affirmative act of sending messages.

Document
Review Outcome and Date
Reviewed in June 2022 and retained. See Advisory Opinion 2021 – No. 1