RCW 42.17A.615 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 17A / Section 615
RCW 42.17A.615: Reporting by lobbyists—Rules.
Status: in_force

(1) Any lobbyist registered under RCW 42.17A.600 and any person who lobbies shall file electronically with the commission monthly reports of the lobbyist's or person's lobbying activities. The reports shall be made in the form and manner prescribed by the commission and must be signed by the lobbyist. The monthly report shall be filed within fifteen days after the last day of the calendar month covered by the report. (2) The monthly report shall contain: (a) The totals of all expenditures for lobbying activities made or incurred by the lobbyist or on behalf of the lobbyist by the lobbyist's employer during the period covered by the report. Expenditure totals for lobbying activities shall be segregated according to financial category, including compensation; food and refreshments; living accommodations; advertising; travel; contributions; and other expenses or services. Each individual expenditure of more than *twenty-five dollars for entertainment shall be identified by date, place, amount, and the names of all persons taking part in the entertainment, along with the dollar amount attributable to each person, including the lobbyist's portion. (b) In the case of a lobbyist employed by more than one employer, the proportionate amount of expenditures in each category incurred on behalf of each of the lobbyist's employers. (c) An itemized listing of each contribution of money or of tangible or intangible personal property, whether contributed by the lobbyist personally or delivered or transmitted by the lobbyist, to any candidate, elected official, or officer or employee of any agency, or any political committee supporting or opposing any ballot proposition, or for or on behalf of any candidate, elected official, or officer or employee of any agency, or any political committee supporting or opposing any ballot proposition. All contributions made to, or for the benefit of, any candidate, elected official, or officer or employee of any agency, or any political committee supporting or opposing any ballot proposition shall be identified by date, amount, and the name of the candidate, elected official, or officer or employee of any agency, or any political committee supporting or opposing any ballot proposition receiving, or to be benefited by each such contribution. (d) The subject matter of proposed legislation or other legislative activity or rule making under chapter 34.05 RCW, the state administrative procedure act, and the state agency considering the same, which the lobbyist has been engaged in supporting or opposing during the reporting period, unless exempt under RCW 42.17A.610 (2). (e) A listing of each payment for an item specified in RCW 42.52.150 (7) in excess of $100 and each item specified in RCW 42.52.150 (1)(c) (iv) and (vi) made to a state elected official, state officer, or state employee. Each item shall be identified by recipient, date, and approximate value of the item. (f) The total expenditures paid or incurred during the reporting period by the lobbyist for lobbying purposes, whether through or on behalf of a lobbyist or otherwise, for (i) political advertising as defined in RCW 42.17A.005 ; and (ii) public relations, telemarketing, polling, or similar activities if the activities, directly or indirectly, are intended, designed, or calculated to influence legislation or the adoption or rejection of a rule, standard, or rate by an agency under the administrative procedure act. The report shall specify the amount, the person to whom the amount was paid, and a brief description of the activity. (3) Lobbyists are not required to report the following: (a) Unreimbursed personal living and travel expenses not incurred directly for lobbying; (b) Any expenses incurred for the lobbyist's own living accommodations; (c) Any expenses incurred for the lobbyist's own travel to and from hearings of the legislature; (d) Any expenses incurred for telephone, and any office expenses, including rent and salaries and wages paid for staff and secretarial assistance. (4) The commission may adopt rules to vary the content of lobbyist reports to address specific circumstances, consistent with this section. Lobbyist reports are subject to audit by the commission.
RCW 42.56.380 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 56 / Section 380
RCW 42.56.380: Agriculture and livestock.
Status: in_force

The following information relating to agriculture and livestock is exempt from disclosure under this chapter: (1) Business-related information under RCW 15.86.110 ; (2) Information provided under RCW 15.54.362 ; (3) Production or sales records required to determine assessment levels and actual assessment payments to commodity boards and commissions formed under chapters 15.24 , 15.26, 15.28, 15.44, 15.65, 15.66, 15.74, 15.88, 15.115, 15.100, 15.89, and 16.67 RCW or required by the department of agriculture to administer these chapters or the department's programs; (4) Consignment information contained on phytosanitary certificates issued by the department of agriculture under chapters 15.13 , 15.49, and 15.17 RCW or federal phytosanitary certificates issued under 7 C.F.R. 353 through cooperative agreements with the animal and plant health inspection service, United States department of agriculture, or on applications for phytosanitary certification required by the department of agriculture; (5) Financial and commercial information and records supplied by persons (a) to the department of agriculture for the purpose of conducting a referendum for the potential establishment of a commodity board or commission; or (b) to the department of agriculture or commodity boards or commissions formed under chapter 15.24 , 15.28, 15.44, 15.65, 15.66, 15.74, 15.88, 15.115, 15.100, 15.89, or 16.67 RCW with respect to domestic or export marketing activities or individual producer's production information; (6) Information obtained regarding the purchases, sales, or production of an individual American ginseng grower or dealer, except for providing reports to the United States fish and wildlife service under RCW 15.19.080 ; (7) Information collected regarding packers and shippers of fruits and vegetables for the issuance of certificates of compliance under RCW 15.17.140 (2) and 15.17.143 ; (8) Financial statements obtained under RCW 16.65.030 (1)(d) for the purposes of determining whether or not the applicant meets the minimum net worth requirements to construct or operate a public livestock market; (9) Information submitted by an individual or business to the department of agriculture under the requirements of chapters 16.36 , 16.57, and 43.23 RCW for the purpose of herd inventory management for animal disease traceability. This information includes animal ownership, numbers of animals, locations, contact information, movements of livestock, financial information, the purchase and sale of livestock, account numbers or unique identifiers issued by government to private entities, and information related to livestock disease or injury that would identify an animal, a person, or location. Disclosure to local, state, and federal officials is not public disclosure. This exemption does not affect the disclosure of information used in reportable animal health investigations under chapter 16.36 RCW once they are complete; (10) Results of testing for animal diseases from samples submitted by or at the direction of the animal owner or his or her designee that can be identified to a particular business or individual; (11) Records of international livestock importation that can be identified to a particular animal, business, or individual received from the United States department of homeland security or the United States department of agriculture that are not disclosable by the federal agency under federal law including 5 U.S.C. Sec. 552; (12) Records related to the entry of prohibited agricultural products imported into Washington state or that had Washington state as a final destination received from the United States department of homeland security or the United States department of agriculture that are not disclosable by the federal agency under federal law including 5 U.S.C. Sec. 552; (13) Information obtained from the federal government or others under contract with the federal government or records obtained by the department of agriculture, in accordance with RCW 15.135.100 ; (14) Hop grower lot numbers and laboratory results associated with the hop grower lot numbers where this information is used by the department of agriculture to issue export documents; (15) Information or records obtained pursuant to a food and drug administration contract or commissioning agreement, in accordance with RCW 15.130.150 ; and (16) The following information or records obtained from the federal food and drug administration by the public health laboratories within the department of health pursuant to a contract or agreement entered into for the purpose of obtaining funding for monitoring food supplies for harmful contaminants, to the extent it is exempt from disclosure under 5 U.S.C. Sec. 552, the federal freedom of information act: Trade secrets; confidential commercial information; information under the federal deliberative process privilege; information compiled for law enforcement purposes; and information expressly required to be kept confidential by other federal laws.
RCW 42.17A.410 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 17A / Section 410
RCW 42.17A.410: Candidates for judicial office—Special elections to fill vacancies—Contribution limits—Adjustments.
Status: in_force

(1) No person may make contributions to a candidate for judicial office that in the aggregate exceed *one thousand six hundred dollars for each election in which the candidate is on the ballot or appears as a write-in candidate. Contributions made with respect to a primary may not be made after the date of the primary. However, contributions to a candidate or a candidate's authorized committee may be made with respect to a primary until thirty days after the primary, subject to the following limitations: (a) The candidate lost the primary; (b) the candidate's authorized committee has insufficient funds to pay debts outstanding as of the date of the primary; and (c) the contributions may only be raised and spent to satisfy the outstanding debt. Contributions made with respect to a general election may not be made after the final day of the applicable election cycle. (2) This section through RCW 42.17A.490 apply to a special election conducted to fill a vacancy in an office. However, the contributions made to a candidate or received by a candidate for a primary or special election conducted to fill such a vacancy will not be counted toward any of the limitations that apply to the candidate or to contributions made to the candidate for any other primary or election. (3) No person may accept contributions that exceed the contribution limitations provided in this section. (4) The dollar limits in this section must be adjusted according to RCW 42.17A.125 .
RCW 42.36.110 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 36 / Section 110
RCW 42.36.110: Right to fair hearing not impaired.
Status: in_force

Nothing in this chapter prohibits challenges to local land use decisions where actual violations of an individual's right to a fair hearing can be demonstrated.
RCW 42.52.430 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 52 / Section 430
RCW 42.52.430: Public hearing—Findings.
Status: in_force

(1) If the ethics board determines there is reasonable cause under RCW 42.52.420 that a violation of this chapter or rules adopted under it occurred, a public hearing on the merits of the complaint shall be held. (2) The ethics board shall designate the location of the hearing. The case in support of the complaint shall be presented at the hearing by staff of the ethics board. (3) The respondent shall file a written answer to the complaint and appear at the hearing in person or otherwise, with or without counsel, and submit testimony and be fully heard. The respondent has the right to cross-examine witnesses. (4) Testimony taken at the hearing shall be under oath and recorded. (5) If, based upon a preponderance of the evidence, the ethics board finds that the respondent has violated this chapter or rules adopted under it, the board shall file an order stating findings of fact and enforcement action as authorized under this chapter. (6) If, upon all the evidence, the ethics board finds that the respondent has not engaged in an alleged violation of this chapter or rules adopted under it, the ethics board shall state findings of fact and shall similarly issue and file an order dismissing the complaint. (7) If the board makes a determination that there is not reasonable cause to believe that a violation has been or is being committed or has made a finding under subsection (6) of this section, the attorney general shall represent the officer or employee in any action subsequently commenced based on the alleged facts in the complaint.
RCW 42.17A.260 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 17A / Section 260
RCW 42.17A.260: Special reports—Political advertising.
Status: in_force

(1) The sponsor of political advertising shall file a special report to the commission within twenty-four hours of, or on the first working day after, the date the political advertising is first published, mailed, or otherwise presented to the public, if the political advertising: (a) Is published, mailed, or otherwise presented to the public within twenty-one days of an election; and (b) Either: (i) Qualifies as an independent expenditure with a fair market value or actual cost of one thousand dollars or more, for political advertising supporting or opposing a candidate; or (ii) Has a fair market value or actual cost of one thousand dollars or more, for political advertising supporting or opposing a ballot proposition. (2) If a sponsor is required to file a special report under this section, the sponsor shall also deliver to the commission within the delivery period established in subsection (1) of this section a special report for each subsequent independent expenditure of any size supporting or opposing the same candidate who was the subject of the previous independent expenditure, supporting or opposing that candidate's opponent, or, in the case of a subsequent expenditure of any size made in support of or in opposition to a ballot proposition not otherwise required to be reported pursuant to RCW 42.17A.225 , 42.17A.235 , or 42.17A.240 , supporting or opposing the same ballot proposition that was the subject of the previous expenditure. (3) The special report must include: (a) The name and address of the person making the expenditure; (b) The name and address of the person to whom the expenditure was made; (c) A detailed description of the expenditure; (d) The date the expenditure was made and the date the political advertising was first published or otherwise presented to the public; (e) The amount of the expenditure; (f) The name of the candidate supported or opposed by the expenditure, the office being sought by the candidate, and whether the expenditure supports or opposes the candidate; or the name of the ballot proposition supported or opposed by the expenditure and whether the expenditure supports or opposes the ballot proposition; (g) A statement from the sponsor that: (i) The political advertising is not financed in any part by a foreign national; and (ii) Foreign nationals are not involved in making decisions regarding the political advertising in any way; and (h) Any other information the commission may require by rule. (4) All persons required to report under RCW 42.17A.225 , 42.17A.235 , 42.17A.240 , 42.17A.255 , and 42.17A.305 are subject to the requirements of this section. The commission may determine that reports filed pursuant to this section also satisfy the requirements of RCW 42.17A.255 . (5) The sponsor of independent expenditures supporting a candidate or opposing that candidate's opponent required to report under this section shall file with each required report an affidavit or declaration of the person responsible for making the independent expenditure that the expenditure was not made in cooperation, consultation, or concert with, or at the request or suggestion of, the candidate, the candidate's authorized committee, or the candidate's agent, or with the encouragement or approval of the candidate, the candidate's authorized committee, or the candidate's agent.
RCW 42.17A.405 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 17A / Section 405
RCW 42.17A.405: Limits specified—Exemptions.
Status: in_force

(1) The contribution limits in this section apply to: (a) Candidates for legislative office; (b) Candidates for state office other than legislative office; (c) Candidates for county office; (d) Candidates for port district office; (e) Candidates for city council office; (f) Candidates for mayoral office; (g) Candidates for school board office; (h) Candidates for public hospital district board of commissioners in districts with a population over one hundred fifty thousand; (i) Persons holding an office in (a) through (h) of this subsection against whom recall charges have been filed or to a political committee having the expectation of making expenditures in support of the recall of a person holding the office; (j) Caucus political committees; (k) Bona fide political parties. (2) No person, other than a bona fide political party or a caucus political committee, may make contributions to a candidate for a legislative office, county office, city council office, mayoral office, school board office, or public hospital district board of commissioners that in the aggregate exceed *eight hundred dollars or to a candidate for a public office in a port district or a state office other than a legislative office that in the aggregate exceed *one thousand six hundred dollars for each election in which the candidate is on the ballot or appears as a write-in candidate. Contributions to candidates subject to the limits in this section made with respect to a primary may not be made after the date of the primary. However, contributions to a candidate or a candidate's authorized committee may be made with respect to a primary until thirty days after the primary, subject to the following limitations: (a) The candidate lost the primary; (b) the candidate's authorized committee has insufficient funds to pay debts outstanding as of the date of the primary; and (c) the contributions may only be raised and spent to satisfy the outstanding debt. Contributions to candidates subject to the limits in this section made with respect to a general election may not be made after the final day of the applicable election cycle. (3) No person, other than a bona fide political party or a caucus political committee, may make contributions to a state official, a county official, a city official, a school board member, a public hospital district commissioner, or a public official in a port district against whom recall charges have been filed, or to a political committee having the expectation of making expenditures in support of the recall of the state official, county official, city official, school board member, public hospital district commissioner, or public official in a port district during a recall campaign that in the aggregate exceed *eight hundred dollars if for a legislative office, county office, school board office, public hospital district office, or city office, or *one thousand six hundred dollars if for a port district office or a state office other than a legislative office. (4)(a) Notwithstanding subsection (2) of this section, no bona fide political party or caucus political committee may make contributions to a candidate during an election cycle that in the aggregate exceed (i) eighty cents multiplied by the number of eligible registered voters in the jurisdiction from which the candidate is elected if the contributor is a caucus political committee or the governing body of a state organization, or (ii) forty cents multiplied by the number of registered voters in the jurisdiction from which the candidate is elected if the contributor is a county central committee or a legislative district committee. (b) No candidate may accept contributions from a county central committee or a legislative district committee during an election cycle that when combined with contributions from other county central committees or legislative district committees would in the aggregate exceed forty cents times the number of registered voters in the jurisdiction from which the candidate is elected. (5)(a) Notwithstanding subsection (3) of this section, no bona fide political party or caucus political committee may make contributions to a state official, county official, city official, school board member, public hospital district commissioner, or a public official in a port district against whom recall charges have been filed, or to a political committee having the expectation of making expenditures in support of the state official, county official, city official, school board member, public hospital district commissioner, or a public official in a port district during a recall campaign that in the aggregate exceed (i) eighty cents multiplied by the number of eligible registered voters in the jurisdiction entitled to recall the state official if the contributor is a caucus political committee or the governing body of a state organization, or (ii) forty cents multiplied by the number of registered voters in the jurisdiction from which the candidate is elected if the contributor is a county central committee or a legislative district committee. (b) No official holding an office specified in subsection (1) of this section against whom recall charges have been filed, no authorized committee of the official, and no political committee having the expectation of making expenditures in support of the recall of the official may accept contributions from a county central committee or a legislative district committee during an election cycle that when combined with contributions from other county central committees or legislative district committees would in the aggregate exceed forty cents multiplied by the number of registered voters in the jurisdiction from which the candidate is elected. (6) For purposes of determining contribution limits under subsections (4) and (5) of this section, the number of eligible registered voters in a jurisdiction is the number at the time of the most recent general election in the jurisdiction. (7) Notwithstanding subsections (2) through (5) of this section, no person other than an individual, bona fide political party, or caucus political committee may make contributions reportable under this chapter to a caucus political committee that in the aggregate exceed *eight hundred dollars in a calendar year or to a bona fide political party that in the aggregate exceed *four thousand dollars in a calendar year. This subsection does not apply to loans made in the ordinary course of business. (8) For the purposes of RCW 42.17A.125 , 42.17A.405 through 42.17A.415 , 42.17A.450 through 42.17A.495 , 42.17A.500 , 42.17A.560 , and 42.17A.565 , a contribution to the authorized political committee of a candidate or of an official specified in subsection (1) of this section against whom recall charges have been filed is considered to be a contribution to the candidate or official. (9) A contribution received within the twelve-month period after a recall election concerning an office specified in subsection (1) of this section is considered to be a contribution during that recall campaign if the contribution is used to pay a debt or obligation incurred to influence the outcome of that recall campaign. (10) The contributions allowed by subsection (3) of this section are in addition to those allowed by subsection (2) of this section, and the contributions allowed by subsection (5) of this section are in addition to those allowed by subsection (4) of this section. (11) RCW 42.17A.125 , 42.17A.405 through 42.17A.415 , 42.17A.450 through 42.17A.495 , 42.17A.500 , 42.17A.560 , and 42.17A.565 apply to a special election conducted to fill a vacancy in an office specified in subsection (1) of this section. However, the contributions made to a candidate or received by a candidate for a primary or special election conducted to fill such a vacancy shall not be counted toward any of the limitations that apply to the candidate or to contributions made to the candidate for any other primary or election. (12) Notwithstanding the other subsections of this section, no corporation or business entity not doing business in Washington state, no labor union with fewer than ten members who reside in Washington state, and no political committee that has not received contributions of *ten dollars or more from at least ten persons registered to vote in Washington state during the preceding one hundred eighty days may make contributions reportable under this chapter to a state office candidate, to a state official against whom recall charges have been filed, or to a political committee having the expectation of making expenditures in support of the recall of the official. This subsection does not apply to loans made in the ordinary course of business. (13) Notwithstanding the other subsections of this section, no county central committee or legislative district committee may make contributions reportable under this chapter to a candidate specified in subsection (1) of this section, or an official specified in subsection (1) of this section against whom recall charges have been filed, or political committee having the expectation of making expenditures in support of the recall of an official specified in subsection (1) of this section if the county central committee or legislative district committee is outside of the jurisdiction entitled to elect the candidate or recall the official. (14) No person may accept contributions that exceed the contribution limitations provided in this section. (15) The following contributions are exempt from the contribution limits of this section: (a) An expenditure or contribution earmarked for voter registration, for absentee ballot information, for precinct caucuses, for get-out-the-vote campaigns, for precinct judges or inspectors, for sample ballots, or for ballot counting, all without promotion of or political advertising for individual candidates; (b) An expenditure by a political committee for its own internal organization or fund-raising without direct association with individual candidates; or (c) An expenditure or contribution for independent expenditures as defined in RCW 42.17A.005 or electioneering communications as defined in RCW 42.17A.005 .
RCW 42.45.903 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 45 / Section 903
RCW 42.45.903: Application—Construction.
Status: in_force

