I received an email late today from Tim Sekerak, House Counsel for the Washington State Representatives in response to my records request:
subject RE: Public Records Request
With respect to the question you are investigating, Representative Hunter has this response:
"I searched my email for any mail that contains "3176" and "Microsoft" and got no email from Microsoft people. I have not been lobbied by them on this issue, though I did ask Microsoft to review an email I got from the department of revenue to approve release of taxpayer confidential data in a response to questions from several members and a handful of constituents."
In response to your request we have identified the attached record. Although the document has a notation that it contains confidential taxpayer information, it has been approved for release as described above.
We believe this fully answers your question.
Sincerely,
Timothy Sekerak
House Counsel
Washington State House of Representatives
360-786-7767
My records request was as follows:
> I would like to make the request for the following documents: 1) All emails and documents exchanged between Washington State House Representative Ross Hunter's office and Microsoft employees and lobbyists working for Microsoft related to the drafting of HB3176 including email attachments. 2) Any documents submitted by Microsoft to sponsors of HB3176 for consideration related to the drafting of HB3176 Thank you for your time. Jeff
There are 14 sponsors besides Rep. Hunter on HB3176. Note: I had initially submitted the requested to Washington State's Department of Information Services but was told that my request would have to go directly to the Legislature.
The attachment noted can be viewed below. It is essentially two pages of "talking points" authored apparently by Rep. Hunter's office and disclosed with Microsoft's permission. It does say that Microsoft opposes the bill and that the possible amnesty clause was requested by the Association of Washington Businesses which is chaired in part by Microsoft.
I'll respond to the substance of this letter in the near future.
