Advisory Opinion 23-03
Date
04/25/2024
Number
2023- No. 3
Requester
Ohad Lowy, House Counsel
Topic
Use of Public Resources to Comment on International Events
Issue/Question
Under the Ethics Act, specifically RCW 42.52.160, under what circumstances may a legislator use public resources to initiate a statement or communicate about an international matter or event?
Summary
It is a violation of RCW 42.52.160 for a legislator to use public resources (legislative staff, legislative computer or official office space etc.) to initiate a statement or communication regarding an international matter or event for which there is no legislative nexus – no connection – with the legislator’s official duties, the policy or programmatic prerogatives of Washington state government, or the legislative institution. A legislator who uses public resources in such a manner does so for his or her private benefit or gain.