Legislative Ethics Board Complaint Opinions

2023

​ ​
NumberDateRespondentTopic
23​-01
5/30/2023​
Rep. Lauren Davis​
Quid Pro Quo​
23​-0​2
4/11/2023​
Sen. Manka Dhingra​
Special Privileges and Use of Public Resources for Personal Gain
​​ 23​-03
7/13/2023​
Julia Reed​
Use of State Resources for Campaign Purposes
​​​ 23​-04
6/21/2023​
Rep. Tarra Simmons​
Conflict of Interest​
​​​ 23​-05
7/25/2023​
Rep. Tarra Simmons​
Honorarium​
​​ 23​-​06
5/30/2023​
Rep. Shelley Kloba​
Use of Public Resources for Campaign Purposes
23-0​7, 13 and 14​​​
9/28/2023
Rep. Joel McEntire
Subject Matter Jurisdiction
​​ 23​-08
7/18/2023​
Rep. Verdana Slatter​​
Conflict of Interest​
​​ 23​-0​9
7/28/2023​
Rep. Nicole Macri​​​
Conflict of Interest​
​​​ 23​-10
7/18/2023​
Rep. Tana Senn​​
Conflict of Interest​
​​​​​ 23​-11
6/21/2023​
Rep. Liz Berry​​
Conflict of Interest​
23-12
9/26/2023
Semir Ibrahimovic
Special Privileges
23-15
11/28/2023Rep. Jim WalshAppearance at a Rally​
23-16
12/15/2023Trixie HarmonSpecial Privileges and Personal Use of Public Resources for Private Gain

​​

2022​​


NumberDateRespondentTopic
22​-01
4/22/2022​
Sen. Patty Kuderer
Use of Public Resources for Private Gain​
22-02
3/30/2022
Rep. Brad Klippert
Using Public Resources for Private Gain
22​-03
4/2/2022
Sen. Jamie Pedersen
Conflict of Interest
22-04
4/2/2022
Sen. Manka Dhingra
Conflict of Interest​
22-05
6/24/2022
Sen. Mona Das
Conflict of Interest & Quid Pro Quo
22-06
6/20/2022
Sen. Mona Das
Use of State Resources for Campaign Purposes​​
​​ 22​-07
4/30/2022
Sen. Emily Randall
Use of State Resources for Campaign Purposes​
​​22​-08​​​
1/12/2023
Rep. Robert Sutherland 
Special Privileges - Harassment​​
​​​ 22​-09​
8/8/2022
Rep. Vicki Kraft
Harassment​
​​​ 22​-10​
1/9/2023
Rep. Jesse Young
Special Privileges​
​​ 22​-11
10/24/2022
House and Senate Staff
Lobbying by Legislative Staff​​
​​​​​ 22​-12
12/21/2022
Rep. Jesse Johnson
Special Privileges - Harassment​​​
​​​​​ 22​-13​
11/17/2022
Rep. Jim Walsh
Special Privileges - Harassment​​
​​​​​​ 22-14 and 15​​
7/25/2023
Sens. Dhingra, Randall, Shewmake, Robinson & Lovelett. Reps. Thai, Bateman, Ramel, Lekanoff, Slatter, Rule
Use of State Resource for Campaign Purposes​
​​​​​​ 22​-16​
2/16/2023
Kelley Payne
Conflict of Interest​​​

2​021


NumberDateRespondentTopic
21-01
5/14/2021
Rep. Jenny Graham
Violation of Special Privileges - Harassment
21​-02
5/14/2021
Rep. Jim Walsh
Violation of Special Privileges - Harassment
21​-03
5/14/2021
Rep. Brad Klippert
Violation of Special Privileges - Harassment
21​-04
6/23/2021
Rep. Melanie Morgan
Special Privileges​
21-05
6/3/2021
​Sen. Claire Wilson & Senate Democratic Caucus staff
Public Resources
21-06​​1/22/2022
Sen. Doug Ericksen
Use of State Resources for Campaign Purposes
21-07​​2/2/2022
Rep. Joel McEntire
Use of State Resources for Personal Gain​
21-08​9/20/2021
Robert Bartlett
Attorney for Homeowners’ Association - Jurisdiction
21-0​9​3/30/2022
Rep. Laurie Jinkins
Using Public Resources for Private Gain​

