Legislative services staff briefed the Rules Committee on July 10 about the office’s communications tools and how assembly members can coordinate messaging alongside legislation.

Ally, legislative services communications lead, described an "ecosystem" of communications tools including press releases, website updates, newsletters and community engagement plans. She advised members to plan communications early in the legislative life cycle — at idea, drafting, introduction, information-gathering and post-action stages — and explained how legislative services can help craft sponsor statements, prepare presentations, and run newsletters tied to meetings.

"I want you to be thinking about audience and what your message is," Ally said, recommending members involve legislative services before introduction if they want a press release or coordinated engagement.

Assembly leadership added a caution: municipal communications resources are subject to legal limits. Staff reminded members that the municipal code forbids use of city resources for partisan or political purposes, and that sponsor statements and other official materials must avoid partisan advocacy. Leaders said a separate guidance process on permissible member messaging is forthcoming.

The briefing was informational and did not create new policy; it is intended to help members plan outreach and to reduce last-minute requests ahead of meetings.