In applying and construing this uniform act, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it.
RCW 42.17A.650 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 17A / Section 650
RCW 42.17A.650: Employment of unregistered persons.
Status: in_force

It is a violation of this chapter for any person to employ for pay or any consideration, or pay or agree to pay any consideration to, a person to lobby who is not registered under this chapter except upon the condition that such a person must register as a lobbyist as provided by this chapter.
RCW 42.14.040 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 14 / Section 040
RCW 42.14.040: County commissioners.
Status: in_force

In the event that a catastrophic incident reduces the number of county commissioners of any county, then those commissioners available for duty shall have full authority to act in all matters as a board of county commissioners. In the event no county commissioner is available for duty, then those elected county officials, except for the members of the county board of education, as are available for duty shall jointly act as the board of county commissioners and shall possess by majority vote the full authority of the board of county commissioners.
RCW 42.24.130 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 24 / Section 130
RCW 42.24.130: Advancements for travel expenses—Revolving fund.
Status: in_force

The legislative body of a municipal corporation or political subdivision wishing to make advance payments of travel expenses to officials and employees, as provided in RCW 42.24.120 through 42.24.160 , will establish, in the manner that local legislation is officially enacted, a revolving fund to be used solely for the purpose of making advance payments of travel expenses. The revolving fund will be maintained in a bank as a checking account and advances to officials or employees will be by check. The fund will be replenished by warrant.
RCW 42.56.357 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 56 / Section 357
RCW 42.56.357: Interstate physician assistant licensure compact.
Status: in_force

(1) Information in documents distributed to the Washington medical commission by the interstate physician assistant licensure compact as described in RCW 18.71C.070 (2), including identifying information, licensure data, adverse actions against a license or compact privilege, or license application denials and the reason(s) for such denial, is exempt from disclosure under this chapter. Such information may be requested from the state of origin. (2) The exemption in subsection (1) of this section does not pertain to any records created by the Washington medical commission from the documents described in subsection (1) of this section or any other materials created by the Washington medical commission.
RCW 42.56.615 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 56 / Section 615
RCW 42.56.615: Enumeration data used by the office of financial management for population estimates.
Status: in_force

Actual enumeration data collected under RCW 35.13.260 , 35A.14.700 , 36.13.030 , and chapter 43.62 RCW shall be used and retained only by the office of financial management and only for the purposes of RCW 35.13.260 , 35A.14.700 , 36.13.030 , and chapter 43.62 RCW. The enumeration data collected is confidential, is exempt from public inspection and copying under this chapter, and in accordance with RCW 43.41.435 , must be destroyed after it is used.
RCW 36.16.010 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 16 / Section 010
RCW 36.16.010: Time of election.
Status: in_force

The election of county and precinct officers shall be held on the Tuesday next following the first Monday in November, 1922; and every four years thereafter on the Tuesday next following the first Monday in November, and all such elective county and precinct officers shall after midnight, June 11, 1919, be elected at the time herein specified: PROVIDED, That if a vacancy occur during the first biennium after any such election, an election to fill such vacancy for the unexpired term shall be held at the next succeeding general election.(1) Except as provided otherwise in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, all state officers and employees shall be paid for services rendered from the first day of the month through the fifteenth day of the month and for services rendered from the sixteenth day of the month through the last calendar day of the month. Paydates for these two pay periods shall be established by the director of financial management through the administrative hearing process and the official paydates shall be established six months prior to the beginning of each subsequent calendar year. Under no circumstance shall the paydate be established more than ten days after the pay period in which the wages are earned except when the designated paydate falls on Sunday, in which case the paydate shall not be later than the following Monday. (2) Except as provided by subsection (3) of this section, payment shall be deemed to have been made by the established paydates if: (a) The salary warrant is available at the geographic work location at which the warrant is normally available to the employee; or (b) the salary has been electronically transferred into the employee's account at the employee's designated financial institution; or (c) the salary warrants are mailed at least two days before the established paydate for those employees engaged in work in remote or varying locations from the geographic location at which the payroll is prepared, provided that the employee has requested payment by mail. The office of financial management shall develop the necessary policies and operating procedures to assure that all remuneration for services rendered including basic salary, shift differential, standby pay, overtime, penalty pay, salary due based on contractual agreements, and special pay provisions, as provided for by law, agency policy or rule, or contract, shall be available to the employee on the designated paydate. Overtime, penalty pay, and special pay provisions may be paid by the next following paydate if the postponement of payment is attributable to: The employee's not making a timely or accurate report of the facts which are the basis for the payment, or the employer's lack of reasonable opportunity to verify the claim. Compensable benefits payable because of separation from state service shall be paid with the earnings for the final period worked unless the employee separating has not provided the agency with the proper notification of intent to terminate. One-half of the employee's basic monthly salary shall be paid in each pay period. Employees paid on an hourly basis or employees who work less than a full pay period shall be paid for actual salary earned. (3)(a) Subsection (2) of this section does not apply to state officers and employees whose appointment to state service begins July 1, 2023, or thereafter. For state officers and employees whose appointment to state service begins July 1, 2023, or thereafter, payment for salaries must be made by electronic funds transfer. Payment will be deemed to have been made by the established paydate if the electronic funds transfer has been executed. (b) For purposes of this subsection (3), electronic funds transfer means the electronic transfer of funds into an account at the officer's or employee's designated financial institution or the funds are loaded onto a payroll card. (4) Subsections (1), (2), and (3) of this section shall not apply in instances where it would conflict with contractual rights or, with the approval of the office of financial management, to short-term, intermittent, noncareer state employees, to student employees of institutions of higher education, and to national or state guard members participating in state active duty. The University of Washington is not subject to the requirements of subsection (3) of this section until July 1, 2025. (5) When a national or state guard member is called to participate in state active duty, the paydate shall be no more than seven days following completion of duty or the end of the pay period, whichever is first. When the seventh day falls on Sunday, the paydate shall not be later than the following Monday. This subsection shall apply only to the pay a national or state guard member receives from the military department for state active duty. (6) Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2) of this section, a bargained contract at an institution of higher education may include a provision for paying part-time academic employees on a pay schedule that coincides with all the paydays used for full-time academic employees. (7)(a) Notwithstanding subsections (1), (2), and (6) of this section, an institution of higher education as defined in RCW 28B.10.016 may pay its employees for services rendered biweekly, in pay periods consisting of two consecutive seven calendar-day weeks. The paydate for each pay period shall be seven calendar days after the end of the pay period. Under no circumstance may the paydate be established more than seven days after the pay period in which the wages are earned except that when the designated paydate falls on a holiday, the paydate shall not be later than the following Monday. (b) Employees on a biweekly payroll cycle under this subsection (7) who are paid a salary may receive a prorated amount of their annualized salary each pay period. The prorated amount must be proportional to the number of pay periods worked in the calendar year. Employees on a biweekly payroll cycle under this subsection (7) who are paid hourly, or who work less than a full pay period may be paid the actual salary amount earned during the pay period. (c) Each institution that adopts a biweekly pay schedule under this subsection (7) must establish, publish, and notify the director of the office of financial management of the official paydates six months before the beginning of each subsequent calendar year. (8) Notwithstanding subsections (1), (2), and (6) of this section, academic employees at institutions of higher education as defined in RCW 28B.10.016 whose employment appointments are less than twelve months may have their salaries prorated in such a way that coincides with the paydays used for full-time employees.
RCW 42.08.070 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 08 / Section 070
RCW 42.08.070: Effect of bonds.
Status: in_force

Every official bond executed by any officer pursuant to law shall be deemed and taken to be in force, and shall be obligatory upon the principal and sureties therein for any and all breach of the condition or conditions thereof committed during the time such officer shall continue to discharge any of the duties of, or hold such office, and every such bond shall be deemed to be in force and obligatory upon the principal and sureties therein for the faithful discharge of all duties which may be required of such officer by any law enacted subsequent to the execution of such bond, and such condition shall be expressed therein.
RCW 42.17A.570 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 17A / Section 570
RCW 42.17A.570: Public accounts of governmental entities held by financial institutions—Statements and reports—Contents—Filing.
Status: in_force

After January 1st and before April 15th of each calendar year, the state treasurer, each county, public utility district, and port district treasurer, and each treasurer of an incorporated city or town whose population exceeds one thousand shall file with the commission: (1) A statement under oath that no public funds under that treasurer's control were invested in any institution where the treasurer or, in the case of a county, a member of the county finance committee, held during the reporting period an office, directorship, partnership interest, or ownership interest; or (2) A report disclosing for the previous calendar year: (a) The name and address of each financial institution in which the treasurer or, in the case of a county, a member of the county finance committee, held during the reporting period an office, directorship, partnership interest, or ownership interest which holds or has held during the reporting period public accounts of the governmental entity for which the treasurer is responsible; (b) the aggregate sum of time and demand deposits held in each such financial institution on December 31; and (c) the highest balance held at any time during such reporting period. The state treasurer shall disclose the highest balance information only upon a public records request under chapter 42.56 RCW. The statement or report required by this section shall be filed either with the statement required under RCW 42.17A.700 or separately.
RCW 42.17A.060 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 17A / Section 060
RCW 42.17A.060: Access to reports—Legislative intent.
Status: in_force

It is the intent of the legislature to ensure that the commission provide the general public timely access to all contribution and expenditure reports submitted by candidates, continuing political committees, bona fide political parties, lobbyists, and lobbyists' employers. The legislature finds that failure to meet goals for full and timely disclosure threatens to undermine our electoral process. Furthermore, the legislature intends for the commission to consult with Washington technology solutions as it seeks to implement chapter 401, Laws of 1999, and that the commission follow the standards and procedures established by Washington technology solutions in chapter 43.105 RCW as they relate to information technology.
RCW 42.17A.490 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 17A / Section 490
RCW 42.17A.490: Prohibition on use of contributions for a different office.
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a candidate for public office or the candidate's authorized committee may not use or permit the use of contributions, whether or not surplus, solicited for or received by the candidate or the candidate's authorized committee to further the candidacy of the individual for an office other than the office designated on the statement of organization. A contribution solicited for or received on behalf of the candidate is considered solicited or received for the candidacy for which the individual is then a candidate if the contribution is solicited or received before the general election for which the candidate is a nominee or is unopposed. (2) With the written approval of the contributor, a candidate or the candidate's authorized committee may use or permit the use of contributions, whether or not surplus, solicited for or received by the candidate or the candidate's authorized committee from that contributor to further the candidacy of the individual for an office other than the office designated on the statement of organization. If the contributor does not approve the use of his or her contribution to further the candidacy of the individual for an office other than the office designated on the statement of organization at the time of the contribution, the contribution must be considered surplus funds and disposed of in accordance with RCW 42.17A.430 .
RCW 42.56.060 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 56 / Section 060
RCW 42.56.060: Disclaimer of public liability.
Status: in_force

No public agency, public official, public employee, or custodian shall be liable, nor shall a cause of action exist, for any loss or damage based upon the release of a public record if the public agency, public official, public employee, or custodian acted in good faith in attempting to comply with the provisions of this chapter.
RCW 42.56.410 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 56 / Section 410
RCW 42.56.410: Employment security department records, certain purposes.
Status: in_force

The following information related to employment security is exempt from disclosure under this chapter: (1) Records maintained by the employment security department and subject to chapter 50.13 or 50A.25 RCW if provided to another individual or organization for operational, research, or evaluation purposes are exempt from disclosure under this chapter; and (2) Any inventory or data map records created under RCW 50.13.120 (1)(b) that reveal the location of personal information or the extent to which it is protected.
RCW 42.41.050 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 41 / Section 050
RCW 42.41.050: Exemptions.
Status: in_force

Any local government that has adopted or adopts a program for reporting alleged improper governmental actions and adjudicating retaliation resulting from such reporting shall be exempt from this chapter if the program meets the intent of this chapter.
RCW 42.30.077 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 30 / Section 077
RCW 42.30.077: Agendas of regular meetings—Online availability.
Status: in_force

(1) Public agencies with governing bodies must make the agenda of each regular meeting of the governing body available online no later than 24 hours in advance of the published start time of the meeting. An agency subject to provisions of this section may share a website with, or have its website hosted by, another public agency to post meeting agendas, minutes, budgets, contact information, and other records, including any resolution or ordinance adopted by the agency establishing where and how the public agency will meet in the event of an emergency. Nothing in this section prohibits subsequent modifications to agendas nor invalidates any otherwise legal action taken at a meeting where the agenda was not posted in accordance with this section. Nothing in this section modifies notice requirements or shall be construed as establishing that a public body or agency's online posting of an agenda as required by this section is sufficient notice to satisfy public notice requirements established under other laws. Failure to post an agenda in accordance with this section shall not provide a basis for awarding attorney fees under RCW 42.30.120 or commencing an action for mandamus or injunction under RCW 42.30.130 . (2) A special purpose district, city, or town subject to the provisions of this section is not required to post an agenda online if the district, city, or town: (a) Has an aggregate valuation of the property subject to taxation by the district, city, or town of less than $400,000,000, as placed on the last completed and balanced tax rolls of the county preceding the date of the most recent tax levy; (b) Has a population within its jurisdiction of under 3,000 persons; and (c) Provides confirmation to the state auditor at the time it files its annual reports under RCW 43.09.230 that the cost of posting notices on a website of its own, a shared website, or on the website of the county in which the largest portion of the district's, city's, or town's population resides, would exceed one-tenth of one percent of the district's, city's, or town's budget.
RCW 42.08.060 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 08 / Section 060
RCW 42.08.060: Form of official bonds.
Status: in_force

All official bonds required by law of officers shall be in form, joint and several, and made payable to the state of Washington, in such penal sum and with such conditions as may be required by law.
RCW 42.17A.775 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 17A / Section 775
RCW 42.17A.775: Citizen's action.
Status: in_force

(1) A person who has reason to believe that a provision of this chapter is being or has been violated may bring a citizen's action in the name of the state, in accordance with the procedures of this section. (2) A citizen's action may be brought and prosecuted only if the person first has filed a complaint with the commission and: (a) The commission has not taken action authorized under RCW 42.17A.755 (1) within ninety days of the complaint being filed with the commission, and the person who initially filed the complaint with the commission provided written notice to the attorney general in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755 (5) and the attorney general has not commenced an action, or published a decision whether to commence action pursuant to RCW 42.17A.765 (1)(b), within forty-five days of receiving the notice; (b) For matters referred to the attorney general within ninety days of the commission receiving the complaint, the attorney general has not commenced an action, or published a decision whether to commence an action pursuant to RCW 42.17A.765 (1)(b), within forty-five days of receiving referral from the commission; and (c) The person who initially filed the complaint with the commission has provided notice of a citizen's action in accordance with subsection (3) of this section and the commission or the attorney general has not commenced action within the ten days provided under subsection (3) of this section. (3) To initiate the citizen's action, after meeting the requirements under subsection (2) (a) and (b) of this section, a person must notify the attorney general and the commission that the person will commence a citizen's action within ten days if the commission does not take action authorized under RCW 42.17A.755 (1), or the attorney general does not commence an action or publish a decision whether to commence an action pursuant to RCW 42.17A.765 (1)(b). The attorney general and the commission must notify the other of its decision whether to commence an action. (4) The citizen's action must be commenced within two years after the date when the alleged violation occurred and may not be commenced against a committee or incidental committee before the end of such period if the committee or incidental committee has received an acknowledgment of dissolution. (5) If the person who brings the citizen's action prevails, the judgment awarded shall escheat to the state, but he or she shall be entitled to be reimbursed by the state for reasonable costs and reasonable attorneys' fees the person incurred. In the case of a citizen's action that is dismissed and that the court also finds was brought without reasonable cause, the court may order the person commencing the action to pay all trial costs and reasonable attorneys' fees incurred by the defendant.
RCW 42.08.100 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 08 / Section 100
RCW 42.08.100: Approval and filing.
Status: in_force

