The bill amends various sections of the Ethics in Public Service Act, specifically RCW 42.52, to update definitions and clarify terms related to public service ethics. Key insertions include new definitions for "Appearance," "Charitable association, institution, or organization," "Civic organization," and "Community organization," which aim to provide clearer guidelines on participation and the nature of organizations involved in public service. The definition of "Beneficial interest" has been revised to specify financial interests in contracts or entities, while the term "Gift" has been removed entirely, indicating a shift in how gifts are perceived within public service ethics. The bill also repeals certain sections of existing law, suggesting a streamlining of regulations to enhance transparency and accountability among public officials.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions regarding the acceptance of gifts, raising the aggregate value limit for gifts from a single source from fifty dollars to one hundred dollars, and allowing state officers and employees to accept unsolicited gifts of nominal value. It clarifies the types of gifts that can be accepted and modifies regulations on the use of state resources for campaign purposes. The bill also emphasizes ethical conduct by defining "special privileges" and outlining behaviors that constitute harassment. Overall, the amendments aim to refine the ethical standards expected of public officials, ensuring they have a clearer understanding of their obligations while enhancing transparency in state governance.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 42.52.010, 42.52.030, 42.52.070, 42.52.080, 42.52.090, 42.52.110, 42.52.120, 42.52.150, 42.52.160, 42.52.180, 42.52.220, 42.52.360, 42.52.480, 42.52.490, 42.52.805, 42.52.810, 42.56.070, 29B.10.270, 42.17A.615, 29B.50.050, 42.17A.620, 29B.50.060, 42.17A.710, 29B.55.030
Substitute Bill: 42.52.010, 42.52.030, 42.52.070, 42.52.080, 42.52.090, 42.52.110, 42.52.120, 42.52.150, 42.52.160, 42.52.180, 42.52.220, 42.52.360, 42.52.480, 42.52.490, 42.52.805, 42.52.810, 42.56.070, 29B.10.270, 42.17A.615, 29B.50.050, 42.17A.620, 29B.50.060, 42.17A.710, 29B.55.030
Engrossed Substitute: 42.52.010, 42.52.030, 42.52.070, 42.52.080, 42.52.090, 42.52.110, 42.52.120, 42.52.150, 42.52.160, 42.52.180, 42.52.220, 42.52.360, 42.52.480, 42.52.490, 42.52.805, 42.52.810, 42.56.070, 29B.10.270, 42.17A.615, 29B.50.050, 42.17A.620, 29B.50.060, 42.17A.710, 29B.55.030
Bill as Passed Legislature: 42.52.010, 42.52.030, 42.52.070, 42.52.080, 42.52.090, 42.52.110, 42.52.120, 42.52.150, 42.52.160, 42.52.180, 42.52.220, 42.52.360, 42.52.480, 42.52.490, 42.52.805, 42.52.810, 42.56.070, 29B.10.270, 42.17A.615, 29B.50.050, 42.17A.620, 29B.50.060, 42.17A.710, 29B.55.030
Session Law: 42.52.010, 42.52.030, 42.52.070, 42.52.080, 42.52.090, 42.52.110, 42.52.120, 42.52.150, 42.52.160, 42.52.180, 42.52.220, 42.52.360, 42.52.480, 42.52.490, 42.52.805, 42.52.810, 42.56.070, 29B.10.270, 42.17A.615, 29B.50.050, 42.17A.620, 29B.50.060, 42.17A.710, 29B.55.030