Penalty for ethics violations rises to $52K for WA state Rep. Tarra Simmons

A state ethics panel has ordered Democratic state Rep. Tarra Simmons to pay roughly $52,000 in penalties and fees for multiple violations of Washington ethics laws.

Three weeks ago, the Legislative Ethics Board ruled the Bremerton lawmaker committed three violations of conflict of interest and special privilege laws. The board levied the maximum $5,000 penalty for each. 

Its final order, dated Aug. 28 and released Wednesday, tacked on $37,457.98 to cover costs of staff, including state attorneys, in the case. Simmons has 90 days to pay the full amount.

Simmons has said she plans to appeal. She has 30 days from when she is served with the final order to seek review by a court. 

This case stems from a complaint filed in February 2025. After a monthslong investigation, the board, last October, found reasonable cause to believe Simmons violated the Ethics in Public Service Act. Simmons denied the allegations and rejected offers to settle.

In June, the board conducted a two-day trial-like proceeding in which Simmons faced her accusers and defended her actions under oath.

The board concluded that she improperly used her position to steer public funds to a nonprofit where she worked, and tried to retaliate against the person who initiated the investigation against her.

It dismissed three other allegations concerning Simmons’ efforts to help a friend get a job, her offer to donate unspent campaign funds to the nonprofit to pay for the friend’s position, and her employment with an organization that received state funding.

Simmons, who maintains she did nothing wrong, has called the fine unfair since she had to pursue the two-day public hearing to disprove some of the original allegations. “People shouldn’t be excessively punished when they actually prevail,” she said.

The Legislative Ethics Board has nine members, including four lawmakers, one each from the Democratic and Republican caucuses in the state House and Senate.