Legislative Ethics Board Advisory Opinions
Topic
Conflict of Interest - Staff
Issue/Question
LEB Opinion Issue/Question
Legislative employee had
substantial policy and substantive legislative responsibilities as adviser to
caucus leadership and sought advice on whether he could run for election to
local school board.
Summary
LEB Opinion Summary
Ethics Act does not prohibit
employee from seeking election but if elected the duties of that position and
his present legislative duties would present a conflict in violation of RCW
42.52.020. The presumption of outside employment, 42.52.330, is not applicable
to staff when analyzing the conflict of interest statute. Rep. Pennington
dissents.
Document
LEB Advisory Opinion Document
Review Outcome and Date
Reviewed in December 2022 and retained.