reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
WA Rev Code § 42.52.410 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies|Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service.|42.52.410 - Filing complaint—Whistleblower protection—Penalty for reprisal or retaliation.

RCW 42.52.410 Filing complaint—Whistleblower protection—Penalty for reprisal or retaliation.(1) A person may, personally or by his or her attorney, make, sign, and file with the appropriate ethics board a complaint on a form provided by the appropriate ethics board. The complaint shall state the name of the person alleged to have violated this chapter or rules adopted under it and the particulars thereof, and contain such other information as may be required by the appropriate ethics board.(2) If it has reason to believe that any person has been engaged or is engaging in a violation of this chapter or rules adopted under it, an ethics board may issue a complaint.(3)(a) A state employee who files a complaint with the appropriate ethics board shall be afforded the protection afforded to a whistleblower under RCW 42.40.050 and 49.60.210(2), subject to the limitations of RCW 42.40.035 and 42.40.910. An agency, manager, or supervisor may not retaliate against a state employee who, after making a reasonable attempt to ascertain the correctness of the information furnished, files a complaint with the appropriate ethics board.(b) A state employee may not be denied the protections in chapter 42.40 RCW even if the ethics board denies an investigation of the complaint.(4) If a determination is made that a reprisal or retaliatory action has been taken against the state employee, the retaliator may be subject to a civil penalty of up to five thousand dollars.[ 2013 c 190 § 2; 1994 c 154 § 211.]NOTES:Finding—2013 c 190: "The legislature finds that ensuring public trust in government is a priority. The public expects its elected officials and state employees to adhere to the highest ethical standards during their service, and this includes a commitment to full and independent investigations, with proper penalties, in cases where the ethics in public service act is violated." [ 2013 c 190 § 1.]
WA Rev Code § 42.52.420 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies|Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service.|42.52.420 - Investigation.

RCW 42.52.420 Investigation.(1) After the filing of any complaint, except as provided in RCW 42.52.450, the staff of the appropriate ethics board shall investigate the complaint. The ethics board may request the assistance of the office of the attorney general or a contract investigator in conducting its investigation.(2) The results of the investigation shall be reduced to writing and the staff shall either make a determination that the complaint should be dismissed pursuant to RCW 42.52.425, or recommend to the board that there is or that there is not reasonable cause to believe that a violation of this chapter or rules adopted under it has been or is being committed.(3) The board's determination on reasonable cause shall be provided to the complainant and to the person named in such complaint.(4) The identity of a person filing a complaint under RCW 42.52.410(1) is exempt from public disclosure, as provided in RCW 42.56.240.[ 2013 c 190 § 4; 2000 c 211 § 1; 1994 c 154 § 212.]NOTES:Finding—2013 c 190: See note following RCW 42.52.410.
WA Rev Code § 42.52.425 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies|Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service.|42.52.425 - Dismissal of complaint.

RCW 42.52.425 Dismissal of complaint.(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.[ 2005 c 116 § 1; 2000 c 211 § 2.]
WA Rev Code § 42.52.430 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies|Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service.|42.52.430 - Public hearing—Findings.

RCW 42.52.430 Public hearing—Findings.(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.[ 1994 c 154 § 213.]
WA Rev Code § 42.52.440 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies|Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service.|42.52.440 - Review of order.

RCW 42.52.440 Review of order.Except as otherwise provided by law, reconsideration or judicial review of an ethics board's order that a violation of this chapter or rules adopted under it has occurred shall be governed by the provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW applicable to review of adjudicative proceedings.[ 1994 c 154 § 214.]
WA Rev Code § 42.52.450 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies|Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service.|42.52.450 - Complaint against legislator or statewide elected official.

RCW 42.52.450 Complaint against legislator or statewide elected official.(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.[ 2005 c 116 § 2; 1994 c 154 § 215.]
WA Rev Code § 42.52.460 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies|Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service.|42.52.460 - Citizen actions.

RCW 42.52.460 Citizen actions.Any person who has notified the appropriate ethics board and the attorney general in writing that there is reason to believe that RCW 42.52.180 is being or has been violated may, in the name of the state, bring a citizen action for any of the actions authorized under this chapter. A citizen action may be brought only if the appropriate ethics board or the attorney general have failed to commence an action under this chapter within forty-five days after notice from the person, the person has thereafter notified the appropriate ethics board and the attorney general that the person will commence a citizen's action within ten days upon their failure to commence an action, and the appropriate ethics board and the attorney general have in fact failed to bring an action within ten days of receipt of the second notice. An action is deemed to have been commenced when the appropriate ethics board or the board's executive director accepts a complaint for filing and initiates a preliminary investigation.If the person who brings the citizen's action prevails, the judgment awarded shall escheat to the state, but the person shall be entitled to be reimbursed by the state of Washington for costs and attorneys' fees incurred. If a citizen's action that the court finds was brought without reasonable cause is dismissed, the court may order the person commencing the action to pay all costs of trial and reasonable attorneys' fees incurred by the defendant.Upon commencement of a citizen action under this section, at the request of a state officer or state employee who is a defendant, the office of the attorney general shall represent the defendant if the attorney general finds that the defendant's conduct complied with this chapter and was within the scope of employment.[ 2013 c 190 § 5; 1994 c 154 § 216.]NOTES:Finding—2013 c 190: See note following RCW 42.52.410.
WA Rev Code § 42.52.470 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies|Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service.|42.52.470 - Referral for enforcement.

RCW 42.52.470 Referral for enforcement.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.[ 1994 c 154 § 217.]
WA Rev Code § 42.52.480 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies|Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service.|42.52.480 - Action by boards.

