FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1319

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.

Sponsors: House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Sullivan, Anderson, Miloscia, Dammeier, Hunt, Armstrong, Priest, Orwall, Morrell, Kenney, Simpson and Kelley).

Background:

Under the Ethics in Public Service law, state officers and employees are prohibited from using state property under their official control or direction for their own, or another's, private benefit or gain. The ethics boards for each of the three branches of state government are authorized to adopt rules providing exceptions for occasional use, of de minimis cost and value, if the activity does not result in interference with the proper performance of public duties. Use of public resources to benefit others as part of the employee's or officer's official duties is not prohibited.

There is no comparable law applicable to school district employees.

Summary:

School district employees are prohibited from using property, money or persons under their official control, direction, or custody, without authorization, for their own, or another's, private benefit or gain. Each school district board of directors may adopt policies permitting occasional use, of de minimis cost and value, if the activity does not interfere with the proper performance of public duties. Like the similar provision in the Ethics in Public Service law, the use of public resources to benefit others as part of the employee's official duties is not prohibited.

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction is directed to adopt disciplinary guidelines for violations of the law.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	97	0
Senate	45	0