Michael Reitz is an attorney with the Evergreen Freedom Foundation, a free-market think tank in Olympia, where he recently co-authored a book about the state constitution. The views expressed here are his own. A New York native, Mike's spare time is consumed by golf, freelance writing, and two kids.

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Attention bloggers, please file your lobbyist forms...

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Attention bloggers, please file your lobbyist forms...

1 comment

November 12, 4:33 PM

by Michael Reitz, Washington Law Examiner

Should bloggers have to report their activities to a state agency? As I wrote yesterday, the Washington Public Disclosure Commission is reviewing whether Internet activities (email, websites, or blogging) qualify as lobbying. Today I attended the PDC's stakeholder meeting, which was held to solicit public comment.

Such a rule presents concerns for private bloggers and volunteer activists who express views about legislation online. The Internet has become our new town square, and many individuals go online to voice their personal opinions about legislation and public policy.

Excessive regulation in this arena could quash free speech and cause "regular" folks great frustration if their online activity comes with reporting requirements. Not even addressing the bloggers who generate some modest advertising income, should ordinary citizens have to register with a state agency simply because they're outspoken about a particular issue?

The PDC is scheduled to review this issue again on December 4.

For more info: Public Disclosure Commission

Topics: new laws

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Do bloggers qualify as lobbyists?

1 comment

November 11, 4:07 PM

Forget K Street. If a citizen emails his legislator about an issue of concern, does that make him a lobbyist? If you blog about the legislative session, will you have to report this as a lobbying activity? Tomorrow the Public Disclosure Commission... Read More
Topics: new laws

Seattle mayor moves ahead on gun ban

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November 10, 8:30 AM

Several months after Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels proposed a firearm ban on city property, the state Attorney General wrote that such an action is barred by state law. Cities are not permitted to adopt gun laws that are more restrictive than state... Read More
Topics: gun rights

Washington election results

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November 7, 11:26 PM

Curious to find out about your state and local election results? Sure, we all know Barack Obama won the presidential race, and Chris Gregoire won an uncontested second term as governor. But if you're looking for results for other state executive or legislative... Read More
Topics: elections

Can unions use state resources for political collections?

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November 7, 10:26 AM

Does the First Amendment require government bodies to collect political funds for unions? On Monday the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Ysursa v. Pocatello Education Association. The case comes from Idaho, where a group... Read More
Topics: Supreme Court

Post-Election Webcast at Noon

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November 5, 9:32 AM

Join the Evergreen Freedom Foundation for a complete post-election analysis as several analysts break down federal, state, and local election results. Where does the country go from here? What challenges do lawmakers face? The live webcast will begin... Read More
Topics: elections

Get out and vote!

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November 4, 3:31 PM

Don't forget to vote today. It's one of your fundamental rights as a U.S. citizen. If you're in a vote-by-mail county, mail ballots must be post-marked on or before Election Day.For information about vote by mail click here.For county elections contact... Read More
Topics: elections

Supreme Court: Pay the lawyers!

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October 31, 8:16 AM

The Supreme Court of Washington issued a ruling yesterday that should make people happy. Lawyers, at least. The state Administrative Procedures Act allows people to seek judicial review of the actions of state agencies. In order to allow... Read More
Topics: Supreme Court

Judge rejects private prosecution over monkey's death

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October 30, 9:07 AM

A judge recently rejected an animal rights activist's charges against three workers at an animal testing lab for the scalding death of a monkey. The activist tried to bring a citizens prosecution against the lab workers. Everett District Court... Read More
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Judge rejects lawsuit over Obama's citizenship

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October 28, 8:40 AM

A Washington man recently challenged Barack Obama's place on the state's November ballot, claiming Obama was not a U.S. citizen, which would make him ineligible to be president. King County Superior Court Judge John Erlick dismissed this lawsuit on Monday.... Read More
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