Home  / About the Legislature  / Ethics  / Ethics complaint opinions  / 2025 – No. 5

Complaint Opinion 25-05

Date
08/16/2026
Number
2025 – No. 5
Topic
Conflict of Interest (RCW 42.52.020); Special Privileges (RCW 42.52.070)
Respondent
Rep. Tarra Simmons
Question/Complaint
  1. Did Tarra Simmons violate RCW 42.52.020 by sponsoring a proviso that directly benefitted an organization that employed her at that time?
  2. Did Tarra Simmons violate RCW 42.52.070 by using her official position as a legislator to intervene in a dispute between two organizations, one of whom employed her, so that her employer continued receiving funding from the proviso Ms. Simmons sponsored?
  3. Did Tarra Simmons violate RCW 42.52.070 by requesting that the employer of the Complainant in this matter fire the Complainant or Ms. Simmons would no longer assist the employer with his legislative work?
Summary
  1. Yes. Although Ms. Simmons may not have been paid from these funds, the funds from the proviso she sponsored boosted the financial well-being of her employer and, as a result, personally benefitted Ms. Simmons.
  2. Yes. Using her official position, Ms. Simmons’ actions relieved her former employer from performing the work contemplated under the clear language of the proviso she sponsored.
  3. Yes. Ms. Simmons' conduct was an attempt to force the employer to act against the Complainant in this matter using her influence as a legislator to do so.
Document
ETHICSCOM2025.05 (PDF 6.98 Megabytes)
An unhandled error has occurred. Reload đź—™