2020

​ ​ ​
NumberDateRespondentTopic
20-012/28/2020Speaker of the House – Jane DoeFailure to Act on Tort Claims Filed by Complainant
20-022/20/2020Anne McEnerny-OgleMayor - Jurisdiction
20-036/30/2020Melanie MorganSpecial Privileges; Defamation
20-044/30/2020Vicki KraftUse of state resources for personal gain
20-056/12/2020Rep. Michelle CaldierFalse Information filed on F-1 form (PDC form)
20-068/10/2020Jesse YoungSpecial Privileges
20-078/10/2020Michelle CaldierSpecial Privileges; Private Gain
20-089/8/2020Ann RiversQuid Pro Quo; Special Privileges
20-099/18/2020Luanne Van WervenUse of State Resources for Campaign Purposes
20-1010/30/2020Beth DoglioUse of State Resources for Campaign Purposes​
20-119/17/2020Kate Dean & David SullivanCounty Commissioners - Jurisdiction
20-121/31/2021Sen. Kevin Van De WegeUse of State Property for Private Gain​​
20-133/8/2021Zack HudginsUse of State Resources for Campaign Purposes​​​

2019

NumberDateRespondentTopic
​​​ 19-014/1/2019Rep. Laurie JinkinsConflict of Interest and Confidentiality
19-026/14/2019Claire WilsonUse of public resources to assist a campaign
19-036/14/2019Sam HuntUse of public resources to assist a campaign
19-045/22/2019Rep. Sharon ShewmakeUse of public resources for private benefit
19-05
1/21/2021Rep. Matt SheaActivities incompatible with public duties; involvement in certain financial transactions; compensation for outside employment or activities.
​​ 19-069/4/2019Reps. Christine Kilduff & Mari LeavittIncorrect information contained in legislative publication
19-0710/25/2019Sen. Patty KudererUse of public resources for private benefit
19-082/10/2020Rep. Sharon Tomiko SantosSpecial Privileges; Private Gain
19-0912/20/2019Rep. Melanie MorganConfidential Information
19-102/28/2020Mona DasUse of public resources to assist a campaign; Use of public resources for personal gain; Compensation for outside activities; Gifts – reasonable expectation.
19-1112/10/2019Rep. Laurie JinkinsPosting of Awards on Legislative Home Page
19-122/12/2020House Democratic CaucusCampaign Violation
19-133/25/2020House Democratic CaucusUse of public resources to assist a campaign

2018

NumberDateRespondentTopic
18-016/27/2018Rep. Jesse YoungUse of state resources to support campaign
18-025/14/2018Rep. Kristine ReevesActivities incompatible with public duties; Use of persons, money or property for private gain; special privileges
18-037/10/2018Rep. Michelle CaldierConflict of Interest; Special privileges; Use of persons, money or property for private gain
18-041/28/2019Rep. David SawyerSpecial privileges; Use of persons, money or property for private gain
18-054/1/2019Vincent BuysUse of public resources to assist a campaign
18-064/1/2019Vicki KraftUse of public resources to assist a campaign
18-074/1/2019Vincent BuysUse of public resources to assist a campaign

2017

NumberDateRespondentTopic
17-013/23/2017FitzgibbonGifts - Travel
17-024/18/2017BuchholzBreach of confidentiality and campaign use of public resources
17-034/18/2017BuchholzBreach of confidentiality and campaign use of public resources
17-044/18/2017BuchholzBreach of confidentiality and campaign use of public resources
17-054/18/2017PittmanBreach of confidentiality and campaign use of public resources
17-064/18/2017PittmanBreach of confidentiality and campaign use of public resources
17-07 thru 113/23/2017MultipleComplaint against person who is neither a legislator nor legislative staff.
17-12 thru 146/30/2017EricksenConflict of Interest – Public Employer
17-15 thru 183/23/2017MultipleComplaint against person who is neither a legislator nor legislative staff.
17-194/18/2017GreenBreach of confidentiality
17-204/18/2017HansenBreach of confidentiality
17-214/18/2017HoneyfordBreach of confidentiality
17-224/18/2017JohnsonBreach of confidentiality
17-234/18/2017LukensBreach of confidentiality
17-244/18/2017PedersenBreach of confidentiality
17-254/18/2017PittmanBreach of confidentiality
17-264/18/2017RegalaBreach of confidentiality
17-274/18/2017VickBreach of confidentiality
17-284/18/2017BuchholzBreach of confidentiality
17-293/23/2017Complaint against person who is neither a legislator nor legislative staff.
17-304/18/2017GreenViolation of statutory process
17-314/18/2017HansenViolation of statutory process
17-324/18/2017HoneyfordViolation of statutory process
17-334/18/2017JohnsonViolation of statutory process
17-344/18/2017LukensViolation of statutory process
17-354/18/2017PedersenViolation of statutory process
17-364/18/2017PittmanViolation of statutory process
17-374/18/2017RegalaViolation of statutory process
17-384/18/2017VickViolation of statutory process
17-394/18/2017BuchholzViolation of statutory process
17-406/14/2017Legislative Ethics Board and staffViolation of statutory process
17-4110/5/2017Rep. Jesse YoungUse of state resources to support campaign
17-425/14/2018Rep. Joel KretzSpecial privileges; Use of persons, money or property for private gain
17-431/18/2018Sen. Jeannie Darneille, Rep. Laurie Jinkins, and Rep. Jake FeyUse of partisan speech in newsletter

