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Council committee debates proposed changes to Seattle ethics code amid broad public opposition
Summary
Council members, legal counsel and the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission discussed a sponsor bill that would change the city—s approach to conflicts of interest by expanding when elected officials may participate after disclosing financial interests. Public commenters largely opposed rolling back recusal protections.
The Governance, Accountability and Economic Development Committee took public testimony and heard a policy briefing on May 8 about Council Bill 120978, a proposal to amend sections 4.16.030 and 4.16.070 of the Seattle Municipal Code that govern financial conflicts of interest and disclosure for elected officials.
Why it matters: The bill would change the city’s long‑standing rule set for municipal ethics from a recusal‑focused model to a broader disclosure approach for elected officials participating in legislative matters. Supporters of the existing recusal standard and many public commenters said changing the rule midterm would erode public trust and potentially allow council members with financial interests to vote on related legislation.
What the proposal would do: Sponsor Councilmember Kathy Moore and City Council legal counsel described the draft as a targeted change that would (1) add a clear definition of “elected official” tied to the charter, (2) remove a categorical…
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