February 19, 2004

COMPLAINT 2004 - NO. 1

JURISDICTION DETERMINATION - ORDER OF DISMISSAL

I. Nature of the Complaint

The complainant alleges that Senator Alex Deccio used a disparaging racist comment when referring to a member of the House of Representatives.

II. Jurisdiction Determination

RCW 42.52.320 limits the jurisdiction of the Legislative Ethics Board to alleged violations of that chapter (RCW 42.52) and related rules, by members and employees of the legislature.

The State Ethics Act does not address a legislator’s use of a racist comment. The complaint fails to state an alleged violation of the State Ethics Act.

III. Conclusion and Order

After fully considering this matter, the Board concludes that it lacks jurisdiction over the subject matter of this complaint. The complaint is hereby dismissed.

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James A. Andersen, Chair