Title: An act relating to terms of members of ethics boards.

Brief Description: Allowing members of the executive and legislative ethics boards to serve a second term.

Sponsors: Senators Kastama, McCaslin and Pflug; by request of Attorney General.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 1/16/06.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Staff: Genevieve Pisarski (786-7488)

Background: In 1994, as a result of recommendations by the Commission on Ethics in Government and Campaign Financing, a number of laws were adopted concerning ethics in public service. These included the creation of an executive ethics board and a legislative ethics board for their respective branches of state government. The boards are each authorized to educate, render advisory opinions, investigate, conduct hearings, issue subpoenas, seek judicial enforcement of subpoenas, and impose penalties on violators of state ethics laws.

The executive ethics board has five members appointed by the Governor: 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 only one five-year term, which does not include completing a partial term.

The legislative ethics board has nine members: two senators, two representatives, and five citizen members. Four citizen members are chosen by the Governor from lists of individuals submitted by each of the four legislative caucuses. The remaining citizen member is selected by the other citizen members. Legislative members serve two-year terms and are not term limited. Nonlegislative members can serve only one five-year term, which does not include completing a partial term.

Summary of Bill: The term limit for members of the executive ethics board and for nonlegislative members of the legislative 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.