| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee | |
HB 2915
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.
Brief Description: Removing limit on ethics board penalties and costs.
Sponsors: Representatives Rodne, Ross and Hurst; by request of Attorney General.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/1/08
Staff: Tracey Taylor (786-7196).
Background:
Legislators, agency heads and the judiciary are covered by the Ethics in Public Service Act (Act)
in Chapter 42.52 RCW. Each branch of government has their own ethics board: the Legislative
Ethics Board, the Executive Ethics Board and the Commission on Judicial Conduct.
Upon the filing of an ethics complaint, the appropriate ethics board investigates the complaint.
If the ethics board determines there is reasonable cause that a violation of the Act has occurred, a
public hearing on the merits must be held. The ethics board should also consider the possibility
that the alleged violator may have to pay penalties and costs in excess of $500. In such a case,
the board may give the alleged violator the option of having an administrative law judge conduct
the hearing and rule on evidentiary and procedural matters. The board can also, on its own
initiative, retain an administrative law judge. If the ethics board does not retain an
administrative law judge and does not give the alleged violator the option of having an
administrative law judge retained, the ethics board cannot require a total payment of penalties
and costs in excess of $500.
Summary of Bill:
An ethics board may require penalties and costs in excess of $500 even if the option for an
administrative law judge is not given to the alleged violator and the ethics board chooses not to
retain an administrative law judge on its own initiative.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.