Legislative Ethics Board Complaint Opinions
Topic
Conflict of interest related to legislator's consulting contract
Respondent
Sen. Dean Sutherland
Question/Complaint
LEB Opinion 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
LEB Opinion 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.
Document
LEB Complaint Opinion Document