FINAL BILL REPORT

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.

C 28 L 14

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Authorizing de minimis use of state resources to provide information about programs that may be authorized payroll deductions.

Sponsors: Representatives S. Hunt, Kristiansen and Ryu.

House Committee on Government Operations & Elections

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

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. Businesses selling these insurance products typically ask permission to use state facilities to contact state employees.

Summary:

A provider of payroll deduction programs may use state facilities to provide employees with information about programs, such as:

Votes on Final Passage:

House

98

0

Senate

48

1

Effective:

June 12, 2014