WA Rep. Tarra Simmons asks Ethics Board to dismiss misconduct allegations

Washington Representative Tarra Simmons is asking the state Legislative Ethics Board to dismiss allegations that she violated public ethics rules, arguing in a newly filed brief that investigators failed to prove any wrongdoing.

In a 34-page closing brief filed Tuesday, counsel for the Bremerton Democrat said the Ethics Board staff “failed to prove any violation of the Ethics in Public Service Act” and relied on “false assumptions rather than evidence.”

The filing followed a two-day public hearing earlier this month before the Washington State Legislative Ethics Board. In October, the board previously found “reasonable cause” to believe Simmons may have violated state ethics law by using her position for the benefit of others and by engaging in outside employment that allegedly conflicted with her legislative duties.

“The Board staff’s entire case rested on the testimony of two witnesses who were impeached under cross-examination,” Simmons’ attorney Doug McKinley said in a statement. “Their testimony was contradicted by other witnesses under oath and the evidence.”

Hearsay does not constitute as evidence

McKinley also said a third key witness, a staff member with the Administrative Office of the Courts, testified in Simmons’ favor. He argued that hearsay does not constitute evidence and that allegations alone are insufficient to establish wrongdoing.

The brief states Simmons repeatedly sought ethics guidance from board staff before taking actions referenced in the complaint and relied on longstanding precedent regarding lawmakers who hold outside employment. It also argued that there is no evidence that Simmons received any personal financial benefit from the alleged conduct.

The filing further raises procedural concerns, including claims of a deficient complaint, missed notification deadlines, confidentiality breaches, and rule changes during the proceedings that the defense says harmed Simmons’ ability to respond.

Simmons said in a statement that she has spent months defending her name while continuing her legislative work.

“I am no stranger to unsubstantiated attacks from political opponents on my character,” Simmons said. “My focus remains on serving the people of the 23rd District.”

Simmons, first elected in 2020, is the first formerly incarcerated person elected to a state legislature in the U.S. She has authored legislation on criminal justice reform, housing, and health care access, according to her office.

If the Ethics Board finds violations, Simmons could face fines of up to $5,000 per allegation. A final decision has not yet been issued.

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