Complaint Opinion 18-01

​Did Legislator violate RCW 42.52.180 when he placed campaign materials that were available to the public, including campaign brochures and campaign business cards on a table during four legislative town halls?

​Yes. A town hall is a legislative event in which constituents may question legislators about current legislative issues. Legislative resources were used in support of the town hall. Legislator is a candidate for public office and intentionally chose several campaign materials to be made available to constituents. A legislator may not use private funds to create a category of material that is neither legislative nor campaign related.