The official bonds of officers shall be approved and filed as follows, to wit: The official bond of the secretary of state shall be approved by the governor and filed in the office of the state auditor. The official bonds of all other state officers required by law to give bonds, except as otherwise expressly provided by law, shall be approved by the governor and filed in the office of the secretary of state. The official bonds of all county and township officers, except the county superintendent of schools, shall be approved by the board of county commissioners, if in session, and if not in session, by the chair of such board, and filed and recorded in the office of the county clerk of their respective counties: PROVIDED, That the bond of the county clerk shall be recorded in the office of the county auditor and filed in the office of the county treasurer.
RCW 42.08.180 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 08 / Section 180
RCW 42.08.180: Release of sureties.
Status: in_force

Release of sureties (1937 act), see chapter 19.72 RCW.
RCW 42.52.904 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 52 / Section 904
RCW 42.52.904: Effective date—1994 c 154.
Status: in_force

Sections 101 through 121, 203, 204, 207 through 224, and 301 through 317 of this act shall take effect January 1, 1995.
RCW 42.52.170 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 52 / Section 170
RCW 42.52.170: Giving, paying, loaning, etc., any thing of economic value to state employee.
Status: in_force

No person shall give, pay, loan, transfer, or deliver, directly or indirectly, to any other person any thing of economic value believing or having reason to believe that there exist circumstances making the receipt thereof a violation of RCW 42.52.040 , 42.52.110 , 42.52.120 , * 42.52.140 , or 42.52.150 .
RCW 42.60.010 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 60 / Section 010
RCW 42.60.010: Findings.
Status: in_force

The legislature finds and declares the following: (1) Washington state celebrates the rich cultural heritage and diversity of its residents; and (2) Freedom of religion and protection from persecution on the basis of religion is one of the founding ideals of the nation.
RCW 42.23.900 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 23 / Section 900
RCW 42.23.900: Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this chapter, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to marital relationships and married persons, and references to dissolution of marriage shall apply equally to state registered domestic partnerships that have been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated, to the extent that such interpretation does not conflict with federal law. Where necessary to implement chapter 521, Laws of 2009, gender-specific terms such as husband and wife used in any statute, rule, or other law shall be construed to be gender neutral, and applicable to individuals in state registered domestic partnerships.
RCW 42.14.050 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 14 / Section 050
RCW 42.14.050: City or town officers.
Status: in_force

In the event that the executive head of any city or town is unavailable by reason of a catastrophic incident to exercise the powers and discharge the duties of the office, then those members of the city or town council or commission available for duty shall by majority vote select one of their number to act as the executive head of such city or town. In the event that a catastrophic incident reduces the number of city or town councilmembers or commission members, then those members available for duty shall have full power to act by majority vote of those present.
RCW 42.14.010 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 14 / Section 010
RCW 42.14.010: Definitions.
Status: in_force

Unless otherwise clearly required by the context, the following definitions apply: (1) "Attack" means any acts of aggression taken against the United States causing substantial damage or injury to persons or property in the United States and in the state of Washington. (2)(a) "Catastrophic incident" means any natural or human-caused incident, including terrorism and enemy attack, that results in extraordinary levels of mass casualties, damage, or disruption severely affecting the population, infrastructure, environment, economy, or government functions. (b) "Catastrophic incident" does not include an event resulting from individuals exercising their rights, under the first amendment, of freedom of speech, and of the people to peaceably assemble. (3) "Emergency or disaster" means an event or set of circumstances which: (a) Demands immediate action to preserve public health, protect life, protect public property, or to provide relief to any stricken community overtaken by such occurrences; or (b) reaches such a dimension or degree of destructiveness as to warrant the governor proclaiming a state of emergency pursuant to RCW 43.06.010 . (4) "Unavailable" means either that a vacancy in the office exists or that the lawful incumbent of the office is absent or unable to exercise the powers and discharge the duties of the office following a catastrophic incident and a proclamation of existing emergency by the governor or his or her successor.
RCW 42.17A.710 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 17A / Section 710
RCW 42.17A.710: Statement of financial affairs—Contents.
Status: in_force

(1) The statement of financial affairs required by RCW 42.17A.700 shall disclose the following information for the reporting individual and each member of the reporting individual's immediate family: (a) Occupation, name of employer, and business address; (b) Each bank account, savings account, and insurance policy in which a direct financial interest was held that exceeds *twenty thousand dollars at any time during the reporting period; each other item of intangible personal property in which a direct financial interest was held that exceeds *two thousand dollars during the reporting period; the name, address, and nature of the entity; and the nature and highest value of each direct financial interest during the reporting period; (c) The name and address of each creditor to whom the value of *two thousand dollars or more was owed; the original amount of each debt to each creditor; the amount of each debt owed to each creditor as of the date of filing; the terms of repayment of each debt; and the security given, if any, for each such debt. Debts arising from a "retail installment transaction" as defined in chapter 63.14 RCW (retail installment sales act) need not be reported; (d) Every public or private office, directorship, and position held as trustee; except that an elected official or executive state officer need not report the elected official's or executive state officer's service on a governmental board, commission, association, or functional equivalent, when such service is part of the elected official's or executive state officer's official duties; (e) All persons for whom any legislation, rule, rate, or standard has been prepared, promoted, or opposed for current or deferred compensation. For the purposes of this subsection, "compensation" does not include payments made to the person reporting by the governmental entity for which the person serves as an elected official or state executive officer or professional staff member for the person's service in office; the description of such actual or proposed legislation, rules, rates, or standards; and the amount of current or deferred compensation paid or promised to be paid; (f) The name and address of each governmental entity, corporation, partnership, joint venture, sole proprietorship, association, union, or other business or commercial entity from whom compensation has been received in any form of a total value of *two thousand dollars or more; the value of the compensation; and the consideration given or performed in exchange for the compensation; (g) The name of any corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, union, or other entity in which is held any office, directorship, or any general partnership interest, or an ownership interest of ten percent or more; the name or title of that office, directorship, or partnership; the nature of ownership interest; and: (i) With respect to a governmental unit in which the official seeks or holds any office or position, if the entity has received compensation in any form during the preceding twelve months from the governmental unit, the value of the compensation and the consideration given or performed in exchange for the compensation; and (ii) the name of each governmental unit, corporation, partnership, joint venture, sole proprietorship, association, union, or other business or commercial entity from which the entity has received compensation in any form in the amount of *ten thousand dollars or more during the preceding twelve months and the consideration given or performed in exchange for the compensation. As used in (g)(ii) of this subsection, "compensation" does not include payment for water and other utility services at rates approved by the Washington state utilities and transportation commission or the legislative authority of the public entity providing the service. With respect to any bank or commercial lending institution in which is held any office, directorship, partnership interest, or ownership interest, it shall only be necessary to report either the name, address, and occupation of every director and officer of the bank or commercial lending institution and the average monthly balance of each account held during the preceding twelve months by the bank or commercial lending institution from the governmental entity for which the individual is an official or candidate or professional staff member, or all interest paid by a borrower on loans from and all interest paid to a depositor by the bank or commercial lending institution if the interest exceeds *two thousand four hundred dollars; (h) A list, including legal or other sufficient descriptions as prescribed by the commission, of all real property in the state of Washington, the assessed valuation of which exceeds *ten thousand dollars in which any direct financial interest was acquired during the preceding calendar year, and a statement of the amount and nature of the financial interest and of the consideration given in exchange for that interest; (i) A list, including legal or other sufficient descriptions as prescribed by the commission, of all real property in the state of Washington, the assessed valuation of which exceeds *ten thousand dollars in which any direct financial interest was divested during the preceding calendar year, and a statement of the amount and nature of the consideration received in exchange for that interest, and the name and address of the person furnishing the consideration; (j) A list, including legal or other sufficient descriptions as prescribed by the commission, of all real property in the state of Washington, the assessed valuation of which exceeds *ten thousand dollars in which a direct financial interest was held. If a description of the property has been included in a report previously filed, the property may be listed, for purposes of this subsection (1)(j), by reference to the previously filed report; (k) A list, including legal or other sufficient descriptions as prescribed by the commission, of all real property in the state of Washington, the assessed valuation of which exceeds *twenty thousand dollars, in which a corporation, partnership, firm, enterprise, or other entity had a direct financial interest, in which corporation, partnership, firm, or enterprise a ten percent or greater ownership interest was held; (l) A list of each occasion, specifying date, donor, and amount, at which food and beverage in excess of $100 was accepted under RCW 42.52.150 (7); (m) A list of each occasion, specifying date, donor, and amount, at which items specified in RCW 42.52.150 (1)(c) (iv) and (vi) were accepted; and (n) Such other information as the commission may deem necessary in order to properly carry out the purposes and policies of this chapter, as the commission shall prescribe by rule. (2)(a) When judges, prosecutors, sheriffs, participants in the address confidentiality program under RCW 40.24.030 , or their immediate family members are required to disclose real property that is the personal residence of the judge, prosecutor, sheriff, or address confidentiality program participant, the requirements of subsection (1)(h) through (k) of this section may be satisfied for that property by substituting: (i) The city or town; (ii) The type of residence, such as a single-family or multifamily residence, and the nature of ownership; and (iii) Such other identifying information the commission prescribes by rule for the mailing address where the property is located. (b) Nothing in this subsection relieves the judge, prosecutor, or sheriff of any other applicable obligations to disclose potential conflicts or to recuse oneself. (3)(a) Where an amount is required to be reported under subsection (1)(a) through (m) of this section, it may be reported within a range as provided in (b) of this subsection. (b) Code A Less than thirty thousand dollars; Code B At least thirty thousand dollars, but less than sixty thousand dollars; Code C At least sixty thousand dollars, but less than one hundred thousand dollars; Code D At least one hundred thousand dollars, but less than two hundred thousand dollars; Code E At least two hundred thousand dollars, but less than five hundred thousand dollars; Code F At least five hundred thousand dollars, but less than seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars; Code G At least seven hundred fifty thousand dollars, but less than one million dollars; or Code H One million dollars or more. (c) An amount of stock may be reported by number of shares instead of by market value. No provision of this subsection may be interpreted to prevent any person from filing more information or more detailed information than required. (4) Items of value given to an official's or employee's spouse, domestic partner, or family member are attributable to the official or employee, except the item is not attributable if an independent business, family, or social relationship exists between the donor and the spouse, domestic partner, or family member.
RCW 42.40.110 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 40 / Section 110
RCW 42.40.110: Performance audit.
Status: in_force

The office of financial management shall contract for a performance audit of the state employee whistleblower program on a cycle to be determined by the office of financial management. The audit shall be done in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards beginning with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2001. The audit shall determine at a minimum: Whether the program is acquiring, protecting, and using its resources such as personnel, property, and space economically and efficiently; the causes of inefficiencies or uneconomical practices; and whether the program has complied with laws and rules on matters of economy and efficiency. The audit shall also at a minimum determine the extent to which the desired results or benefits established by the legislature are being achieved, the effectiveness of the program, and whether the auditor has complied with significant laws and rules applicable to the program. The cost of the audit is a cost of operating the program and shall be funded by the auditing services revolving account created by RCW 43.09.410 .
RCW 42.56.590 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 56 / Section 590
RCW 42.56.590: Personal information—Notice of security breaches.
Status: in_force

(1) Any agency that owns or licenses data that includes personal information shall disclose any breach of the security of the system to any resident of this state whose personal information was, or is reasonably believed to have been, acquired by an unauthorized person and the personal information was not secured. Notice is not required if the breach of the security of the system is not reasonably likely to subject consumers to a risk of harm. The breach of secured personal information must be disclosed if the information acquired and accessed is not secured during a security breach or if the confidential process, encryption key, or other means to decipher the secured information was acquired by an unauthorized person. (2) Any agency that maintains or possesses data that may include personal information that the agency does not own or license shall notify the owner or licensee of the information of any breach of the security of the data immediately following discovery, if the personal information was, or is reasonably believed to have been, acquired by an unauthorized person. (3) The notification required by this section may be delayed if the data owner or licensee contacts a law enforcement agency after discovery of a breach of the security of the system and a law enforcement agency determines that the notification will impede a criminal investigation. The notification required by this section shall be made after the law enforcement agency determines that it will not compromise the investigation. (4) For purposes of this section and except under subsection (5) of this section and RCW 42.56.592 , notice may be provided by one of the following methods: (a) Written notice; (b) Electronic notice, if the notice provided is consistent with the provisions regarding electronic records and signatures set forth in 15 U.S.C. Sec. 7001; or (c) Substitute notice, if the agency demonstrates that the cost of providing notice would exceed two hundred fifty thousand dollars, or that the affected class of subject persons to be notified exceeds five hundred thousand, or the agency does not have sufficient contact information. Substitute notice shall consist of all of the following: (i) Email notice when the agency has an email address for the subject persons; (ii) Conspicuous posting of the notice on the agency's website page, if the agency maintains one; and (iii) Notification to major statewide media. (5) An agency that maintains its own notification procedures as part of an information security policy for the treatment of personal information and is otherwise consistent with the timing requirements of this section is in compliance with the notification requirements of this section if it notifies subject persons in accordance with its policies in the event of a breach of security of the system. (6) Any agency that is required to issue notification pursuant to this section shall meet all of the following requirements: (a) The notification must be written in plain language; and (b) The notification must include, at a minimum, the following information: (i) The name and contact information of the reporting agency subject to this section; (ii) A list of the types of personal information that were or are reasonably believed to have been the subject of a breach; (iii) A time frame of exposure, if known, including the date of the breach and the date of the discovery of the breach; and (iv) The toll-free telephone numbers and addresses of the major credit reporting agencies if the breach exposed personal information. (7) Any agency that is required to issue a notification pursuant to this section to more than five hundred Washington residents as a result of a single breach shall notify the attorney general of the breach no more than thirty days after the breach was discovered. (a) The notice to the attorney general must include the following information: (i) The number of Washington residents affected by the breach, or an estimate if the exact number is not known; (ii) A list of the types of personal information that were or are reasonably believed to have been the subject of a breach; (iii) A time frame of exposure, if known, including the date of the breach and the date of the discovery of the breach; (iv) A summary of steps taken to contain the breach; and (v) A single sample copy of the security breach notification, excluding any personally identifiable information. (b) The notice to the attorney general must be updated if any of the information identified in (a) of this subsection is unknown at the time notice is due. (8) Notification to affected individuals must be made in the most expedient time possible, without unreasonable delay, and no more than thirty calendar days after the breach was discovered, unless the delay is at the request of law enforcement as provided in subsection (3) of this section, or the delay is due to any measures necessary to determine the scope of the breach and restore the reasonable integrity of the data system. An agency may delay notification to the consumer for up to an additional fourteen days to allow for notification to be translated into the primary language of the affected consumers. (9) For purposes of this section, "breach of the security of the system" means unauthorized acquisition of data that compromises the security, confidentiality, or integrity of personal information maintained by the agency. Good faith acquisition of personal information by an employee or agent of the agency for the purposes of the agency is not a breach of the security of the system when the personal information is not used or subject to further unauthorized disclosure. (10)(a) For purposes of this section, "personal information" means: (i) An individual's first name or first initial and last name in combination with any one or more of the following data elements: (A) Social security number or the last four digits of the social security number; (B) Driver's license number or Washington identification card number; (C) Account number, credit or debit card number, or any required security code, access code, or password that would permit access to an individual's financial account, or any other numbers or information that can be used to access a person's financial account; (D) Full date of birth; (E) Private key that is unique to an individual and that is used to authenticate or sign an electronic record; (F) Student, military, or passport identification number; (G) Health insurance policy number or health insurance identification number; (H) Any information about a consumer's medical history or mental or physical condition or about a health care professional's medical diagnosis or treatment of the consumer; or (I) Biometric data generated by automatic measurements of an individual's biological characteristics, such as a fingerprint, voiceprint, eye retinas, irises, or other unique biological patterns or characteristics that is used to identify a specific individual; (ii) User name or email address in combination with a password or security questions and answers that would permit access to an online account; and (iii) Any of the data elements or any combination of the data elements described in (a)(i) of this subsection without the consumer's first name or first initial and last name if: (A) Encryption, redaction, or other methods have not rendered the data element or combination of data elements unusable; and (B) The data element or combination of data elements would enable a person to commit identity theft against a consumer. (b) Personal information does not include publicly available information that is lawfully made available to the general public from federal, state, or local government records. (11) For purposes of this section, "secured" means encrypted in a manner that meets or exceeds the national institute of standards and technology standard or is otherwise modified so that the personal information is rendered unreadable, unusable, or undecipherable by an unauthorized person.
RCW 42.56.150 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 56 / Section 150
RCW 42.56.150: Training—Local elected and statewide elected officials.
Status: in_force

(1) Each local elected official and statewide elected official, and each person appointed to fill a vacancy in a local or statewide office, must complete a training course regarding the provisions of this chapter, and also chapter 40.14 RCW for records retention. (2) Officials required to complete training under this section may complete their training before assuming office but must: (a) Complete training no later than ninety days after the date the official either: (i) Takes the oath of office, if the official is required to take an oath of office to assume his or her duties as a public official; or (ii) Otherwise assumes his or her duties as a public official; and (b) Complete refresher training at intervals of no more than four years for as long as he or she holds the office. (3) Training must be consistent with the attorney general's model rules for compliance with the public records act. (4) Training may be completed remotely with technology including but not limited to internet-based training.
RCW 42.17A.900 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 17A / Section 900
RCW 42.17A.900: Effective date—1973 c 1.
Status: in_force

