Complaint Opinion 24-12
Date
12/23/2024
Number
2024 – No. 12
Topic
Preparing Arguments to be used in the Voters’ Pamphlet
Respondent
Rep. Peter Abbarno
Question/Complaint
Is it a violation of RCW 42.52.180 (use of public resources for campaign purposes) for a legislator to write the arguments in favor of an initiative for the Voters’ Pamphlet and use his legislative contact information?
Summary
No. The statute governing writing arguments for the Voters’ Pamphlets clearly contemplates that legislators will be involved in writing the arguments. The involvement of a legislator and the inclusion of his legislative contact information is considered “normal and regular conduct” which is an exception to the prohibition contained in RCW 42.52.180.