Election-Year Activity Restrictions - FAQs
Maintaining the public's trust
 

• Press releases. . . with the exception of those approved by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives through the Election-Year Activity (EYA) process;
• E-newsletters;
• Partisan issue pages; and
• Member welcome/issue comments (mostly found on member's home pages).

Why the change?
During 2008, all 98 seats of the House of Representatives are up for election. RCW 42.52.180 holds that "No state officer or state employee may use or authorize the use of facilities of an agency, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of assisting a campaign for election of a person to an office or for the promotion of or opposition to a ballot proposition."  

Beginning with the passage of Initiative 134 (RCW 42.52.195) in 1992, legislators have been restricted in mail sent out at state expense during the 12-month period preceding their term. Similar restrictions are extended to caucus and member Web pages. Under House rules, "During the EYA period (beginning on June 30th of each year in which there is a general election), no discretionary material may be available on the caucus or member web pages without the express written approval of the Chief Clerk."

What material is allowed?
The following material continues to be available through the EYA period on the Washington House Republican Web site:

• Contact information of House Republican members and caucus staff;
• Biographies of House Republican members;
• District maps and information;
• "My Bills" - A link to bills sponsored by House Republican members;
• "About Us" - A Web page describing the House Republican Caucus and its leaders;
• "Get Involved" - A Web page helping citizens become involved with their Legislature;
• "Capitol Buzz" - A daily e-news clips service provided by Washington House Republican Communications;
• Non-partisan information; and
• Press releases that have been approved by the Chief Clerk through the EYA process.

The public is reminded of the EYA period through the following disclaimer on this Web site: Election Year Notice: The information on this page was created by House staff for legislative purposes and is a historical record of legislative events and activities. None of this material is intended to either directly or indirectly assist any campaign for office or ballot proposition. RCW 42.52.180 prohibits the use of public resources for campaign purposes.

How long is the EYA period?
Restrictions under the Election-Year Activity period began July 1, 2008 and continues through Nov. 30, 2008. All previous content will be restored to this site on Dec. 1, 2008.

Do these restrictions affect only House Republicans?
No. These restrictions are in effect for all 98 House members, regardless of party affiliation.

Can I still communicate with my legislator through this Web site?
Yes, you may. Contact information remains on each of the members' individual Web sites. That information includes their name, address, phone number, and a link that allows you to e-mail your state representative(s). Click here to go to their Web sites.

What if I wish more information about the Washington House Republican Web site?
You may click here to contact the Washington House Republican Communications Department or e-mail House Republican Webmaster.