Washington state lawmaker hit with $15K fine in ethics case

By: Jerry Cornfield

Outlets: Washington State Standard

Published: August 15, 2026

Words: 904

Last Updated: 3 days, 5 hours ago


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Washington state Rep. Tarra Simmons was fined $15,000 on Friday by a state ethics panel for improperly using her position to steer public funds to a nonprofit where she worked, and trying to retaliate against the person who initiated the investigation against her.

The Legislative Ethics Board concluded the Bremerton Democrat committed three violations of conflict of interest and special privilege laws, and levied the maximum $5,000 penalty for each. She also must pay the …

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