Brief Description: Raising funds for hosting a national conference of statewide elected officials.

Sponsors: Representatives Haigh, Nixon, Clibborn and McDermott; by request of Lieutenant Governor.

Hearing Date: 1/13/06

Staff: Kasa Tupua (786-7291).

Background:

State ethics laws prohibit state officers and state employees from accepting gifts with an aggregate value of $50 or more during any calendar year from any single source. Gifts may not be accepted under circumstances where the gifts would be considered as part of a reward for action or inaction, or could be reasonably expected to influence the state officers and employees' actions or official judgment.

For the purposes of hosting a national legislative association conference in Washington, legislative officers and employees may solicit and accept gifts, grants, or donations without regard of the $50 limitation.

Summary of Bill:

State ethics laws are changed to allow solicitation and acceptance of gifts, grants, or donations beyond the $50 limitation for purposes of hosting conferences for statewide elected officials. Conferences hosted under these provisions must be held within the state and must include legislative or executive branch membership.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.