Legislative Ethics Board Advisory Opinions

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Type
Advisory Opinion
Date
9/1/1998
Number
98-06
Topic
Legislator as Executive Director - Conflict of Interest
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

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
Review Outcome and Date
Reviewed in December 2022 and retained.