Advisory Opinion 05-01
Date
01/20/2005
Number
05-01
Requester
Board’s own motion
Topic
Congratulatory Letters - Normal and Regular Conduct
Issue/Question
Board was requested to revisit the issue of legislator's ability to send congratulatory letters at public expense. Board agreed to do so.
Summary
The standards for sending a congratulatory letter at public expense are the same in an election year as they are in a non-election year. Although there is some flexibility in identifying an "extraordinary event or honor," the constituent must already have received the honor. The opinion provides non-exclusive examples to assist legislators and staff.