Legislative Ethics Board Advisory Opinions

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Type
Advisory Opinion
Date
8/14/1997
Number
97-07
Topic
Doorbelling - Use of Public Resources - Normal and Regular Conduct
Issue/Question

May a legislator doorbell constituents on legislative issues while delivering a document produced by legislative staff, materials and equipment?  What is a general, working definition of  "normal and regular conduct?"

Summary

Doorbelling is generally viewed as a campaign activity where the use of legislative materials is not permitted.  Under certain conditions based on timing, selection method, content guidelines and other limitations, legislative doorbelling would be permissible.  Contact with constituents using state resources which is in response to their requests for legislative information and/or assistance is generally permitted.  Contact with constituents which is initiated by members and staff is subject to time, place, content and method restrictions. RCW 42.52.180.

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