2016

NumberDateRespondentTopic
16-015/25/2016RodneCampaign posts to leg. videos
16-025/6/2016Mark HargroveCampaign use of public resources
16-035/6/2016Liz PikeRemarks at public hearing
16-045/6/2016Matt SheaUse of office for special privileges
16-055/25/2016HickelCampaign posts to leg. videos
16-0610/18/2016House Democratic Caucus staffLegislative link to media article re: ballot measure
16-079/15/2016KochmarCampaign link to legislative materials
16-082/14/2017StambaughCampaign use of public resources
16-0910/28/2016Senate Republican Caucus staffUse of public resources to address campaign issue
16-1011/1/2016AngelFailure to take action requested by constituent – constitutional duty
16-1111/1/2016YoungFailure to take action requested by constituent – constitutional duty
16-1211/1/2016CaldierFailure to take action requested by constituent – constitutional duty
16-132/14/2017StambaughCampaign use of public resources
16-143/23/2017ReykdalUse of public resources - special privileges
16-153/23/2017MacEwenCampaign use of public resources
16-163/23/2017MuriCampaign use of public resources

2015

NumberDateRespondentTopic
15-016/16/2015Susan FaganPersonal and campaign use of public resources
15-028/18/2015Cathy DahlquistPersonal use of public resources
15-0312/11/2015AppletonUse of public resources for private gain

2014

NumberDateRespondentTopic
14-012/28/2014Eileen CodyViolations of Constitution-conspiracy-Admin. Procedures Act
14-027/11/2014Paul HarrisPrivate Benefit or Gain
14-0310/17/2014RoachGifts of Travel
14-049/2/2014Hurstpublic resources in campaigns
14-05 and 069/2/2014Dahlquist and HurstLegislator's Written Remarks
14-079/2/2014HurstCampaign Use of Public Resources

2013

NumberDateRespondentTopic
13-0112/28/2013Ericksen, Litzow, Fain, Hewitt and SchoeslerComplimentary meals for legislators
13-0210/10/2013BlakeConduct at committee hearing

2012

NumberDateRespondentTopic
12-019/11/2012Mark HargroveUse of public resources to assist a campaign
12-029/4/2012Rosemary McAuliffeUse of public resources to assist a campaign
12-0310/23/2012Mark HargroveUse of public resources to assist a campaign
12-0412/27/2012Rep. Sam HuntBallot measure - use of public facilities to support

2011

NumberDateRespondentTopic
11-015/26/2011Mike ArmstrongConflict of Interest-Private Employer
11-029/13/2011Mike HopeConflict of interest-special privileges-gifts
11-038/1/2011Derek StanfordUse of public resources to assist campaign

2010

NumberDateRespondentTopic
10-013/23/2010Rep. Jim McCuneElectronic newsletters-normal and regular conduct
10-026/29/2010Senator Randy GordonUse of campaign website to advertise leg. event
10-038/23/2010Senator Chris MarrCampaign use of public resources - links
10-04 & 0512/15/2010Reps. Appleton and RolfesUse of public resources - campaigns
10-0612/15/2010Chris Marr and Barb BumanCampaign use of public resources

