Legislative Ethics Board Advisory Opinions
Topic
Legislator as Executive Director - Conflict of Interest
Issue/Question
LEB Opinion Issue/Question
This request was
accompanied by a lengthy presentation of facts. The issue was whether under
these facts a legislator would have a conflict of interest if he were to serve
as executive director of an organization which included lobbyists and which was
formed to educate the public on a topic often before the legislature.
Summary
LEB Opinion Summary
The Board elected to "pierce the corporate veil," allowing for a full
examination of the extent of the potential created for violation of the ethics
law. After acknowledging there is a presumption in a citizen-legislature in
favor of outside employment, the Board concluded that under these facts the
employment would constitute a "per se" violation. RCW 42.52.020 and
42.52.330.
Document
LEB Advisory Opinion Document
Review Outcome and Date
Reviewed in December 2022 and retained.