The effective date of this act shall be January 1, 1973.
RCW 42.17A.300 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 17A / Section 300
RCW 42.17A.300: Findings—Intent—Rule-making authority.
Status: in_force

(1) The legislature finds that: (a) Timely disclosure to voters of the identity and sources of funding for electioneering communications is vitally important to the integrity of state, local, and judicial elections. (b) Electioneering communications that identify political candidates for state, local, or judicial office and that are distributed sixty days before an election for those offices are intended to influence voters and the outcome of those elections. (c) The state has a compelling interest in providing voters information about electioneering communications in political campaigns concerning candidates for state, local, or judicial office so that voters can be fully informed as to the: (i) Source of support or opposition to those candidates; and (ii) identity of persons attempting to influence the outcome of state, local, and judicial candidate elections. (d) Nondisclosure of financial information about advertising that masquerades as relating only to issues and not to candidate campaigns fosters corruption or the appearance of corruption. These consequences can be substantially avoided by full disclosure of the identity and funding of those persons paying for such advertising. (e) The United States supreme court held in McConnell et al. v. Federal Elections Commission , 540 U.S. 93, 124 S.Ct. 619, 157 L.Ed.2d 491 (2003) that speakers seeking to influence elections do not possess an inviolable free speech right to engage in electioneering communications regarding elections, including when issue advocacy is the functional equivalent of express advocacy. Therefore, such election campaign communications can be regulated and the source of funding disclosed. (f) The state has a sufficiently compelling interest in preventing corruption in political campaigns to justify and restore contribution limits and restrictions on the use of soft money in RCW 42.17A.405 . Those interests include restoring restrictions on the use of such funds for electioneering communications, as well as the laws preventing circumvention of those limits and restrictions. (2) Based upon the findings in this section, chapter 445, Laws of 2005 is narrowly tailored to accomplish the following and is intended to: (a) Improve the disclosure to voters of information concerning persons and entities seeking to influence state, local, and judicial campaigns through reasonable and effective mechanisms, including improving disclosure of the source, identity, and funding of electioneering communications concerning state, local, and judicial candidate campaigns; (b) Regulate electioneering communications that mention state, local, and judicial candidates and that are broadcast, mailed, erected, distributed, or otherwise published right before the election so that the public knows who is paying for such communications; (c) Reenact and amend the contribution limits in RCW 42.17A.405 (7) and (15) and the restrictions on the use of soft money, including as applied to electioneering communications, as those limits and restrictions were in effect following the passage of chapter 2, Laws of 1993 (Initiative Measure No. 134) and before the state supreme court decision in Washington State Republican Party v. Washington State Public Disclosure Commission , 141 Wn.2d 245, 4 P.3d 808 (2000). The commission is authorized to fully restore the implementation of the limits and restrictions of RCW 42.17A.405 (7) and (15) in light of McConnell et al. v. Federal Elections Commission , 540 U.S. 93, 124 S.Ct. 619, 157 L.Ed.2d 491 (2003). The United States supreme court upheld the disclosure and regulation of electioneering communications in political campaigns, including but not limited to issue advocacy that is the functional equivalent of express advocacy; and (d) Authorize the commission to adopt rules to implement chapter 445, Laws of 2005.
RCW 42.17A.442 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 17A / Section 442
RCW 42.17A.442: Contributions by political committees to political committees.
Status: in_force

A political committee may make a contribution to another political committee only when the contributing political committee has received contributions of ten dollars or more each from at least ten persons registered to vote in Washington state.
RCW 42.52.807 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 52 / Section 807
RCW 42.52.807: Exemption—Advising on student athlete name, image, and likeness.
Status: in_force

This chapter does not prohibit the use of public resources, including but not limited to the use of personnel, money, and property, by an employee of a state institution of higher education to benefit any student athlete in the advising, facilitation, acknowledgment, or education related to a matter involving the name[,] image[,] and likeness of such a student athlete or group of student athletes, or in relation to student athlete name[,] image[,] and likeness matters generally, so long as such resources are under the control or direction of such an employee. Any use of public resources must adhere to the rules established by the national, nonprofit member organization responsible for oversight of college sports at state institutions of higher education.
RCW 42.17A.655 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 17A / Section 655
RCW 42.17A.655: Lobbyists' duties, restrictions—Penalties for violations.
Status: in_force

(1) A person required to register as a lobbyist under RCW 42.17A.600 shall substantiate financial reports required to be made under this chapter with accounts, bills, receipts, books, papers, and other necessary documents and records. All such documents must be obtained and preserved for a period of at least five years from the date of filing the statement containing such items and shall be made available for inspection by the commission at any time. If the terms of the lobbyist's employment contract require that these records be turned over to the lobbyist's employer, responsibility for the preservation and inspection of these records under this subsection shall be with such employer. (2) A person required to register as a lobbyist under RCW 42.17A.600 shall not: (a) Engage in any lobbying activity before registering as a lobbyist; (b) Knowingly deceive or attempt to deceive a legislator regarding the facts pertaining to any pending or proposed legislation; (c) Cause or influence the introduction of a bill or amendment to that bill for the purpose of later being employed to secure its defeat; (d) Knowingly represent an interest adverse to the lobbyist's employer without full disclosure of the adverse interest to the employer and obtaining the employer's written consent; (e) Exercise any undue influence, extortion, or unlawful retaliation upon any legislator due to the legislator's position or vote on any pending or proposed legislation; (f) Enter into any agreement, arrangement, or understanding in which any portion of the lobbyist's compensation is or will be contingent upon the lobbyist's success in influencing legislation. (3) A violation by a lobbyist of this section shall be cause for revocation of the lobbyist's registration, and may subject the lobbyist and the lobbyist's employer, if the employer aids, abets, ratifies, or confirms the violation, to other civil liabilities as provided by this chapter.
RCW 42.52.470 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 52 / Section 470
RCW 42.52.470: Referral for enforcement.
Status: in_force

As appropriate, an ethics board may refer a complaint: (1) To an agency for initial investigation and proposed resolution which shall be referred back to the appropriate ethics board for action; or (2) To the attorney general's office or prosecutor for appropriate action.
RCW 42.56.440 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 56 / Section 440
RCW 42.56.440: Veterans' discharge papers—Exceptions.
Status: in_force

(1) Discharge papers of a veteran of the armed forces of the United States filed at the office of the county auditor before July 1, 2002, that have not been commingled with other recorded documents are exempt from disclosure under this chapter. These records will be available only to the veteran, the veteran's next of kin, a deceased veteran's properly appointed personal representative or executor, a person holding that veteran's general power of attorney, or to anyone else designated in writing by that veteran to receive the records. (2) Discharge papers of a veteran of the armed forces of the United States filed at the office of the county auditor before July 1, 2002, that have been commingled with other records are exempt from disclosure under this chapter, if the veteran has recorded a "request for exemption from public disclosure of discharge papers" with the county auditor. If such a request has been recorded, these records may be released only to the veteran filing the papers, the veteran's next of kin, a deceased veteran's properly appointed personal representative or executor, a person holding the veteran's general power of attorney, or anyone else designated in writing by the veteran to receive the records. (3) Discharge papers of a veteran filed at the office of the county auditor after June 30, 2002, are not public records, but will be available only to the veteran, the veteran's next of kin, a deceased veteran's properly appointed personal representative or executor, a person holding the veteran's general power of attorney, or anyone else designated in writing by the veteran to receive the records. (4) For the purposes of this section, next of kin of deceased veterans have the same rights to full access to the record. Next of kin are the veteran's widow or widower who has not remarried, son, daughter, father, mother, brother, and sister. (5) Veteran discharge or separation documents held by the department of veterans affairs are confidential and not subject to disclosure except as provided in RCW 43.60A.290 .
RCW 42.40.050 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 40 / Section 050
RCW 42.40.050: Retaliatory action against whistleblower—Remedies.
Status: in_force

(1)(a) Any person who is a whistleblower, as defined in RCW 42.40.020 , and who has been subjected to workplace reprisal or retaliatory action is presumed to have established a cause of action for the remedies provided under chapter 49.60 RCW. (b) For the purpose of this section, "reprisal or retaliatory action" means, but is not limited to, any of the following: (i) Denial of adequate staff to perform duties; (ii) Frequent staff changes; (iii) Frequent and undesirable office changes; (iv) Refusal to assign meaningful work; (v) Unwarranted and unsubstantiated letters of reprimand or unsatisfactory performance evaluations; (vi) Demotion; (vii) Reduction in pay; (viii) Denial of promotion; (ix) Suspension; (x) Dismissal; (xi) Denial of employment; (xii) A supervisor or superior behaving in or encouraging coworkers to behave in a hostile manner toward the whistleblower; (xiii) A change in the physical location of the employee's workplace or a change in the basic nature of the employee's job, if either are in opposition to the employee's expressed wish; (xiv) Issuance of or attempt to enforce any nondisclosure policy or agreement in a manner inconsistent with prior practice; or (xv) Any other action that is inconsistent compared to actions taken before the employee engaged in conduct protected by this chapter, or compared to other employees who have not engaged in conduct protected by this chapter. (2) The agency presumed to have taken retaliatory action under subsection (1) of this section may rebut that presumption by proving by a preponderance of the evidence that there have been a series of documented personnel problems or a single, egregious event, or that the agency action or actions were justified by reasons unrelated to the employee's status as a whistleblower and that improper motive was not a substantial factor. (3) Nothing in this section prohibits an agency from making any decision exercising its authority to terminate, suspend, or discipline an employee who engages in workplace reprisal or retaliatory action against a whistleblower. However, the agency also shall implement any order under chapter 49.60 RCW (other than an order of suspension if the agency has terminated the retaliator).
RCW 42.52.450 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 52 / Section 450
RCW 42.52.450: Complaint against legislator or statewide elected official.
Status: in_force

(1) If a complaint alleges a violation of RCW 42.52.180 by a legislator or statewide elected official other than the attorney general, the attorney general shall, if requested by the appropriate ethics board, conduct the investigation under RCW 42.52.420 and recommend action. (2) If a complaint alleges a violation of RCW 42.52.180 by the attorney general, the state auditor shall conduct the investigation under RCW 42.52.420 and recommend action to the appropriate ethics board.
RCW 42.56.520 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 56 / Section 520
RCW 42.56.520: Prompt responses required.
Status: in_force

(1) Responses to requests for public records shall be made promptly by agencies, the office of the secretary of the senate, and the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives. Within five business days of receiving a public record request, an agency, the office of the secretary of the senate, or the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives must respond in one of the ways provided in this subsection (1): (a) Providing the record; (b) Providing an internet address and link on the agency's website to the specific records requested, except that if the requester notifies the agency that he or she cannot access the records through the internet, then the agency must provide copies of the record or allow the requester to view copies using an agency computer; (c) Acknowledging that the agency, the office of the secretary of the senate, or the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives has received the request and providing a reasonable estimate of the time the agency, the office of the secretary of the senate, or the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives will require to respond to the request; (d) Acknowledging that the agency, the office of the secretary of the senate, or the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives has received the request and asking the requestor to provide clarification for a request that is unclear, and providing, to the greatest extent possible, a reasonable estimate of the time the agency, the office of the secretary of the senate, or the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives will require to respond to the request if it is not clarified; or (e) Denying the public record request. (2) Additional time required to respond to a request may be based upon the need to clarify the intent of the request, to locate and assemble the information requested, to notify third persons or agencies affected by the request, or to determine whether any of the information requested is exempt and that a denial should be made as to all or part of the request. (3)(a) In acknowledging receipt of a public record request that is unclear, an agency, the office of the secretary of the senate, or the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives may ask the requestor to clarify what information the requestor is seeking. (b) If the requestor fails to respond to an agency request to clarify the request, and the entire request is unclear, the agency, the office of the secretary of the senate, or the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives need not respond to it. Otherwise, the agency must respond, pursuant to this section, to those portions of the request that are clear. (4) Denials of requests must be accompanied by a written statement of the specific reasons therefor. Agencies, the office of the secretary of the senate, and the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives shall establish mechanisms for the most prompt possible review of decisions denying inspection, and such review shall be deemed completed at the end of the second business day following the denial of inspection and shall constitute final agency action or final action by the office of the secretary of the senate or the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives for the purposes of judicial review.
RCW 42.17A.630 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 17A / Section 630
RCW 42.17A.630: Reports by employers of registered lobbyists, other persons.
Status: in_force

(1) Every employer of a lobbyist registered under this chapter during the preceding calendar year and every person other than an individual who made contributions aggregating to more than *sixteen thousand dollars or independent expenditures aggregating to more than *eight hundred dollars during the preceding calendar year shall file with the commission on or before the last day of February of each year a statement disclosing for the preceding calendar year the following information: (a) The name of each state elected official and the name of each candidate for state office who was elected to the office and any member of the immediate family of those persons to whom the person reporting has paid any compensation in the amount of eight hundred dollars or more during the preceding calendar year for personal employment or professional services, including professional services rendered by a corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, union, or other entity in which the person holds any office, directorship, or any general partnership interest, or an ownership interest of ten percent or more, the value of the compensation in accordance with the reporting provisions set out in RCW 42.17A.710 (3), and the consideration given or performed in exchange for the compensation. (b) The name of each state elected official, successful candidate for state office, or members of the official's or candidate's immediate family to whom the person reporting made expenditures, directly or indirectly, either through a lobbyist or otherwise, the amount of the expenditures and the purpose for the expenditures. For the purposes of this subsection, "expenditure" shall not include any expenditure made by the employer in the ordinary course of business if the expenditure is not made for the purpose of influencing, honoring, or benefiting the elected official, successful candidate, or member of his immediate family, as an elected official or candidate. (c) The total expenditures made by the person reporting for lobbying purposes, whether through or on behalf of a registered lobbyist or otherwise. (d) All contributions made to a political committee supporting or opposing a candidate for state office, or to a political committee supporting or opposing a statewide ballot proposition. Such contributions shall be identified by the name and the address of the recipient and the aggregate amount contributed to each such recipient. (e) The name and address of each registered lobbyist employed by the person reporting and the total expenditures made by the person reporting for each lobbyist for lobbying purposes. (f) The names, offices sought, and party affiliations of candidates for state offices supported or opposed by independent expenditures of the person reporting and the amount of each such expenditure. (g) The identifying proposition number and a brief description of any statewide ballot proposition supported or opposed by expenditures not reported under (d) of this subsection and the amount of each such expenditure. (h) Any other information the commission prescribes by rule. (2)(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, an employer of a lobbyist registered under this chapter shall file a special report with the commission if the employer makes a contribution or contributions aggregating more than one hundred dollars in a calendar month to any one of the following: A candidate, elected official, officer or employee of an agency, or political committee. The report shall identify the date and amount of each such contribution and the name of the candidate, elected official, agency officer or employee, or political committee receiving the contribution or to be benefited by the contribution. The report shall be filed on a form prescribed by the commission and shall be filed within fifteen days after the last day of the calendar month during which the contribution was made. (b) The provisions of (a) of this subsection do not apply to a contribution that is made through a registered lobbyist and reportable under RCW 42.17A.425 .
RCW 42.52.8021 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 52 / Section 8021
RCW 42.52.8021: Exemption—Solicitation for Washington state flag account.
Status: in_force

This chapter does not prohibit the secretary of state or the secretary of state's designee from soliciting and accepting contributions to the Washington state flag account created in *RCW 43.07.388 .
RCW 42.45.110 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 45 / Section 110
RCW 42.45.110: Notarial act under federal authority.
Status: in_force

(1) A notarial act performed under federal law has the same effect under the law of this state as if performed by a notarial officer of this state, if the act performed under federal law is performed by: (a) A judge, clerk, or deputy clerk of a court; (b) An individual in military service or performing duties under the authority of military service who is authorized to perform notarial acts under federal law; (c) An individual designated a notarizing officer by the United States department of state for performing notarial acts overseas; or (d) Any other individual authorized by federal law to perform the notarial act. (2) The signature and title of an individual acting under federal authority and performing a notarial act are prima facie evidence that the signature is genuine and that the individual holds the designated title. (3) The signature and title of an officer described in subsection (1)(a), (b), or (c) of this section conclusively establishes the authority of the officer to perform the notarial act.
RCW 42.52.150 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 52 / Section 150
RCW 42.52.150: Limitations on gifts.
Status: in_force