2009

NumberDateRespondentTopic
09-016/22/2009Rep. Shelly ShortUse of public resources - links from campaign site to leg. site
09-026/22/2009Senator Karen KeiserPersonal or campaign use of public resources
09-039/22/2009Senator Pam RoachUse of Public Resources - Advocacy and Special Privileges
09-0410/9/2009Rep. Dan RoachJurisdiction - PDC and Sec./State
09-052/2/2010Senator Jeanne Kohl-WellesSpecial Privileges - Gifts

2008

NumberDateRespondentTopic
08-012/28/2008AhernComments by Legislator - Jurisdiction
08-023/29/2008Jim McIntireDefinition of "agency" - Jurisdiction
08-037/16/2008Mike CarrellPublic Resources - Campaign Use
08-049/11/2008Roger GoodmanPublic Resources - Campaign use
08-0510/23/2008Rep. Frank ChoppApproval of Contracts - Jurisdiction
08-066/22/2009Senator Pam RoachConfidential information - special privileges - personal use

2007

NumberDateRespondentTopic
07-01A9/27/2007Rep. Larry HalerSpecial Privileges - Use of Public Resources - Rep. Haler
07-01B12/6/2007Rep. Shirley HankinsSpecial privileges - Use of Public Resources - Rep. Hankins
07-025/22/2007Pam RoachSpecial privileges - use of office
07-031/31/2008Marr, Oemig and TomSpecial Privileges - Private Benefit or Gain
07-042/28/2008Green, Hurst and LantzSpecial Privileges
07-051/28/2008Rep. Bill HinkleCampaign use of Public Resources

2006

NumberDateRespondentTopic
06-015/3/2006Rep. EickmeyerUndue influence - Special Privileges
06-028/30/2006Senator DeccioUse of Public Resources - Campaign
06-0311/28/2006William EickmeyerConflict of Interest - Special Privileges
06-041/13/2007Dave SchmidtImproper Means, Special Privilege - Use of Office
06-0512/21/2006Toby NixonCampaign Use of Legislative Press Releases
06-0610/18/2006Rep. DunnUse of Public Resources - Leg. Web Site - Campaign
06-071/13/2007Dave SchmidtCampaign Use of Leg. Press Releases and Leg. Newsletters
06-0811/30/2006Jean McMillianCampaign and Personal Use of Public Resources
06-099/23/2006Rep. Toby Nixon and Rebecca JaphetUse of Public Resources - Campaign - Press Release
06-1012/9/2006Rodney TomJurisdiction - per diem
06-1111/3/2006Haugen-Murray-WoodsJurisdiction - performance audits
06-122/27/2007William EickmeyerPersonal use of public resources
06-1312/29/2006State Officials - Judicial OfficersJurisdiction

2005

NumberDateRespondentTopic
05-015/19/2005Linda HigginbothamPersonal use of public resources - computer and phone
05-022/12/2005Bill EngelhardtPersonal use of public resources
05-034/9/2005Rep. Tami GreenFailure to respond to constituent - constitutional duty
05-044/21/2005Brian SimsCommittee bill reports - failure to acknowledge testimony
05-058/19/2005Rep. John McCoyConflict of interest - legislation favorable to employer
05-067/1/2005Senator Tim SheldonIncompatible offices - conflict of interest
05-0712/21/2005Tami GreenPersonal use
05-0812/6/2005Jim McCuneNewsletter - partisan language
05-093/18/2005Reps. Armstrong, Condotta and Senator Linda Evans ParletteUndue influence - state agency - special privileges - private benefit or gain

2004

NumberDateRespondentTopic
04-012/19/2004Sen. Alex DeccioComments by legislator - jurisdiction
04-027/20/2004Sen. Alex DeccioPersonal use of public resources - private benefit or gain
04-031/20/2005Rep. Al O'BrienUse of public resources - campaign - legislative address

2003

NumberDateRespondentTopic
03-013/21/2003Rep. Richard DeboldtPersonal use of public resources
03-028/21/2003Sen. Pam RoachConfidential records - email - jurisdiction
03-038/21/2003Sen. Jim WestPublic records request - retaliation - jurisdiction
03-048/21/2003Milt DoumitFailure to discipline - public records - retaliation - jurisdiction
03-058/21/2003Drennan, HonkompfWorkplace speech - email
03-068/21/2003Tabitah Wells, Chrissy Poe, Joe AndersonPersonal use of public resources - email - order of dismissal
03-078/21/2003Drennan Honkompfworkplace speech - email
03-088/21/2003Tabitha Wells, Chrissy Poe, Joe AndersonPersonal use of public resources - email - order of dismissal
03-098/21/2003Tabitha Wells, Chrissy Poe, Joe AndersonPersonal use of public resources - email - order of dismissal
03-1010/23/2003Rep. Geoff SimpsonCampaign use of public resources - email
03-118/21/2003Sen. Joe ZarelliUnemployment compensation - jurisdiction

