SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1072

As of March 27, 2003

Title: An act relating to ethics investigations.

Brief Description: Increasing options in ethics investigations.

Sponsors: Representatives Haigh and Armstrong; by request of Legislative Ethics Board.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 3/28/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Staff: Diane Smith (786-7410)

Background: The use of public resources for forwarding or opposing an elective candidate or a ballot issue is prohibited by the State Ethics Act. When an allegation is made that a legislator or a statewide elected official has violated this provision, the investigation must be conducted by the Attorney General (AG).

Agency facilities include, but are not limited to, stationery, postage, machines and equipment, use of state employees during working hours, vehicles, office space, publications of the agency, and agency clientele.

Summary of Bill: Complaints that allege a violation in the use of public resources for political campaigns by a legislator or a statewide elected official, other than the AG, are no longer investigated by the AG unless requested to do so by the appropriate ethics board.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.