Legislative Ethics Board Complaint Opinions
Type
Complaint Opinion
Date
12/9/2006
Number
06-10
Topic
Jurisdiction - per diem
Respondent
Rodney Tom
Question/Complaint

Does the Ethics Act confer jurisdiction on the Board to issue an opinion on the propriety of a legislator receiving per diem during a legislative session on those days he is marked "excused" from voting?

Summary

No.  The Board's jurisdiction is limited to enforcement of RCW42.52 and rules adopted pursuant thereto.  The House and Senate are authorized to pay legislators an amount in lieu of per diem for expenses incurred during a legislative session and that process is authorized in RCW 44.04.  Complaint dismissed for lack of subject matter jurisdiction.

Document