The state House has let die a bill that would have imposed a one-year "cooling-off" period before top officials can take jobs lobbying their former offices. As The Olympian reports, the cooling-off period would have applied to state legislators, statewide elected officials, the directors and senior staff of major state agencies, and top legislative aides.
The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Reuven Carlyle, D-Seattle, and requested by state Attorney General Bob Ferguson. Carlyle said he wished to fix the "revolving door" between politicians and lobbyists. “Of course I respect legitimate differences of opinion, but I cannot hide my personal sense of disappointment that we are embarrassing the institution of government.” Carlyle said.
