Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Government Operations & Elections Committee |
HB 1785
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: Authorizing de minimis use of state resources to provide information about programs that may be authorized payroll deductions.
Sponsors: Representatives Hunt, Kristiansen and Ryu.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/19/13
Staff: Caitlin Forsyth (786-5793) and Marsha Reilly (786-7135).
Background:
It is a violation of state ethics laws for a state officer or state employee to employ or use any person, money, or property under the officer's or employee's control or direction or in his or her official custody, for his or her private benefit or for the benefit of another. Occasional but limited use of state resources (de minimis exception) is allowed if there is no actual cost to the state or the cost to the state is so small as to be insignificant or negligible.
A state or other public employee may authorize payroll deductions for medical and hospital care, life, accident or health insurance, or retirement plans.
Summary of Bill:
A provider of payroll deduction programs may use state facilities to provide employees with information about the programs, such as:
medical, surgical, and hospital care;
life insurance or accident and health disability insurance; or
individual retirement accounts.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.