Title: An act relating to terms of executive ethics board members.

Brief Description: Allowing members of the executive ethics board to serve a second term.

Sponsors: Senators Kastama and McCaslin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 2/28/05 [DP, DNP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Kastama, Chair; Berkey, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Fairley, Haugen, Kline, McCaslin, Mulliken and Pridemore.

Minority Report: Do not pass.Signed by Senator Benton.

Staff: Genevieve Pisarski (786-7488)

Background: In 1994, a number of laws were adopted concerning ethics in public service, as a result of recommendations by the Commission on Ethics in Government and Campaign Financing. Among numerous other provisions that applied to all branches of government, was the creation of an ethics board for the executive branch, authorized to educate, render advisory opinions, investigate, conduct hearings, issue subpoenas, seek judicial enforcement of subpoenas, conduct hearings, impose penalties, and recommend suspension and dismissal of violators.

The executive ethics board has five members appointed by the Governor, including a classified service employee, an exempt officer or employee, a citizen nominated by the Attorney General, a citizen nominated by the State Auditor, and a citizen selected at large. The members can serve for only one full term, unless they are also completing a partial term.

Summary of Bill: The term limit for members of the executive ethics board is changed from one full term to two full terms.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: The board has complex duties that range from advisory opinions to complicated investigations and civil penalties. There is definitely a learning curve for members. The mission of the board will be better served by more experienced members.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Hunter Goodman, Washington State Attorney General's Office; Trish Akana, Washington State Executive Ethics Board.