Complaint Opinion 96-03
Date
04/18/1996
Number
96-03
Topic
Legislative newsletter - partisan messages - normal and regular conduct
Respondent
Rep. Duane Sommers, Rep. Jean Silver
Question/Complaint
Does the inclusion of a questionnaire in a newsletter render the document something other than a newsletter in an election year when mailings are restricted to newsletters? Is it "normal and regular conduct" for a newsletter to describe the legislator's agenda and points of view on a partisan basis?
Summary
A questionnaire may be included in a newsletter without changing its classification as a newsletter. It is normal and regular conduct to report to constituents on issues which will be taken up in a legislative session and it is acceptable to express positions in partisan terms. Board warned that a newsletter solely devoted to national issues not tied to state legislative issues would be a concern. RCW 42.52.180.