(1)(a) Unless the context requires otherwise, the definition of "gift" in this subsection applies throughout this chapter. (b) "Gift" means anything of economic value for which no consideration is given. (c) "Gift" does not include the following: (i) Items from family members or friends where it is clear beyond a reasonable doubt that the gift was not made as part of any design to gain or maintain influence in the agency of which the recipient is an officer or employee; (ii) Items related to the outside business of the recipient that are customary and not related to the recipient's performance of official duties; (iii) Items exchanged among officials and employees at a social event hosted or sponsored by a state officer or state employee for coworkers; (iv) Payments by a governmental or nongovernmental entity of reasonable expenses incurred in connection with a speech, presentation, appearance, or trade mission made in an official capacity. As used in this subsection, "reasonable expenses" are limited to travel, lodging, and subsistence expenses incurred the day before through the day after the event; (v) Items a state officer or state employee is authorized by law to accept; (vi) Payment of enrollment and course fees and reasonable travel expenses attributable to attending seminars and educational programs sponsored by a bona fide governmental or nonprofit professional, educational, trade, or charitable association or institution. As used in this subsection, "reasonable expenses" are limited to travel, lodging, and subsistence expenses incurred the day before through the day after the event; (vii) Items returned by the recipient to the donor within 30 days of receipt or donated to a charitable organization within 30 days of receipt; (viii) Campaign contributions reported under chapter 42.17A RCW; (ix) Discounts available to an individual as a member of an employee group, occupation, or similar broad-based group; (x) Awards, prizes, scholarships, or other items provided in recognition of academic or scientific achievement; and (xi) Gift cards received by legislative employees in an amount of $25 or less. (2) No state officer or state employee may receive, accept, take, seek, or solicit, directly or indirectly, any thing of economic value as a gift, gratuity, or favor from a person if it could be reasonably expected that the gift, gratuity, or favor would influence the vote, action, or judgment of the officer or employee, or be considered as part of a reward for action or inaction. (3) No state officer or state employee may accept gifts, other than those specified in subsections (4) and (7) of this section, with an aggregate value in excess of $100 from a single source in a calendar year or a single gift from multiple sources with a value in excess of $100. For purposes of this section, "single source" means any person, as defined in RCW 42.52.010 , whether acting directly or through any agent or other intermediary, and "single gift" includes any event, item, or group of items used in conjunction with each other or any trip including transportation, lodging, and attendant costs, not excluded from the definition of gift under subsection (1)(c) of this section. The value of gifts given to an officer's or employee's family member or guest shall be attributed to the official or employee for the purpose of determining whether the limit has been exceeded, unless an independent business, family, or social relationship exists between the donor and the family member or guest. (4) Except as provided in subsection (6) of this section, the following items are presumed not to influence under subsection (3) of this section, and may be accepted without regard to the limit established by subsection (3) of this section: (a) Unsolicited flowers, plants, and floral arrangements; (b) Unsolicited advertising or promotional items of nominal value, such as pens and note pads; (c) Unsolicited tokens or awards of appreciation in the form of a plaque, trophy, desk item, wall memento, or similar item; (d) Unsolicited items received by a state officer or state employee for the purpose of evaluation or review, if the officer or employee has no personal beneficial interest in the eventual use or acquisition of the item by the officer's or employee's agency; (e) Informational material, publications, or subscriptions related to the recipient's performance of official duties; (f) Food and beverages consumed at hosted receptions where attendance is related to the state officer's or state employee's official duties; (g) Gifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, and devises of real or personal property, or both, in trust or otherwise accepted and solicited for deposit in the legislative international trade account created in RCW 43.15.050 ; (h) Gifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, and devises of real or personal property, or both, solicited on behalf of a national or regional legislative association as defined in RCW 42.52.822 (2), the 2006 official conference of the national lieutenant governors' association, the annual conference of the national association of state treasurers, or a host committee, for the purpose of hosting an official conference under the circumstances specified in RCW 42.52.820 , section 2, chapter 5, Laws of 2006, RCW 42.52.821 , or RCW 42.52.822 . Anything solicited or accepted may only be received by the national association or host committee and may not be commingled with any funds or accounts that are the property of any person; (i) Admission to, and the cost of food and beverages consumed at, events sponsored by or in conjunction with a civic, charitable, governmental, or community organization; (j) Unsolicited gifts from dignitaries from another state or a foreign country that are intended to be personal in nature; (k) Gifts, grants, donations, sponsorships, or contributions from any agency or federal or local government agency or program or private source for the purposes of chapter 28B.156 RCW; and (l) Unsolicited gifts received by legislative employees from a legislator. (5) The presumption in subsection (4) of this section is rebuttable and may be overcome based on the circumstances surrounding the giving and acceptance of the item. (6) Notwithstanding subsections (4) and (7) of this section, a state officer or state employee of a regulatory agency or of an agency that seeks to acquire goods or services who participates in those regulatory or contractual matters may receive, accept, take, or seek, directly or indirectly, only the following items from a person regulated by the agency or from a person who seeks to provide goods or services to the agency: (a) Unsolicited advertising or promotional items of nominal value, such as pens and note pads; (b) Unsolicited tokens or awards of appreciation in the form of a plaque, trophy, desk item, wall memento, or similar item; (c) Unsolicited items received by a state officer or state employee for the purpose of evaluation or review, if the officer or employee has no personal interest in the eventual use or acquisition of the item by the officer's or employee's agency; (d) Informational material, publications, or subscriptions related to the recipient's performance of official duties; (e) Food and beverages consumed at hosted receptions where attendance is related to the state officer's or state employee's official duties; (f) Admission to, and the cost of food and beverages consumed at, events sponsored by or in conjunction with a civic, charitable, governmental, or community organization; and (g) Those items excluded from the definition of gift in subsection (1)(c) of this section except: (i) Payments by a governmental or nongovernmental entity of reasonable expenses incurred in connection with a speech, presentation, appearance, or trade mission made in an official capacity; (ii) Payments for seminars and educational programs sponsored by a bona fide governmental or nonprofit professional, educational, trade, or charitable association or institution; and (iii) Flowers, plants, and floral arrangements. (7) A state officer or state employee may accept gifts in the form of food and beverage on infrequent occasions in the ordinary course of meals where attendance by the officer or employee is related to the performance of official duties. Gifts in the form of food and beverage that exceed $100 on a single occasion shall be reported as provided in chapter 42.17A RCW.
RCW 42.45.010 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 45 / Section 010
RCW 42.45.010: Definitions.
Status: in_force

In this chapter: (1) "Acknowledgment" means a declaration by an individual in the presence of a notarial officer stating that the individual has signed a record of the individual's free will for the purpose stated in the record and, if the record is signed in a representative capacity, the individual also declares that he or she signed the record with proper authority and signed it as the act of the individual or entity identified in the record. (2) "Department" means the department of licensing. (3) "Director" means the director of licensing or the director's designee. (4) "Electronic" means relating to technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic, or similar capabilities. (5) "Electronic records notary public" means an individual commissioned by the director to perform a notarial act with respect to electronic records. Nothing in chapter 281, Laws of 2017 authorizes an electronic records notary public to provide court reporting services. (6) "Electronic signature" means an electronic symbol, sound, or process attached to or logically associated with a record and executed or adopted by an individual with the intent to sign the record. (7) "In a representative capacity" means acting as: (a) An authorized officer, agent, partner, trustee, or other representative for a person other than an individual; (b) A public officer, personal representative, guardian, or other representative, in the capacity stated in a record; (c) An agent or attorney-in-fact for a principal; or (d) An authorized representative of another in any other capacity. (8) "Notarial act" means an act, whether performed with respect to a tangible or electronic record, that a notarial officer may perform under the law of this state. The term includes taking an acknowledgment, administering an oath or affirmation, taking a verification on oath or affirmation, witnessing or attesting a signature, certifying or attesting a copy, certifying the occurrence of an event or the performance of an act, and noting a protest of a negotiable instrument if the protest was prepared under the authority of an attorney licensed to practice law in this state or another state, or was prepared under the authority of a financial institution that is regulated by this state, another state, or the federal government. (9) "Notarial officer" means a notary public or other individual authorized to perform a notarial act. (10) "Notary public" means an individual commissioned to perform a notarial act by the director. (11) "Official stamp" means a physical image affixed to or embossed on a tangible record or an electronic image attached to or logically associated with an electronic record. (12) "Person" means an individual, corporation, business trust, statutory trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, or any other legal or commercial entity. (13) "Record" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in human perceivable form. (14) "Sign" means, with present intent to authenticate or adopt a record: (a) To execute or adopt a tangible symbol; or (b) To attach to or logically associate with the record an electronic symbol, sound, or process. (15) "Signature" means a tangible symbol or an electronic signature that evidences the signing of a record. (16) "Stamping device" means: (a) A physical device capable of affixing to or embossing on a tangible record an official stamp; or (b) An electronic device or process capable of attaching to or logically associating with an electronic record an official stamp. (17) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. (18) "Verification on oath or affirmation" means a declaration, made by an individual on oath or affirmation before a notarial officer, that a statement in a record is true.
RCW 42.56.001 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 56 / Section 001
RCW 42.56.001: Finding, purpose.
Status: in_force

The legislature finds that *chapter 42.17 RCW contains laws relating to several discrete subjects. Therefore, the purpose of chapter 274, Laws of 2005 is to recodify some of those laws and create a new chapter in the Revised Code of Washington that contains laws pertaining to public records.
RCW 42.17A.420 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 17A / Section 420
RCW 42.17A.420: Reportable contributions—Preelection limitations.
Status: in_force

(1) It is a violation of this chapter for any person to make, or for any candidate or political committee to accept from any one person, contributions reportable under RCW 42.17A.240 in the aggregate exceeding fifty thousand dollars for any campaign for statewide office or exceeding five thousand dollars for any other campaign subject to the provisions of this chapter within twenty-one days of a general election. This subsection does not apply to: (a) Contributions made by, or accepted from, a bona fide political party as defined in this chapter, excluding the county central committee or legislative district committee; (b) Contributions made to, or received by, a ballot proposition committee; or (c) Payments received by an incidental committee. (2) Contributions governed by this section include, but are not limited to, contributions made or received indirectly through a third party or entity whether the contributions are or are not reported to the commission as earmarked contributions under RCW 42.17A.270 .
RCW 42.56.325 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 56 / Section 325
RCW 42.56.325: Statewide electronic repository for school meals.
Status: in_force

Household income information received by the office of the superintendent of public instruction, school district employees, or designees of either in accordance with the electronic repository established under RCW 28A.235.285 is exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
RCW 42.17A.140 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 17A / Section 140
RCW 42.17A.140: Date of receipt—Exceptions—Electronic filings.
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the date of receipt of any properly addressed application, report, statement, notice, or payment required to be made under the provisions of this chapter is the date shown by the post office cancellation mark on the envelope of the submitted material. The provisions of this section do not apply to reports required to be delivered under RCW 42.17A.265 and 42.17A.625 . (2) When a report is filed electronically with the commission, it is deemed to have been received on the file transfer date. The commission shall notify the filer of receipt of the electronically filed report. Such notification may be sent by mail or electronically. If the notification of receipt of the electronically filed report is not received by the filer, the filer may offer proof of sending the report, and such proof shall be treated as if it were a receipt sent by the commission. Electronic filing may be used for purposes of filing the special reports required to be delivered under RCW 42.17A.265 and 42.17A.625 .
RCW 42.17A.350 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 17A / Section 350
RCW 42.17A.350: Top five contributors to political advertisement.
Status: in_force

(1) For any requirement to include the top five contributors under RCW 42.17A.320 or any other provision of this chapter, the sponsor must identify the five persons or entities making the largest contributions to the sponsor in excess of the threshold aggregate value to be considered an independent expenditure in an election for public office under *RCW 42.17A.005 (29)(a)(iv) reportable under this chapter during the twelve-month period preceding the date on which the advertisement is initially to be published or otherwise presented to the public. (2) If one or more of the top five contributors identified under subsection (1) of this section is a political committee, the top three contributors to each of those political committees during the same period must then be identified, and so on, until the individuals or entities other than political committees with the largest aggregate contributions to each political committee identified under subsection (1) of this section have also been identified. The sponsor must identify the three individuals or entities, not including political committees, who made the largest aggregate contributions to any political committee identified under subsection (1) of this section in excess of the threshold aggregate value to be considered an independent expenditure in an election for public office under *RCW 42.17A.005 (29)(a)(iv) reportable under this chapter during the same period, and the names of those individuals or entities must be displayed in the advertisement alongside the statement "Top Three Donors to PAC Contributors." (3) Contributions to the sponsor or a political committee that are earmarked, tracked, and used for purposes other than the advertisement in question should not be counted in identifying the top five contributors under subsection (1) of this section or the top three contributors under subsection (2) of this section. (4) The sponsor shall not be liable for a violation of this section that occurs because a contribution to any political committee identified under subsection (1) of this section has not been reported to the commission. (5) The commission is authorized to adopt rules, as needed, to prevent ways to circumvent the purposes of the required disclosures in this section to inform voters about the individuals and entities sponsoring political advertisements.
RCW 42.16.015 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 16 / Section 015
RCW 42.16.015: Cancellation of warrants—Transfer of increased balance amounts in state payroll revolving account.
Status: in_force

All amounts increasing the balance in the state payroll revolving account, as a result of the cancellation of warrants issued therefrom shall be transferred by the state treasurer to the fund from which the canceled warrant would originally have been paid except for the provisions of RCW 42.16.010 through 42.16.017 .
RCW 42.56.230 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 56 / Section 230
RCW 42.56.230: Personal information.
Status: in_force

*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 6106.SL ) ***

*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 6081-S.SL ) ***

The following personal information is exempt from public inspection and copying under this chapter: (1) Personal information in any files maintained for students in public schools, patients or clients of public institutions or public health agencies, or welfare recipients; (2)(a) Personal information: (i) For a child enrolled in licensed child care in any files maintained by the department of children, youth, and families; (ii) For a child enrolled in a public or nonprofit program serving or pertaining to children, adolescents, or students, including but not limited to early learning or child care services, parks and recreation programs, youth development programs, and after-school programs; (iii) For a student enrolled or previously enrolled in a local education agency, in any records pertaining to the student, including correspondence; (iv) For the family members or guardians of a child who is subject to the exemption under this subsection (2) if the family member or guardian has the same last name as the child or if the family member or guardian resides at the same address as the child and disclosure of the family member's or guardian's information would result in disclosure of the personal information exempted under (a)(i) through (iii) of this subsection; or (v) For substitute caregivers who are licensed or approved to provide overnight care of children by the department of children, youth, and families. (b) Emergency contact information under this subsection (2) may be provided to appropriate authorities and medical personnel for the purpose of treating the individual during an emergency situation; (3) Personal information in files maintained for employees, appointees, or elected officials of any public agency to the extent that disclosure would violate their right to privacy; (4) Information required of any taxpayer in connection with the assessment or collection of any tax if the disclosure of the information to other persons would: (a) Be prohibited to such persons by RCW 84.08.210 , 82.32.330 , 84.40.020 , 84.40.340 , or any ordinance authorized under RCW 35.102.145 ; or (b) violate the taxpayer's right to privacy or result in unfair competitive disadvantage to the taxpayer; (5) Credit card numbers, debit card numbers, electronic check numbers, card expiration dates, or bank or other financial information as defined in RCW 9.35.005 including social security numbers, except when disclosure is expressly required by or governed by other law; (6) Personal and financial information related to a small loan or any system of authorizing a small loan in RCW 31.45.093 ; (7)(a) Any record used to prove identity, age, residential address, social security number, or other personal information required to apply for a driver's license or identicard. (b) Information provided under RCW 46.20.111 that indicates that an applicant declined to register with the selective service system. (c) Any record pertaining to a vehicle license plate, driver's license, or identicard issued under RCW 46.08.066 that, alone or in combination with any other records, may reveal the identity of an individual, or reveal that an individual is or was, performing an undercover or covert law enforcement, confidential public health work, public assistance fraud, or child support investigative activity. This exemption does not prevent the release of the total number of vehicle license plates, drivers' licenses, or identicards that, under RCW 46.08.066 , an agency or department has applied for, been issued, denied, returned, destroyed, lost, and reported for misuse. (d) Any record pertaining to a vessel registration issued under RCW 88.02.330 that, alone or in combination with any other records, may reveal the identity of an individual, or reveal that an individual is or was, performing an undercover or covert law enforcement activity. This exemption does not prevent the release of the total number of vessel registrations that, under RCW 88.02.330 , an agency or department has applied for, been issued, denied, returned, destroyed, lost, and reported for misuse. Upon request by the legislature, the department of licensing shall provide a report to the legislature containing all of the information in (c) of this subsection (7) and this subsection (7)(d) that is subject to public disclosure; (8) All information related to individual claim resolution settlement agreements submitted to the board of industrial insurance appeals under RCW 51.04.063 , other than final orders from the board of industrial insurance appeals. The board of industrial insurance appeals shall provide to the department of labor and industries copies of all final claim resolution settlement agreements; (9) Voluntarily submitted information contained in a database that is part of or associated with 911 emergency communications systems, or information contained or used in emergency notification systems as provided under RCW 38.52.575 and 38.52.577 ; (10) Information relating to a future voter, as provided in RCW 29A.08.725 ; (11) All information submitted by a person to the state, either directly or through a state-licensed gambling establishment, or Indian tribes, or tribal enterprises that own gambling operations or facilities with class III gaming compacts, as part of the self-exclusion program established in RCW 9.46.071 or 67.70.040 for people with a gambling problem or gambling disorder; (12) Names, addresses, or other personal information of individuals who participated in the bump-fire stock buy-back program under former RCW 43.43.920 ; and (13) All personal and financial information concerning a player that is received or maintained by the state lottery or any contracted lottery vendor except the player's name and city or town of residence. Additional information may be released only in accordance with prior written permission from the player.
RCW 42.24.170 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 24 / Section 170
RCW 42.24.170: Expenditures by special purpose districts to recruit job candidates—Reimbursement for travel expenses.
Status: in_force

Special purpose districts may expend funds to recruit job candidates and reimburse candidates for reasonable and necessary travel expenses, including transportation, subsistence, and lodging.
RCW 42.17A.001 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 17A / Section 001
RCW 42.17A.001: Declaration of policy.
Status: in_force

