Election CampaignsMisuse of State Publications

Section § 18390

Explanation

This law states that state agencies or departments cannot use their own publications to inform state employees about a constitutional officer's chosen candidates for public office or to recommend positions on specific ballot propositions, unless these issues relate directly to the agency's functions. The term 'publications' includes any written or printed materials like memos or directives, but does not cover legislative newsletters or the state voter information guides. If a state officer violates this rule, they can be charged with a misdemeanor.

An agency or department of the state shall not use its publications to advise state employees of a constitutional officer’s choice of candidates for public office or for recommending positions on specific ballot propositions not related to the functions of that agency or department.
For purposes of this section “publications” means any written or printed matter including, but not limited to, agency or department memorandums or directives, but shall not include legislative newsletters or state voter information guides.
A state officer who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
state agency publications state employee advisement constitutional officer endorsement ...