FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5861

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

C 469 L 19

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Extending respectful workplace code of conduct provisions to all members of the legislative community.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Dhingra, Rivers, Hunt, Wellman, Hasegawa, Darneille, Saldaña, Cleveland, Conway, Frockt, Keiser, Kuderer, Liias, Palumbo, Randall and Wilson, C.).

Senate Committee on State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections

House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations

Background: Lobbyist Registration. Any person who attempts to influence the passage or defeat of legislation, rules, standards, rates, or agency enactments under the Administrative Procedures Act is defined as a lobbyist. However, certain lobbyists are exempt from registration and reporting requirements:

Persons required to register as lobbyists may not:

Penalties. Courts may impose civil remedies and sanctions for violating lobbying disclosures and limitations, including civil penalties and issuance of orders to prevent a person from violating these requirements. The PDC may revoke a lobbyist's registration for violating lobbying regulations and also refer certain intentional violations of the statutes for criminal prosecution.

Legislative Code of Conduct. In 2019 both chambers of the Legislature passed HCR 4401, adopting a code of conduct stating each member of the legislative community is expected to:

Summary: The Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate must develop a training course based on the legislative code of conduct and any policies related to appropriate conduct adopted by either legislative chamber.

Lobbyist registration forms must provide a place to attest that the applicant has completed a training course on the legislative code of conduct. Currently registered lobbyists must update their registration by the effective date of the act to attest completion of a training course. The PDC must work with the Legislature to verify completion of the training course.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate

29

18

House

97

0

(House amended)

Senate

29

18

(Senate concurred)

Effective:

July 28, 2019

December 31, 2019 (Sections 2 and 3)