Advisory Opinion 97-12
Date
01/29/1998
Number
97-12
Requester
Rep. Don Carlson, Chair, Joint Pension Policy Committee
Topic
Committee Mailings
Issue/Question
Do the mailing restrictions apply to a statutory committee seeking to mail to a list of persons potentially affected by legislation under consideration by the committee, and does it make a difference if only the chair authorizes the mailing?
Summary
Mailings which are authorized by a joint bipartisan legislative committee are not subject to the mailing restrictions in RCW 42.52.185. Mailings remain subject to the general prohibition on use of public facilities to assist campaigns - RCW 42.52.180. Opinion provides guidelines on committee mailings.