Washington lawmaker fined $52,000 for steering a $1 million grant to her own employer
The Washington State Legislative Ethics Board ruled that Rep. Tarra Simmons (D-Bremerton, 23rd District) violated conflict-of-interest and special-privilege provisions of the Ethics in Public Service Act by using her legislative position and $10,000 in surplus campaign funds to help a nonprofit tied to her, and by securing a $1 million state grant benefiting an organization that employed her. The board also found she attempted to retaliate against the person who initiated the ethics complaint. On August 28, 2026 the board finalized penalties of $15,000 (the $5,000 statutory maximum on each of three violations) plus $37,457.98 in investigation/legal costs, for a total of roughly $52,000. Simmons denies wrongdoing, says the fine is 'unfair and excessive' because she prevailed on some allegations, and plans to appeal to Thurston County Superior Court.
● confirmed by a primary document · ○ reported
Figures
1 source
- KUOW
tacked on $37,457.98 to cover costs of staff, including state attorneys, in the case
1 source
- KUOW
fined $15,000 by a state ethics panel for improperly using her position to steer public funds to a nonprofit where she worked
Washington state Rep. Tarra Simmons was fined $15,000 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 board's final order, dated Aug. 28 and released Wednesday, tacked on $37,457.98 to cover costs of staff, including state attorneys, in the case... roughly $52,000 in penalties and fees.
A complaint filed in February 2025 triggered an investigation into whether Simmons violated the Ethics in Public Service Act; the board held a rare public hearing in June 2026.
Democrat lawmaker Tarra Simmons hit with $15K fine in ethics case; the Legislative Ethics Board concluded the Bremerton Democrat committed three violations of conflict of interest and special privilege laws.
Contacted and responded — exact wording not on record.
No outcome recorded yet.