2002

NumberDateRespondentTopic
02-015/27/2002Rep. Steve Van LuvenGifts - reasonable expectation
02-0210/25/2002Sen. Jim WestMailing - Use of public resources by campaign

2001

NumberDateRespondentTopic
01-019/13/2001Amber OienPersonal use - state facilities
01-0210/1/2001College administratorEmployment - jurisdiction
01-0310/1/2001College personnelCollege personnel - jurisdiction
01-041/23/2002Rep. Steve Van LuvenSolicitation of lobbyists - special privileges - personal gain
01-056/6/2002Rep. Joe MarineUse of public facilities in a campaign mailing

2000

NumberDateRespondentTopic
00-013/7/2000Rep. Carolyn EdmondsConstituent mailing - email
00-025/11/2000Rep. CoxConflict of interest - state agency contract - filing
00-035/11/2000Rep. Jeff GomboskyConflict of interest - state agency contract - filing
00-045/11/2000Rep. Kip TokudaConflict of interest - county employment - filing
00-055/11/2000Rep. Aaron ReardonConflict of interest - city employment - filing
00-0610/19/2000Rep. Kathy LambertPreference in hiring - jurisdiction
00-073/1/2001Sen. Don BentonFacilities of an agency - state seal - campaign use
00-081/1/2001Rep. Kathryn HaighConstitutional claim - jurisdiction
00-094/19/2001Sen. Darlene FairleyBallot Information - electronic newsletter

1999

NumberDateRespondentTopic
99-013/18/1999Rep. Tom Mielke, Rep. John PenningtonSpecial privileges - campaign contributions - quid pro quo
99-023/18/1999Rep. Tom Mielke, Rep. John PenningtonSpecial privileges - campaign contributions - quid pro quo
99-033/18/1999Rep. Marc BoldtConstituent mailing - partisan content - normal and regular conduct
99-0410/28/1999Sen. Larry SheahanMailing - newsletter - registered voters
99-052/1/2000Rep. Ed MurrayConflict of interest - state agency contract - filing

1998

NumberDateRespondentTopic
98-018/13/1998House of Representatives employeeUse of public resources - order of withdrawal
98-025/26/1998Forrest BuckallewPersonal use of public resources - printing
98-033/18/1999Rep. Karen Schmidt, Rep. Tom HuffPublication on ballot measure - normal and regular conduct - de minimis
98-043/18/1999Rep. Tom HuffConstituent mailing - partisan content - normal and regular conduct
98-053/18/1999Rep. Tom HuffConstituent mailing - partisan content - normal and regular conduct

1997

NumberDateRespondentTopic
97-018/14/1997Sen. Ken JacobsenPersonal use - public resources

1996

NumberDateRespondentTopic
96-015/10/1996Jill JohnsonUse of public resources for personal use
96-025/9/1996Rep. Lois McMahanLegislative Newsletter - content - normal and regular conduct
96-034/18/1996Rep. Duane Sommers, Rep. Jean SilverLegislative newsletter - partisan messages - normal and regular conduct
96-044/18/1996C.J. MerrittJudicial officer - Jurisdiction
96-054/18/1996C.W. OwensExecutive officer - Jurisdiction
96-0710/29/1996Rep. Steve ConwayNewsletter - partisan statements - normal and regular conduct
96-0810/29/1996Rep. Marlin Appelwick; Rich NafzigerNormal and regular conduct - caucus talking points - partisan document
96-092/17/1997Senator Calvin GoingsNewsletter Response - election year restrictions
96-1012/12/1996Senators Spanel, Loveland, Betti Sheldon, Wojahn and SnyderCaucus Internet Page - mailing statutes

1995

NumberDateRespondentTopic
95-014/1/1995Sen. Kevin QuigleySpecial privileges and conflict of interest
95-026/10/1995Sen. Dean SutherlandConflict of interest related to legislator's consulting contract
95-037/10/1995Sen. Dean SutherlandFalse political advertising - dismissal of complaint
95-041/5/1996Rep. Scott SmithSpecial privileges - soliciting campaign contributions