It is hereby declared by the sovereign people to be the public policy of the state of Washington: (1) That political campaign and lobbying contributions and expenditures be fully disclosed to the public and that secrecy is to be avoided. (2) That the people have the right to expect from their elected representatives at all levels of government the utmost of integrity, honesty, and fairness in their dealings. (3) That the people shall be assured that the private financial dealings of their public officials, and of candidates for those offices, present no conflict of interest between the public trust and private interest. (4) That our representative form of government is founded on a belief that those entrusted with the offices of government have nothing to fear from full public disclosure of their financial and business holdings, provided those officials deal honestly and fairly with the people. (5) That public confidence in government at all levels is essential and must be promoted by all possible means. (6) That public confidence in government at all levels can best be sustained by assuring the people of the impartiality and honesty of the officials in all public transactions and decisions. (7) That the concept of attempting to increase financial participation of individual contributors in political campaigns is encouraged by the passage of the Revenue Act of 1971 by the Congress of the United States, and in consequence thereof, it is desirable to have implementing legislation at the state level. (8) That the concepts of disclosure and limitation of election campaign financing are established by the passage of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 by the Congress of the United States, and in consequence thereof it is desirable to have implementing legislation at the state level. (9) That small contributions by individual contributors are to be encouraged, and that not requiring the reporting of small contributions may tend to encourage such contributions. (10) That the public's right to know of the financing of political campaigns and lobbying and the financial affairs of elected officials and candidates far outweighs any right that these matters remain secret and private. (11) That, mindful of the right of individuals to privacy and of the desirability of the efficient administration of government, full access to information concerning the conduct of government on every level must be assured as a fundamental and necessary precondition to the sound governance of a free society. The provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed to promote complete disclosure of all information respecting the financing of political campaigns and lobbying, and the financial affairs of elected officials and candidates, and full access to public records so as to assure continuing public confidence of fairness of elections and governmental processes, and so as to assure that the public interest will be fully protected. In promoting such complete disclosure, however, this chapter shall be enforced so as to ensure that the information disclosed will not be misused for arbitrary and capricious purposes and to ensure that all persons reporting under this chapter will be protected from harassment and unfounded allegations based on information they have freely disclosed.
RCW 42.30.210 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 30 / Section 210
RCW 42.30.210: Assistance by attorney general.
Status: in_force

The attorney general's office may provide information, technical assistance, and training on the provisions of this chapter.
RCW 42.17A.235 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 17A / Section 235
RCW 42.17A.235: Reporting of contributions and expenditures—Public inspection of accounts.
Status: in_force

(1)(a) In addition to the information required under RCW 42.17A.205 and 42.17A.210 , each candidate or political committee must file with the commission a report of all contributions received and expenditures made as a political committee on the next reporting date pursuant to the timeline established in this section. (b) In addition to the information required under RCW 42.17A.207 and 42.17A.210 , on the day an incidental committee files a statement of organization with the commission, each incidental committee must file with the commission a report of any election campaign expenditures under *RCW 42.17A.240 (6), as well as the source of the ten largest cumulative payments of ten thousand dollars or greater it received in the current calendar year from a single person, including any persons tied as the tenth largest source of payments it received, if any. (2) Each treasurer of a candidate or political committee, or an incidental committee, required to file a statement of organization under this chapter, shall file with the commission a report, for each election in which a candidate, political committee, or incidental committee is participating, containing the information required by RCW 42.17A.240 at the following intervals: (a) On the twenty-first day and the seventh day immediately preceding the date on which the election is held; and (b) On the tenth day of the first full month after the election. (3)(a) Each treasurer of a candidate or political committee shall file with the commission a report on the tenth day of each month during which the candidate or political committee is not participating in an election campaign, only if the committee has received a contribution or made an expenditure in the preceding calendar month and either the total contributions received or total expenditures made since the last such report exceed two hundred dollars. (b) Each incidental committee shall file with the commission a report on the tenth day of each month during which the incidental committee is not otherwise required to report under this section only if the committee has: (i) Received a payment that would change the information required under RCW 42.17A.240 (2)(d) as included in its last report; or (ii) Made any election campaign expenditure reportable under *RCW 42.17A.240 (6) since its last report, and the total election campaign expenditures made since the last report exceed two hundred dollars. (4) The report filed twenty-one days before the election shall report all contributions received and expenditures made as of the end of one business day before the date of the report. The report filed seven days before the election shall report all contributions received and expenditures made as of the end of one business day before the date of the report. Reports filed on the tenth day of the month shall report all contributions received and expenditures made from the closing date of the last report filed through the last day of the month preceding the date of the current report. (5) For the period beginning the first day of the fourth month preceding the date of the special election, or for the period beginning the first day of the fifth month before the date of the general election, and ending on the date of that special or general election, each Monday the treasurer for a candidate or a political committee shall file with the commission a report of each bank deposit made during the previous seven calendar days. The report shall contain the name of each person contributing the funds and the amount contributed by each person. However, persons who contribute no more than twenty-five dollars in the aggregate are not required to be identified in the report. A copy of the report shall be retained by the treasurer for the treasurer's records. In the event of deposits made by candidates, political committee members, or paid staff other than the treasurer, the copy shall be immediately provided to the treasurer for the treasurer's records. Each report shall be certified as correct by the treasurer. (6)(a) The treasurer for a candidate or a political committee shall maintain books of account accurately reflecting all contributions and expenditures on a current basis within five business days of receipt or expenditure. During the ten calendar days immediately preceding the date of the election the books of account shall be kept current within one business day. As specified in the political committee's statement of organization filed under RCW 42.17A.205 , the books of account must be open for public inspection by appointment at a place agreed upon by both the treasurer and the requestor, for inspections between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on any day from the tenth calendar day immediately before the election through the day immediately before the election, other than Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday. It is a violation of this chapter for a candidate or political committee to refuse to allow and keep an appointment for an inspection to be conducted during these authorized times and days. The appointment must be allowed at an authorized time and day for such inspections that is within forty-eight hours of the time and day that is requested for the inspection. The treasurer may provide digital access or copies of the books of account in lieu of scheduling an appointment at a designated place for inspection. If the treasurer and requestor are unable to agree on a location and the treasurer has not provided digital access to the books of account, the default location for an appointment shall be a place of public accommodation selected by the treasurer within a reasonable distance from the treasurer's office. (b) At the time of making the appointment, a person wishing to inspect the books of account must provide the treasurer the name and telephone number of the person wishing to inspect the books of account. The person inspecting the books of account must show photo identification before the inspection begins. (c) A treasurer may refuse to show the books of account to any person who does not make an appointment or provide the required identification. The commission may issue limited rules to modify the requirements set forth in this section in consideration of other technology and best practices. (7) Copies of all reports filed pursuant to this section shall be readily available for public inspection by appointment, pursuant to subsection (6) of this section. (8) The treasurer or candidate shall preserve books of account, bills, receipts, and all other financial records of the campaign or political committee for not less than five calendar years following the year during which the transaction occurred or for any longer period as otherwise required by law. (9) All reports filed pursuant to subsection (1) or (2) of this section shall be certified as correct by the candidate and the treasurer. (10) Where there is not a pending complaint concerning a report, it is not evidence of a violation of this section to submit an amended report within twenty-one days of filing an initial report if: (a) The report is accurately amended; (b) The amended report is filed more than thirty days before an election; (c) The total aggregate dollar amount of the adjustment for the amended report is within three times the contribution limit per election or two hundred dollars, whichever is greater; and (d) The committee reported all information that was available to it at the time of filing, or made a good faith effort to do so, or if a refund of a contribution or expenditure is being reported. (11)(a) When there is no outstanding debt or obligation, the campaign fund is closed, the campaign is concluded in all respects, and the political committee has ceased to function and intends to dissolve, the treasurer shall file a final report. Upon submitting a final report, the political committee so intending to dissolve must file notice of intent to dissolve with the commission and the commission must post the notice on its website. (b) Any political committee may dissolve sixty days after it files its notice to dissolve, only if: (i) The political committee does not make any expenditures other than those related to the dissolution process or engage in any political activity or any other activities that generate additional reporting requirements under this chapter after filing such notice; (ii) No complaint or court action under this chapter is pending against the political committee; and (iii) All penalties assessed by the commission or court order have been paid by the political committee. (c) The political committee must continue to report regularly as required under this chapter until all the conditions under (b) of this subsection are resolved. (d) Upon dissolution, the commission must issue an acknowledgment of dissolution, the duties of the treasurer shall cease, and there shall be no further obligations under this chapter. Dissolution does not absolve the candidate or board of the committee from responsibility for any future obligations resulting from the finding after dissolution of a violation committed prior to dissolution. (12) The commission must adopt rules for the dissolution of incidental committees.
RCW 42.52.425 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 52 / Section 425
RCW 42.52.425: Dismissal of complaint.
Status: in_force

(1) Based on the investigation conducted under RCW 42.52.420 or 42.52.450 , and subject to rules issued by each board, the board or the staff of the appropriate ethics board may issue an order of dismissal based on any of the following findings: (a) Any violation that may have occurred is not within the jurisdiction of the board; (b) The complaint is obviously unfounded or frivolous; or (c) Any violation that may have occurred does not constitute a material violation because it was inadvertent and minor, or has been cured, and, after consideration of all of the circumstances, further proceedings would not serve the purposes of this chapter. (2) Written notice of the determination under subsection (1) of this section shall be provided to the complainant, respondent, and the board. The written notice to the complainant shall include a statement of the complainant's right to appeal to the board under subsection (3) of this section if the dismissal order was issued by staff. (3) In the event that a complaint is dismissed by staff under this section, the complainant may request that the board review the action. Following review, the board shall: (a) Affirm the staff dismissal; (b) Direct the staff to conduct further investigation; or (c) Issue a determination that there is reasonable cause to believe that a violation has been or is being committed. (4) The board's decision under subsection (3) of this section shall be reduced to writing and provided to the complainant and the respondent.
RCW 42.04.020 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 04 / Section 020
RCW 42.04.020: Eligibility to hold office.
Status: in_force

That no person shall be competent to qualify for or hold any elective public office within the state of Washington, or any county, district, precinct, school district, municipal corporation or other district or political subdivision, unless he or she be a citizen of the United States and state of Washington and an elector of such county, district, precinct, school district, municipality or other district or political subdivision.
RCW 42.17A.230 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 17A / Section 230
RCW 42.17A.230: Fund-raising activities—Alternative reporting method.
Status: in_force

(1) Fund-raising activities meeting the standards of subsection (2) of this section may be reported in accordance with the provisions of this section in lieu of reporting in accordance with RCW 42.17A.235 . (2) Standards: (a) The activity consists of one or more of the following: (i) A sale of goods or services sold at a reasonable approximation of the fair market value of each item or service; or (ii) A gambling operation that is licensed, conducted, or operated in accordance with the provisions of chapter 9.46 RCW; or (iii) A gathering where food and beverages are purchased and the price of admission or the per person charge for the food and beverages is no more than twenty-five dollars; or (iv) A concert, dance, theater performance, or similar entertainment event and the price of admission is no more than twenty-five dollars; or (v) An auction or similar sale for which the total fair market value or cost of items donated by any person is no more than fifty dollars; and (b) No person responsible for receiving money at the fund-raising activity knowingly accepts payments from a single person at or from such an activity to the candidate or committee aggregating more than fifty dollars unless the name and address of the person making the payment, together with the amount paid to the candidate or committee, are disclosed in the report filed pursuant to subsection (6) of this section; and (c) Any other standards established by rule of the commission to prevent frustration of the purposes of this chapter. (3) All funds received from a fund-raising activity that conforms with subsection (2) of this section must be deposited in the depository within five business days of receipt by the treasurer or deputy treasurer. (4) At the time reports are required under RCW 42.17A.235 , the treasurer or deputy treasurer making the deposit shall file with the commission a report of the fund-raising activity which must contain the following information: (a) The date of the activity; (b) A precise description of the fund-raising methods used in the activity; and (c) The total amount of cash receipts from persons, each of whom paid no more than fifty dollars. (5) The treasurer or deputy treasurer shall certify the report is correct. (6) The treasurer shall report pursuant to RCW 42.17A.235 and 42.17A.240 : (a) The name and address and the amount contributed by each person contributing goods or services with a fair market value of more than fifty dollars to a fund-raising activity reported under subsection (4) of this section; and (b) The name and address and the amount paid by each person whose identity can be ascertained, who made a contribution to the candidate or committee aggregating more than fifty dollars at or from such a fund-raising activity.
RCW 42.17A.120 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 17A / Section 120
RCW 42.17A.120: Suspension or modification of reporting requirements.
Status: in_force

(1) The commission may suspend or modify any of the reporting requirements of this chapter if it finds that literal application of this chapter works a manifestly unreasonable hardship in a particular case and the suspension or modification will not frustrate the purposes of this chapter. The commission may suspend or modify reporting requirements only to the extent necessary to substantially relieve the hardship and only after a hearing is held and the suspension or modification receives approval. A suspension or modification of the financial affairs reporting requirements in RCW 42.17A.710 may be approved for an elected official's term of office or for up to three years for an executive state officer. If a material change in the applicant's circumstances or relevant information occurs or has occurred, the applicant must request a modification at least one month prior to the next filing deadline rather than at the conclusion of the term. (2) A manifestly unreasonable hardship exists if reporting the name of an entity required to be reported under RCW 42.17A.710 (1)(g)(ii) would be likely to adversely affect the competitive position of any entity in which the person filing the report, or any member of the person's immediate family, holds any office, directorship, general partnership interest, or an ownership interest of ten percent or more. (3) Requests for reporting modifications may be heard in a brief adjudicative proceeding as set forth in RCW 34.05.482 through 34.05.494 and in accordance with the standards established in this section. The commission, the commission chair acting as presiding officer, or another commissioner appointed by the chair to serve as presiding officer, may preside over a brief adjudicatory proceeding. If a modification is requested by a filer because of a concern for personal safety, the information submitted regarding that safety concern shall not be made public prior to, or at, the hearing on the request. Any information provided or prepared for the modification hearing shall remain exempt from public disclosure under this chapter and chapter 42.56 RCW to the extent it is determined at the hearing that disclosure of such information would present a personal safety risk to a reasonable person. (4) If the commission, or presiding officer, grants a modification request, the commission or presiding officer may apply the modification retroactively to previously filed reports. In that event, previously reported information of the kind that is no longer being reported is confidential and exempt from public disclosure under this chapter and chapter 42.56 RCW. (5) Any citizen has standing to bring an action in Thurston county superior court to contest the propriety of any order entered under this section within one year from the date of the entry of the order. (6) The commission shall adopt rules governing the proceedings.
RCW 42.52.906 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 52 / Section 906
RCW 42.52.906: Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this chapter, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to marital relationships and married persons, and references to dissolution of marriage shall apply equally to state registered domestic partnerships that have been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated, to the extent that such interpretation does not conflict with federal law. Where necessary to implement chapter 521, Laws of 2009, gender-specific terms such as husband and wife used in any statute, rule, or other law shall be construed to be gender neutral, and applicable to individuals in state registered domestic partnerships.
RCW 42.52.400 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 52 / Section 400
RCW 42.52.400: Enforcement of subpoena authority.
Status: in_force

In case of refusal to obey a subpoena issued to a person, the superior court of a county within the jurisdiction of which the investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this chapter is carried on or within the jurisdiction of which the person refusing to obey is found or resides or transacts business, upon application by the appropriate ethics board shall have jurisdiction to issue to the person an order requiring the person to appear before the ethics board or its member to produce evidence if so ordered, or to give testimony touching the matter under investigation or in question. Failure to obey such order of the court may be punished by the court as contempt.
RCW 42.45.100 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 45 / Section 100
RCW 42.45.100: Notarial act under authority of federally recognized Indian tribe.
Status: in_force

(1) A notarial act performed under the authority and in the jurisdiction of a federally recognized Indian tribe has the same effect as if performed by a notarial officer of this state, if the act performed in the jurisdiction of the tribe is performed by: (a) A notary public of the tribe; (b) A judge, clerk, or deputy clerk of a court of the tribe; or (c) Any other individual authorized by the law of the tribe to perform the notarial act. (2) The signature and title of an individual performing a notarial act under the authority of and in the jurisdiction of a federally recognized Indian tribe are prima facie evidence that the signature is genuine and that the individual holds the designated title. (3) The signature and title of a notarial officer described in subsection (1)(a) through (c) of this section conclusively establishes the authority of the officer to perform the notarial act.
RCW 42.52.350 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 52 / Section 350
RCW 42.52.350: Executive ethics board.
Status: in_force

(1) The executive ethics board is created, composed of five members, appointed by the governor as follows: (a) One member shall be a classified service employee as defined in chapter 41.06 RCW; (b) One member shall be a state officer or state employee in an exempt position; (c) One member shall be a citizen selected from a list of three names submitted by the attorney general; (d) One member shall be a citizen selected from a list of three names submitted by the state auditor; and (e) One member shall be a citizen selected at large by the governor. (2) Except for initial members and members completing partial terms, members shall serve a single five-year term. (3) No more than three members may be identified with the same political party. (4) Terms of initial board members shall be staggered as follows: One member shall be appointed to a one-year term; one member shall be appointed to a two-year term; one member shall be appointed to a three-year term; one member shall be appointed to a four-year term; and one member shall be appointed to a five-year term. (5) A vacancy on the board shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. (6) Each member shall serve for the term of his or her appointment and until his or her successor is appointed. (7) The members shall annually select a chair from among themselves. (8) Staff shall be provided by the office of the attorney general.
RCW 42.56.320 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 56 / Section 320
RCW 42.56.320: Educational information.
Status: in_force

The following educational information is exempt from disclosure under this chapter: (1) Financial disclosures filed by private vocational schools under chapters 28B.85 and 28C.10 RCW; (2) Financial and commercial information supplied by or on behalf of a person, firm, corporation, or entity under chapter 28B.95 RCW relating to the purchase or sale of tuition units and contracts for the purchase of multiple tuition units; (3) Individually identifiable information received by the workforce training and education coordinating board for research or evaluation purposes; (4) Except for public records as defined in RCW 40.14.010 , any records or documents obtained by a state college, university, library, or archive through or concerning any gift, grant, conveyance, bequest, or devise, the terms of which restrict or regulate public access to those records or documents; and (5) The annual declaration of intent filed by parents under RCW 28A.200.010 for a child to receive home-based instruction.
RCW 42.52.805 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 52 / Section 805
RCW 42.52.805: Solicitation for charitable activities of executive branch state employees—Limitations—Definitions.
Status: in_force

