FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5861

C 469 L 19

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Extending respectful workplace code of conduct provisions to all members of the legislative community.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Dhingra, Rivers, Hunt, Wellman, Hasegawa, Darneille, Saldaña, Cleveland, Conway, Frockt, Keiser, Kuderer, Liias, Palumbo, Randall and Wilson, C.).

Senate Committee on State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections

House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations

Background: Lobbyist Registration. Any person who attempts to influence the passage or defeat of legislation, rules, standards, rates, or agency enactments under the Administrative Procedures Act is defined as a lobbyist. However, certain lobbyists are exempt from registration and reporting requirements:

• persons whose lobbying is limited to public testimony;

• persons who lobby without compensation and do not contribute to any campaigns in connection with their lobbying; and

• persons who lobby for four or fewer days during any three-month period and spend $25 or less in connection with their lobbying.

Persons required to register as lobbyists may not:

• lobby prior to registering with the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC);

• deceive a legislator about facts pertaining to pending legislation;

• introduce a bill or amendment for the purposes of its defeat;

• represent an interest adverse to their employer without notification and consent;

• exercise undue influence, extort, or retaliate against a legislator; or

• make compensation contingent upon success in influencing legislation.

Penalties. Courts may impose civil remedies and sanctions for violating lobbying disclosures and limitations, including civil penalties and issuance of orders to prevent a person from violating these requirements. The PDC may revoke a lobbyist's registration for violating lobbying regulations and also refer certain intentional violations of the statutes for criminal prosecution.

Legislative Code of Conduct. In 2019 both chambers of the Legislature passed HCR 4401, adopting a code of conduct stating each member of the legislative community is expected to:

• conduct themselves with self-awareness, self-respect, and professionalism;

• treat others with respect, dignity, and civility; and

• not engage in activities which may amount to discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, or bullying.

Summary: The Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate must develop a training course based on the legislative code of conduct and any policies related to appropriate conduct adopted by either legislative chamber.

Lobbyist registration forms must provide a place to attest that the applicant has completed a training course on the legislative code of conduct. Currently registered lobbyists must update their registration by the effective date of the act to attest completion of a training course. The PDC must work with the Legislature to verify completion of the training course.

Votes on Final Passage: