Type Complaint Opinion 
Date 6/10/1995 
Number 95-02 
Topic Conflict of interest related to legislator's consulting contract 
Respondent Sen. Dean Sutherland 
Question/Complaint
Did the Senator violate the Ethics Act by entering into a personal services contract with an entity which had an interest in legislation, some of which was supported by the Senator who chaired the committee with jurisdiction over the legislation?
Summary
No.  The Senator's contract was for the performance of non-legislative duties and he received no personal or direct benefit through the legislation.  Board cited the "citizen-legislator" exception and Advisory Opinion 1995 - No. 4 in concluding there was no violation of RCW 42.52.020.
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