(1) When soliciting gifts, grants, or donations solely to support the charitable activities of executive branch state employees conducted pursuant to RCW 9.46.0209 , the executive branch state officers and executive branch state employees are presumed not to be in violation of the solicitation and receipt of gift provisions in RCW 42.52.150 (3). However, the gifts, grants, or donations must only be solicited from state employees or businesses and organizations that have no business dealings with the soliciting employee's agency. For the purposes of this subsection, "business dealings" includes being subject to regulation by the agency, having a contractual relationship with the agency, and purchasing goods or services from the agency. (2) For purposes of this section, activities are deemed to be charitable if the activities are devoted to the purposes authorized under RCW 9.46.0209 for charitable and nonprofit organizations listed in that section, or are in support of the activities of those charitable or nonprofit organizations.
RCW 42.56.280 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 56 / Section 280
RCW 42.56.280: Preliminary drafts, notes, recommendations, intra-agency memorandums.
Status: in_force

Preliminary drafts, notes, recommendations, and intra-agency memorandums in which opinions are expressed or policies formulated or recommended are exempt under this chapter, except that a specific record is not exempt when publicly cited by an agency in connection with any agency action.
RCW 42.08.080 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 08 / Section 080
RCW 42.08.080: Who may bring action on bond.
Status: in_force

Every official bond executed by any officer pursuant to law, shall be in force and obligatory upon the principal and sureties therein, to and for the state of Washington, and to and for the use and benefit of all persons who may be injured or aggrieved by the wrongful act or default of such officer, in his official capacity, and any person so injured or aggrieved may bring suit on such bond in his or her own name without an assignment thereof.
RCW 42.40.040 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 40 / Section 040
RCW 42.40.040: Report of improper governmental action—Investigations and reports by auditor, agency.
Status: in_force

(1)(a) In order to be investigated, an assertion of improper governmental action must be provided to the auditor or other public official within one year after the occurrence of the asserted improper governmental action. The public official, as defined in RCW 42.40.020 , receiving an assertion of improper governmental action must report the assertion to the auditor within fifteen calendar days of receipt of the assertion. The auditor retains sole authority to investigate an assertion of improper governmental action including those made to a public official. A failure of the public official to report the assertion to the auditor within fifteen days does not impair the rights of the whistleblower. (b) Except as provided under RCW 42.40.910 for legislative and judicial branches of government, the auditor has the authority to determine whether to investigate any assertions received. In determining whether to conduct either a preliminary or further investigation, the auditor shall consider factors including, but not limited to: The nature and quality of evidence and the existence of relevant laws and rules; whether the action was isolated or systematic; the history of previous assertions regarding the same subject or subjects or subject matter; whether other avenues are available for addressing the matter; whether the matter has already been investigated or is in litigation; the seriousness or significance of the asserted improper governmental action; and the cost and benefit of the investigation. The auditor has the sole discretion to determine the priority and weight given to these and other relevant factors and to decide whether a matter is to be investigated. The auditor shall document the factors considered and the analysis applied. (c) The auditor also has the authority to investigate assertions of improper governmental actions as part of an audit conducted under chapter 43.09 RCW. The auditor shall document the reasons for handling the matter as part of such an audit. (2) Subject to subsection (5)(c) of this section, the identity or identifying characteristics of a whistleblower is confidential at all times unless the whistleblower consents to disclosure by written waiver or by acknowledging his or her identity in a claim against the state for retaliation. In addition, the identity or identifying characteristics of any person who in good faith provides information in an investigation under this section is confidential at all times, unless the person consents to disclosure by written waiver or by acknowledging his or her identity as a witness who provides information in an investigation. (3) Upon receiving specific information that an employee has engaged in improper governmental action, the auditor shall, within fifteen working days of receipt of the information, mail written acknowledgment to the whistleblower at the address provided stating whether a preliminary investigation will be conducted. For a period not to exceed sixty working days from receipt of the assertion, the auditor shall conduct such preliminary investigation of the matter as the auditor deems appropriate. (4) In addition to the authority under subsection (3) of this section, the auditor may, on its own initiative, investigate incidents of improper state governmental action. (5)(a) If it appears to the auditor, upon completion of the preliminary investigation, that the matter is so unsubstantiated that no further investigation, prosecution, or administrative action is warranted, the auditor shall so notify the whistleblower summarizing where the allegations are deficient, and provide a reasonable opportunity to reply. Such notification may be by electronic means. (b) The written notification shall contain a summary of the information received and of the results of the preliminary investigation with regard to each assertion of improper governmental action. (c) In any case to which this section applies, the identity or identifying characteristics of the whistleblower shall be kept confidential unless the auditor determines that the information has been provided other than in good faith. If the auditor makes such a determination, the auditor shall provide reasonable advance notice to the employee. (d) With the agency's consent, the auditor may forward the assertions to an appropriate agency to investigate and report back to the auditor no later than sixty working days after the assertions are received from the auditor. The auditor is entitled to all investigative records resulting from such a referral. All procedural and confidentiality provisions of this chapter apply to investigations conducted under this subsection. The auditor shall document the reasons the assertions were referred. (6) During the preliminary investigation, the auditor shall provide written notification of the nature of the assertions to the subject or subjects of the investigation and the agency head. The notification shall include the relevant facts and laws known at the time and the procedure for the subject or subjects of the investigation and the agency head to respond to the assertions and information obtained during the investigation. This notification does not limit the auditor from considering additional facts or laws which become known during further investigation. (a) If it appears to the auditor after completion of the preliminary investigation that further investigation, prosecution, or administrative action is warranted, the auditor shall so notify the whistleblower, the subject or subjects of the investigation, and the agency head and either conduct a further investigation or issue a report under subsection (9) of this section. (b) If the preliminary investigation resulted from an anonymous assertion, a decision to conduct further investigation shall be subject to review by a three-person panel convened as necessary by the auditor prior to the commencement of any additional investigation. The panel shall include a state auditor representative knowledgeable of the subject agency operations, a citizen volunteer, and a representative of the attorney general's office. This group shall be briefed on the preliminary investigation and shall recommend whether the auditor should proceed with further investigation. (c) If further investigation is to occur, the auditor shall provide written notification of the nature of the assertions to the subject or subjects of the investigation and the agency head. The notification shall include the relevant facts known at the time and the procedure to be used by the subject or subjects of the investigation and the agency head to respond to the assertions and information obtained during the investigation. (7) Within sixty working days after the preliminary investigation period in subsection (3) of this section, the auditor shall complete the investigation and report its findings to the whistleblower unless written justification for the delay is furnished to the whistleblower, agency head, and subject or subjects of the investigation. In all such cases, the report of the auditor's investigation and findings shall be sent to the whistleblower within one year after the information was filed under subsection (3) of this section. (8)(a) At any stage of an investigation under this section the auditor may require by subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of documentary or other evidence relating to the investigation at any designated place in the state. The auditor may issue subpoenas, administer oaths, examine witnesses, and receive evidence. In the case of contumacy or failure to obey a subpoena, the superior court for the county in which the person to whom the subpoena is addressed resides or is served may issue an order requiring the person to appear at any designated place to testify or to produce documentary or other evidence. Any failure to obey the order of the court may be punished by the court as a contempt thereof. (b) The auditor may order the taking of depositions at any stage of a proceeding or investigation under this chapter. Depositions shall be taken before an individual designated by the auditor and having the power to administer oaths. Testimony shall be reduced to writing by or under the direction of the individual taking the deposition and shall be subscribed by the deponent. (c) Agencies shall cooperate fully in the investigation and shall take appropriate action to preclude the destruction of any evidence during the course of the investigation. (d) During the investigation the auditor shall interview each subject of the investigation. If it is determined there is reasonable cause to believe improper governmental action has occurred, the subject or subjects and the agency head shall be given fifteen working days to respond to the assertions prior to the issuance of the final report. (9)(a) If the auditor determines there is reasonable cause to believe an employee has engaged in improper governmental action, the auditor shall report, to the extent allowable under existing public disclosure laws, the nature and details of the activity to: (i) The subject or subjects of the investigation and the head of the employing agency; (ii) If appropriate, the attorney general or such other authority as the auditor determines appropriate; (iii) Electronically to the governor, secretary of the senate, and chief clerk of the house of representatives; and (iv) Except for information whose release is specifically prohibited by statute or executive order, the public through the public file of whistleblower reports maintained by the auditor. (b) The auditor has no enforcement power except that in any case in which the auditor submits an investigative report containing reasonable cause determinations to the agency, the agency shall send its plan for resolution to the auditor within fifteen working days of having received the report. The agency is encouraged to consult with the subject or subjects of the investigation in establishing the resolution plan. The auditor may require periodic reports of agency action until all resolution has occurred. If the auditor determines that appropriate action has not been taken, the auditor shall report the determination to the governor and to the legislature and may include this determination in the agency audit under chapter 43.09 RCW. (10) Once the auditor concludes that appropriate action has been taken to resolve the matter, the auditor shall so notify the whistleblower, the agency head, and the subject or subjects of the investigation. If the resolution takes more than one year, the auditor shall provide annual notification of its status to the whistleblower, agency head, and subject or subjects of the investigation. (11) Failure to cooperate with such audit or investigation, or retaliation against anyone who assists the auditor by engaging in activity protected by this chapter shall be reported as a separate finding with recommendations for corrective action in the associated report whenever it occurs. (12) This section does not limit any authority conferred upon the attorney general or any other agency of government to investigate any matter.
RCW 42.56.570 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 56 / Section 570
RCW 42.56.570: Explanatory pamphlet—Advisory model rules—Consultation and training services.
Status: in_force

(1) The attorney general's office shall publish, and update when appropriate, a pamphlet, written in plain language, explaining this chapter. (2) The attorney general, by February 1, 2006, shall adopt by rule advisory model rules for state and local agencies, as defined in RCW 42.56.010 , addressing the following subjects: (a) Providing fullest assistance to requestors; (b) Fulfilling large requests in the most efficient manner; (c) Fulfilling requests for electronic records; and (d) Any other issues pertaining to public disclosure as determined by the attorney general. (3) The attorney general, in his or her discretion, may from time to time revise the model rules. (4) Local agencies should consult the advisory model rules when establishing local ordinances for compliance with the requirements and responsibilities of this chapter. (5) The attorney general must establish a consultation program to provide information for developing best practices for local agencies requesting assistance in compliance with this chapter including, but not limited to: Responding to records requests, seeking additional public and private resources for developing and updating technology information services, and mitigating liability and costs of compliance. The attorney general may develop the program in conjunction with the advisory model rule and may collaborate with the chief information officer, the state archivist, and other relevant agencies and organizations in developing and managing the program. (6) The state archivist must offer and provide consultation and training services for local agencies on improving record retention practices.
RCW 42.52.800 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 52 / Section 800
RCW 42.52.800: Exemptions—Solicitation for state capitol historic furnishings and preservation and restoration of state legislative building.
Status: in_force

(1) When soliciting charitable gifts, grants, or donations solely for the limited purposes of RCW 27.48.040 , members of the capitol furnishings preservation committee are exempt from the laws of this chapter. (2) When soliciting charitable gifts, grants, or donations solely for the limited purposes of RCW 27.48.050 or when assisting a nonprofit foundation established for the purposes of RCW 27.48.050 , state officers and state employees are exempt from the laws of this chapter.
RCW 42.45.240 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 45 / Section 240
RCW 42.45.240: Validity of notarial acts.
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in RCW 42.45.020 (2), the failure of a notarial officer to perform a duty or meet a requirement specified in this chapter does not invalidate a notarial act performed by the notarial officer. The validity of a notarial act under this chapter does not prevent an aggrieved person from seeking to invalidate the record or transaction that is the subject of the notarial act or from seeking other remedies based on law of this state other than this chapter or law of the United States. This section does not validate a purported notarial act performed by an individual who does not have the authority to perform notarial acts. Nothing in chapter 281, Laws of 2017 gives the director authority to invalidate a notarial act.
RCW 42.56.403 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 56 / Section 403
RCW 42.56.403: Property and casualty insurance statements of actuarial opinion.
Status: in_force

Documents, materials, and information obtained by the insurance commissioner under RCW 48.05.385 (2) are confidential and privileged and not subject to public disclosure under this chapter.
RCW 42.36.020 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 36 / Section 020
RCW 42.36.020: Members of local decision-making bodies.
Status: in_force

No member of a local decision-making body may be disqualified by the appearance of fairness doctrine for conducting the business of his or her office with any constituent on any matter other than a quasi-judicial action then pending before the local legislative body.
RCW 42.56.375 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 56 / Section 375
RCW 42.56.375: Sexual misconduct—Postsecondary educational institutions—Personal information of witnesses and victims.
Status: in_force

(1) For the purposes of RCW 28B.112.040 through 28B.112.080 regarding postsecondary educational institutions, personal identifying information in an employee personnel file, student file, investigation file, settlement agreement, or other files held by a postsecondary educational institution that reveals the identity of witnesses to or victims of sexual misconduct committed at the postsecondary educational institution by an employee of the institution are exempt from public disclosure and copying. If the victim or witness indicates a desire for disclosure of the victim's or witness' personal identifying information, such desire shall govern. (2) For purposes of this section, "witness" does not mean an employee under investigation for allegations of sexual misconduct.
RCW 42.30.910 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 30 / Section 910
RCW 42.30.910: Construction—1971 ex.s. c 250.
Status: in_force

The purposes of this chapter are hereby declared remedial and shall be liberally construed.
RCW 42.17A.125 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 17A / Section 125
RCW 42.17A.125: Revising monetary contribution limits, reporting thresholds, and code values.
Status: in_force

At least once every five years, but no more often than every two years, the commission must consider whether to revise the monetary contribution limits and reporting thresholds and code values of this chapter. If the commission chooses to make revisions, the revisions shall be only for the purpose of recognizing economic changes as reflected by an inflationary index recommended by the office of financial management, and may be rounded off to amounts as determined by the commission to be most accessible for public understanding. The revisions shall be guided by the change in the index for the period commencing with the month of December preceding the last revision and concluding with the month of December preceding the month the revision is adopted. As to each of the three general categories of this chapter, reports of campaign finance, reports of lobbyist activity, and reports of the financial affairs of elected and appointed officials, the revisions shall equally affect all thresholds within each category. The revisions authorized by this subsection shall reflect economic changes from the time of the last legislative enactment affecting the respective code or threshold. Revisions made in accordance with this section shall be adopted as rules in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW.
RCW 42.30.050 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 30 / Section 050
RCW 42.30.050: Interruptions—Procedure.
Status: in_force

In the event that any meeting is interrupted by a group or groups of persons so as to render the orderly conduct of such meeting unfeasible and order cannot be restored by the removal of individuals who are interrupting the meeting, the members of the governing body conducting the meeting may order the meeting room cleared and continue in session or may adjourn the meeting and reconvene at another location selected by majority vote of the members. In such a session, final disposition may be taken only on matters appearing on the agenda. Representatives of the press or other news media, except those participating in the disturbance, shall be allowed to attend any session held pursuant to this section. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the governing body from establishing a procedure for readmitting an individual or individuals not responsible for disturbing the orderly conduct of the meeting. Nothing in this section prohibits the governing body from stopping people from speaking to the governing body when not recognized by the governing body to speak.
RCW 42.17A.105 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 17A / Section 105
RCW 42.17A.105: Commission—Duties.
Status: in_force

The commission shall: (1) Develop and provide forms for the reports and statements required to be made under this chapter; (2) Prepare and publish a manual setting forth recommended uniform methods of bookkeeping and reporting for use by persons required to make reports and statements under this chapter; (3) Compile and maintain a current list of all filed reports and statements; (4) Investigate whether properly completed statements and reports have been filed within the times required by this chapter; (5) Upon complaint or upon its own motion, investigate and report apparent violations of this chapter to the appropriate law enforcement authorities; (6) Conduct a sufficient number of audits and field investigations to provide a statistically valid finding regarding the degree of compliance with the provisions of this chapter by all required filers. Any documents, records, reports, computer files, papers, or materials provided to the commission for use in conducting audits and investigations must be returned to the candidate, campaign, or political committee from which they were received within one week of the commission's completion of an audit or field investigation; (7) Prepare and publish an annual report to the governor as to the effectiveness of this chapter and its enforcement by appropriate law enforcement authorities; (8) Enforce this chapter according to the powers granted it by law; (9) Adopt rules governing the arrangement, handling, indexing, and disclosing of those reports required by this chapter to be filed with a county auditor or county elections official. The rules shall: (a) Ensure ease of access by the public to the reports; and (b) Include, but not be limited to, requirements for indexing the reports by the names of candidates or political committees and by the ballot proposition for or against which a political committee is receiving contributions or making expenditures; (10) Adopt rules to carry out the policies of chapter 348, Laws of 2006. The adoption of these rules is not subject to the time restrictions of RCW 42.17A.110 (1); (11) Adopt administrative rules establishing requirements for filer participation in any system designed and implemented by the commission for the electronic filing of reports; and (12) Maintain and make available to the public and political committees of this state a toll-free telephone number.
RCW 42.17A.207 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 17A / Section 207
RCW 42.17A.207: Statement of organization by incidental committees.
Status: in_force

(1)(a) An incidental committee must file a statement of organization with the commission within two weeks after the date the committee first: (i) Has the expectation of making any expenditures aggregating at least twenty-five thousand dollars in a calendar year in any election campaign, or to a political committee; and (ii) Is required to disclose a payment received under RCW 42.17A.240 (2)(d). (b) If an incidental committee first meets the criteria requiring filing a statement of organization as specified in (a) of this subsection in the last three weeks before an election, then it must file the statement of organization within three business days. (2) The statement of organization must include but is not limited to: (a) The name, address, and electronic contact information of the committee; (b) The names and addresses of all related or affiliated political or incidental committees or other persons, and the nature of the relationship or affiliation; (c) The names, addresses, and titles of its officers; or if it has no officers, the names, addresses, and titles of its responsible leaders and the name of the person designated as the treasurer of the incidental committee; (d) The name, office sought, and party affiliation of each candidate whom the committee is supporting or opposing if the committee contributes directly to a candidate and, if donating to a political committee, the name and address of that political committee; (e) The ballot proposition concerned, if any, and whether the committee is in favor of or opposed to such proposition; and (f) Such other information as the commission may by rule prescribe, in keeping with the policies and purposes of this chapter. (3) Any material change in information previously submitted in a statement of organization must be reported to the commission within the ten days following the change.
RCW 42.56.620 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 56 / Section 620
RCW 42.56.620: Cannabis research licensee reports.
Status: in_force

Reports submitted by cannabis research licensees in accordance with rules adopted by the state liquor and cannabis board under RCW 69.50.372 that contain proprietary information are exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
RCW 42.56.080 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 56 / Section 080
RCW 42.56.080: Identifiable records—Facilities for copying—Availability of public records.
Status: in_force

(1)(a) A public records request must be for identifiable records. A request for all or substantially all records prepared, owned, used, or retained by an agency is not a valid request for identifiable records under this chapter, provided that a request for all records regarding a particular topic or containing a particular keyword or name shall not be considered a request for all of an agency's records. (b) A request for a recording required to be maintained by a school district board of directors under RCW 42.30.035 (2) shall only be considered a valid request for an identifiable record when the date of the recording, or a range of dates, is specified in the request. When searching for and providing identifiable recordings, no search criteria except date must be considered by the school district. (2) Public records shall be available for inspection and copying, and agencies shall, upon request for identifiable public records, make them promptly available to any person including, if applicable, on a partial or installment basis as records that are part of a larger set of requested records are assembled or made ready for inspection or disclosure. Agencies shall not deny a request for identifiable public records solely on the basis that the request is overbroad. Agencies shall not distinguish among persons requesting records, and such persons shall not be required to provide information as to the purpose for the request except to establish whether inspection and copying would violate RCW 42.56.070 (8) or 42.56.240 (14), or other statute which exempts or prohibits disclosure of specific information or records to certain persons. Agency facilities shall be made available to any person for the copying of public records except when and to the extent that this would unreasonably disrupt the operations of the agency. Agencies shall honor requests received in person during an agency's normal office hours, or by mail or email, for identifiable public records unless exempted by provisions of this chapter. No official format is required for making a records request; however, agencies may recommend that requestors submit requests using an agency provided form or web page. (3) An agency may deny a bot request that is one of multiple requests from the requestor to the agency within a twenty-four hour period, if the agency establishes that responding to the multiple requests would cause excessive interference with other essential functions of the agency. For purposes of this subsection, "bot request" means a request for public records that an agency reasonably believes was automatically generated by a computer program or script.
RCW 42.40.020 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 40 / Section 020
RCW 42.40.020: Definitions.
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, the terms defined in this section shall have the meanings indicated unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (1) "Auditor" means the office of the state auditor. (2) "Employee" means any individual employed or holding office in any department or agency of state government. (3) "Good faith" means the individual providing the information or report of improper governmental activity has a reasonable basis in fact for reporting or providing the information. An individual who knowingly provides or reports, or who reasonably ought to know he or she is providing or reporting, malicious, false, or frivolous information, or information that is provided with reckless disregard for the truth, or who knowingly omits relevant information is not acting in good faith. (4) "Gross mismanagement" means the exercise of management responsibilities in a manner grossly deviating from the standard of care or competence that a reasonable person would observe in the same situation. (5) "Gross waste of funds" means to spend or use funds or to allow funds to be used without valuable result in a manner grossly deviating from the standard of care or competence that a reasonable person would observe in the same situation. (6)(a) "Improper governmental action" means any action by an employee undertaken in the performance of the employee's official duties: (i) Which is a gross waste of public funds or resources as defined in this section; (ii) Which is in violation of federal or state law or rule, if the violation is not merely technical or of a minimum nature; (iii) Which is of substantial and specific danger to the public health or safety; (iv) Which is gross mismanagement; (v) Which prevents the dissemination of scientific opinion or alters technical findings without scientifically valid justification, unless state law or a common law privilege prohibits disclosure. This provision is not meant to preclude the discretion of agency management to adopt a particular scientific opinion or technical finding from among differing opinions or technical findings to the exclusion of other scientific opinions or technical findings. Nothing in this subsection prevents or impairs a state agency's or public official's ability to manage its public resources or its employees in the performance of their official job duties. This subsection does not apply to de minimis, technical disagreements that are not relevant for otherwise improper governmental activity. Nothing in this provision requires the auditor to contract or consult with external experts regarding the scientific validity, invalidity, or justification of a finding or opinion; or (vi) Which violates the administrative procedure act or analogous provisions of law that prohibit ex parte communication regarding cases or matters pending in which an agency is party between the agency's employee and a presiding officer, hearing officer, or an administrative law judge. The availability of other avenues for addressing ex parte communication by agency employees does not bar an investigation by the auditor. (b) "Improper governmental action" does not include personnel actions, for which other remedies exist, including but not limited to employee grievances, complaints, appointments, promotions, transfers, assignments, reassignments, reinstatements, restorations, reemployments, performance evaluations, reductions in pay, dismissals, suspensions, demotions, violations of the state civil service law, alleged labor agreement violations, reprimands, claims of discriminatory treatment, or any action which may be taken under chapter 41.06 RCW, or other disciplinary action except as provided in RCW 42.40.030 . (7) "Public official" means the attorney general's designee or designees; the director, or equivalent thereof in the agency where the employee works; an appropriate number of individuals designated to receive whistleblower reports by the head of each agency; or the executive ethics board. (8) "Substantial and specific danger" means a risk of serious injury, illness, peril, or loss, to which the exposure of the public is a gross deviation from the standard of care or competence which a reasonable person would observe in the same situation. (9) "Use of official authority or influence" includes threatening, taking, directing others to take, recommending, processing, or approving any personnel action such as an appointment, promotion, transfer, assignment including but not limited to duties and office location, reassignment, reinstatement, restoration, reemployment, performance evaluation, determining any material changes in pay, provision of training or benefits, tolerance of a hostile work environment, or any adverse action under chapter 41.06 RCW, or other disciplinary action. (10)(a) "Whistleblower" means: (i) An employee who in good faith reports alleged improper governmental action to the auditor or other public official, as defined in subsection (7) of this section; or (ii) An employee who is perceived by the employer as reporting, whether they did or not, alleged improper governmental action to the auditor or other public official, as defined in subsection (7) of this section. (b) For purposes of the provisions of this chapter and chapter 49.60 RCW relating to reprisals and retaliatory action, the term "whistleblower" also means: (i) An employee who in good faith provides information to the auditor or other public official, as defined in subsection (7) of this section, and an employee who is believed to have reported asserted improper governmental action to the auditor or other public official, as defined in subsection (7) of this section, or to have provided information to the auditor or other public official, as defined in subsection (7) of this section, but who, in fact, has not reported such action or provided such information; or (ii) An employee who in good faith identifies rules warranting review or provides information to the rules review committee, and an employee who is believed to have identified rules warranting review or provided information to the rules review committee but who, in fact, has not done so.
RCW 42.17A.305 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 17A / Section 305
RCW 42.17A.305: Report—Information required—Time—Method—By whom—Penalty.
Status: in_force

(1) A payment for or promise to pay for any electioneering communication shall be reported to the commission by the sponsor on forms the commission shall develop by rule to include, at a minimum, the following information: (a) Name and address of the sponsor; (b) Source of funds for the communication, including: (i) General treasury funds. The name and address of businesses, unions, groups, associations, or other organizations using general treasury funds for the communication, however, if a business, union, group, association, or other organization undertakes a special solicitation of its members or other persons for an electioneering communication, or it otherwise receives funds for an electioneering communication, that entity shall report pursuant to (b)(ii) of this subsection; (ii) Special solicitations and other funds. The name, address, and, for individuals, occupation and employer, of a person whose funds were used to pay for the electioneering communication, along with the amount, if such funds from the person have exceeded two hundred fifty dollars in the aggregate for the electioneering communication; (iii) A statement from the sponsor that: (A) The electioneering communication is not financed in any part by a foreign national; and (B) Foreign nationals are not involved in making decisions regarding the electioneering communication in any way; and (iv) Any other source information required or exempted by the commission by rule; (c) Name and address of the person to whom an electioneering communication related expenditure was made; (d) A detailed description of each expenditure of more than one hundred dollars; (e) The date the expenditure was made and the date the electioneering communication was first broadcast, transmitted, mailed, erected, distributed, or otherwise published; (f) The amount of the expenditure; (g) The name of each candidate clearly identified in the electioneering communication, the office being sought by each candidate, and the amount of the expenditure attributable to each candidate; and (h) Any other information the commission may require or exempt by rule. (2) Electioneering communications shall be reported as follows: The sponsor of an electioneering communication shall report to the commission within twenty-four hours of, or on the first working day after, the date the electioneering communication is broadcast, transmitted, mailed, erected, distributed, digitally or otherwise, or otherwise published. (3) Electioneering communications shall be reported electronically by the sponsor using software provided or approved by the commission. The commission may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis for a sponsor who lacks the technological ability to file reports using the electronic means provided or approved by the commission. (4) All persons required to report under RCW 42.17A.225 , 42.17A.235 , 42.17A.240 , and 42.17A.255 are subject to the requirements of this section, although the commission may determine by rule that persons filing according to those sections may be exempt from reporting some of the information otherwise required by this section. The commission may determine that reports filed pursuant to this section also satisfy the requirements of RCW 42.17A.255 and 42.17A.260 . (5) Failure of any sponsor to report electronically under this section shall be a violation of this chapter.
RCW 42.16.030 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 16 / Section 030
RCW 42.16.030: Disposition of fees.
Status: in_force

All officers enumerated in *this section, who are paid a salary in lieu of fees, shall collect the fees herein prescribed for the use of the state or county, as the case may be, and shall pay the same into the state or county treasury, as the case may be, on the first Monday of each month.Except as provided elsewhere in this section, in every county there shall be elected from among the qualified voters of the county a county assessor, a county auditor, a county clerk, a county coroner, three county commissioners, a county prosecuting attorney, a county sheriff, and a county treasurer, except that in each county with a population of less than forty thousand the county legislative authority may determine that no coroner shall be elected and instead appoint a coroner. In a county with a population of two hundred fifty thousand or more, the county legislative authority may replace the office of coroner with a medical examiner system and appoint a medical examiner as specified in RCW 36.24.190 . Any county may enter into an interlocal agreement under chapter 39.34 RCW with an adjoining county for the provision of coroner or medical examiner services. A noncharter county may have five county commissioners as provided in RCW 36.32.010 and 36.32.055 through * 36.32.0558 .
RCW 42.20.070 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 20 / Section 070
RCW 42.20.070: Misappropriation and falsification of accounts by public officer.
Status: in_force

Every public officer, and every other person receiving money on behalf or for or on account of the people of the state or of any department of the state government or of any bureau or fund created by law in which the people are directly or indirectly interested, or for or on account of any county, city, town, or any school, diking, drainage, or irrigation district, who: (1) Appropriates to his or her own use or the use of any person not entitled thereto, without authority of law, any money so received by him or her as such officer or otherwise; or (2) Knowingly keeps any false account, or makes any false entry or erasure in any account, of or relating to any money so received by him or her; or (3) Fraudulently alters, falsifies, conceals, destroys, or obliterates any such account; or (4) Willfully omits or refuses to pay over to the state, its officer or agent authorized by law to receive the same, or to such county, city, town, or such school, diking, drainage, or irrigation district or to the proper officer or authority empowered to demand and receive the same, any money received by him or her as such officer when it is a duty imposed upon him or her by law to pay over and account for the same, is guilty of a class B felony and shall be punished by imprisonment in a state correctional facility for not more than fifteen years.
RCW 42.52.080 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 52 / Section 080
RCW 42.52.080: Employment after public service.
Status: in_force

(1) No former state officer or state employee may, within a period of one year from the date of termination of state employment, accept employment or receive compensation from an employer if: (a) The officer or employee, during the two years immediately preceding termination of state employment, was engaged in the negotiation or administration on behalf of the state or agency of one or more contracts with that employer and was in a position to make discretionary decisions affecting the outcome of such negotiation or the nature of such administration; (b) Such a contract or contracts have a total value of more than ten thousand dollars; and (c) The duties of the employment with the employer or the activities for which the compensation would be received include fulfilling or implementing, in whole or in part, the provisions of such a contract or contracts or include the supervision or control of actions taken to fulfill or implement, in whole or in part, the provisions of such a contract or contracts. This subsection shall not be construed to prohibit a state officer or state employee from accepting employment with a state employee organization. (2) No person who has served as a state officer or state employee may, within a period of two years following the termination of state employment, have a beneficial interest in a contract or grant that was expressly authorized or funded by specific legislative or executive action in which the former state officer or state employee participated. (3) No former state officer or state employee may accept an offer of employment or receive compensation from an employer if the officer or employee knows or has reason to believe that the offer of employment or compensation was intended, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, to influence the officer or employee or as compensation or reward for the performance or nonperformance of a duty by the officer or employee during the course of state employment. (4) No former state officer or state employee may accept an offer of employment or receive compensation from an employer if the circumstances would lead a reasonable person to believe the offer has been made, or compensation given, for the purpose of influencing the performance or nonperformance of duties by the officer or employee during the course of state employment. (5) No former state officer or state employee may at any time subsequent to his or her state employment assist another person, whether or not for compensation, in any transaction involving the state in which the former state officer or state employee at any time participated during state employment. This subsection shall not be construed to prohibit any employee or officer of a state employee organization from rendering assistance to state officers or state employees in the course of employee organization business. (6) As used in this section, "employer" means a person as defined in RCW 42.52.010 or any other entity or business that the person owns or in which the person has a controlling interest. For purposes of subsection (1) of this section, the term "employer" does not include a successor organization to the rural development council under chapter 43.31 RCW.
RCW 42.36.010 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 36 / Section 010
RCW 42.36.010: Local land use decisions.
Status: in_force

Application of the appearance of fairness doctrine to local land use decisions shall be limited to the quasi-judicial actions of local decision-making bodies as defined in this section. Quasi-judicial actions of local decision-making bodies are those actions of the legislative body, planning commission, hearing examiner, zoning adjuster, board of adjustment, or boards which determine the legal rights, duties, or privileges of specific parties in a hearing or other contested case proceeding. Quasi-judicial actions do not include the legislative actions adopting, amending, or revising comprehensive, community, or neighborhood plans or other land use planning documents or the adoption of area-wide zoning ordinances or the adoption of a zoning amendment that is of area-wide significance.
RCW 42.17A.220 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 17A / Section 220
RCW 42.17A.220: Deposit of contributions—Investment—Unidentified contributions.
Status: in_force

(1) All monetary contributions received by a candidate or political committee shall be deposited by candidates, political committee members, paid staff, or treasurers in a depository in an account established and designated for that purpose. Such deposits shall be made within five business days of receipt of the contribution. For online or credit card contributions, the contribution is considered received at the time the transfer is made from the merchant account to a candidate or political committee account, except that a contribution made to a candidate who is a state official or legislator outside the restriction period established in RCW 42.17A.560 , but transferred to the candidate's account within the restricted period, is considered received outside of the restriction period. (2) Political committees that support or oppose more than one candidate or ballot proposition, or exist for more than one purpose, may maintain multiple separate bank accounts within the same designated depository for such purpose only if: (a) Each such account bears the same name; (b) Each such account is followed by an appropriate designation that accurately identifies its separate purpose; and (c) Transfers of funds that must be reported under *RCW 42.17A.240 (5) are not made from more than one such account. (3) Nothing in this section prohibits a candidate or political committee from investing funds on hand in a depository in bonds, certificates, or tax-exempt securities, or in savings accounts or other similar instruments in financial institutions, or in mutual funds other than the depository but only if: (a) The commission is notified in writing of the initiation and the termination of the investment; and (b) The principal of such investment, when terminated together with all interest, dividends, and income derived from the investment, is deposited in the depository in the account from which the investment was made and properly reported to the commission before any further disposition or expenditure. (4) Accumulated unidentified contributions, other than those made by persons whose names must be maintained on a separate and private list by a political committee's treasurer pursuant to RCW 42.17A.240 (2), in excess of one percent of the total accumulated contributions received in the current calendar year, or three hundred dollars, whichever is more, may not be deposited, used, or expended, but shall be returned to the donor if his or her identity can be ascertained. If the donor cannot be ascertained, the contribution shall escheat to the state and shall be paid to the state treasurer for deposit in the state general fund.
RCW 42.30.030 — Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 30 / Section 030
RCW 42.30.030: Meetings declared open and public.
Status: in_force

(1) All meetings of the governing body of a public agency shall be open and public and all persons shall be permitted to attend any meeting of the governing body of a public agency, except as otherwise provided in this chapter. (2) Public agencies are encouraged to provide for the increased ability of the public to observe and participate in the meetings of governing bodies through real-time telephonic, electronic, internet, or other readily available means of remote access that do not require an additional cost to access the meeting.