RCW 42.52.480 Action by boards.(1) Except as otherwise provided by law, an ethics board may order payment of the following amounts if it finds a violation of this chapter or rules adopted under it after a hearing under RCW 42.52.370 or other applicable law:(a) Any damages sustained by the state that are caused by the conduct constituting the violation;(b) From each such person, a civil penalty of up to five thousand dollars per violation or three times the economic value of any thing received or sought in violation of this chapter or rules adopted under it, whichever is greater; and(c) Costs, including reasonable investigative costs, which shall be included as part of the limit under (b) of this subsection. The costs may not exceed the penalty imposed. The payment owed on the penalty shall be reduced by the amount of the costs paid.(2) Damages under this section may be enforced in the same manner as a judgment in a civil case.[ 1994 c 154 § 218.]
WA Rev Code § 42.52.490 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies|Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service.|42.52.490 - Action by attorney general.

RCW 42.52.490 Action by attorney general.(1) Upon a written determination by the attorney general that the action of an ethics board was clearly erroneous or if requested by an ethics board, the attorney general may bring a civil action in the superior court of the county in which the violation is alleged to have occurred against a state officer, state employee, former state officer, former state employee, or other person who has violated or knowingly assisted another person in violating any of the provisions of this chapter or the rules adopted under it. In such action the attorney general may recover the following amounts on behalf of the state of Washington:(a) Any damages sustained by the state that are caused by the conduct constituting the violation;(b) From each such person, a civil penalty of up to five thousand dollars per violation or three times the economic value of any thing received or sought in violation of this chapter or the rules adopted under it, whichever is greater; and(c) Costs, including reasonable investigative costs, which shall be included as part of the limit under (b) of this subsection. The costs may not exceed the penalty imposed. The payment owed on the penalty shall be reduced by the amount of the costs paid.(2) In any civil action brought by the attorney general upon the basis that the attorney general has determined that the board's action was clearly erroneous, the court shall not proceed with the action unless the attorney general has first shown, and the court has found, that the action of the board was clearly erroneous.[ 1994 c 154 § 219.]
WA Rev Code § 42.52.500 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies|Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service.|42.52.500 - Optional hearings by administrative law judge.

RCW 42.52.500 Optional hearings by administrative law judge.If an ethics board finds that there is reasonable cause to believe that a violation has occurred, the board shall consider the possibility of the alleged violator having to pay a total amount of penalty and costs of more than five hundred dollars. Based on such consideration, the board may give the person who is the subject of the complaint the option to have an administrative law judge conduct the hearing and rule on procedural and evidentiary matters. The board may also, on its own initiative, provide for retaining an administrative law judge. An ethics board may not require total payment of more than five hundred dollars in penalty and costs in any case where an administrative law judge is not used and the board did not give such option to the person who is the subject of the complaint.[ 1994 c 154 § 220.]
WA Rev Code § 42.52.510 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies|Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service.|42.52.510 - Rescission of state action.

RCW 42.52.510 Rescission of state action.(1) The attorney general may, on request of the governor or the appropriate agency, and in addition to other available rights of rescission, bring an action in the superior court of Thurston county to cancel or rescind state action taken by a state officer or state employee, without liability to the state of Washington, contractual or otherwise, if the governor or ethics board has reason to believe that: (a) A violation of this chapter or rules adopted under it has substantially influenced the state action, and (b) the interest of the state requires the cancellation or rescission. The governor may suspend state action pending the determination of the merits of the controversy under this section. The court may permit persons affected by the governor's actions to post an adequate bond pending such resolution to ensure compliance by the defendant with the final judgment, decree, or other order of the court.(2) This section does not limit other available remedies.[ 1994 c 154 § 221.]
WA Rev Code § 42.52.520 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies|Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service.|42.52.520 - Disciplinary action.

RCW 42.52.520 Disciplinary action.(1) A violation of this chapter or rules adopted under it is grounds for disciplinary action.(2) The procedures for any such action shall correspond to those applicable for disciplinary action for employee misconduct generally; for those state officers and state employees not specifically exempted in chapter 41.06 RCW, the rules set forth in chapter 41.06 RCW shall apply. Any action against the state officer or state employee shall be subject to judicial review to the extent provided by law for disciplinary action for misconduct of state officers and state employees of the same category and grade.[ 1994 c 154 § 222; 1969 ex.s. c 234 § 26. Formerly RCW 42.18.260.]
WA Rev Code § 42.52.530 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies|Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service.|42.52.530 - Additional investigative authority.

RCW 42.52.530 Additional investigative authority.In addition to other authority under this chapter, the attorney general may investigate persons not under the jurisdiction of an ethics board whom the attorney general has reason to believe were involved in transactions in violation of this chapter or rules adopted under it.[ 1994 c 154 § 223.]
WA Rev Code § 42.52.540 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies|Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service.|42.52.540 - Limitations period.

RCW 42.52.540 Limitations period.Any action taken under this chapter must be commenced within five years from the date of the violation. However, if it is shown that the violation was not discovered because of concealment by the person charged, then the action must be commenced within two years from the date the violation was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered: (1) By any person with direct or indirect supervisory responsibilities over the person who allegedly committed the violation; or (2) if no person has direct or indirect supervisory authority over the person who committed the violation, by the appropriate ethics board.[ 1994 c 154 § 224.]
WA Rev Code § 42.52.550 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies|Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service.|42.52.550 - Compensation of ethics boards.

RCW 42.52.550 Compensation of ethics boards.The citizen members of the legislative ethics board and the members of the executive ethics board shall be compensated as provided in RCW 43.03.250 and reimbursed for travel expenses as provided in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060. Legislator members of the legislative ethics board shall be reimbursed as provided in RCW 44.04.120.[ 1994 c 154 § 227.]
WA Rev Code § 42.52.560 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies|Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service.|42.52.560 - Communications from an employee organization or charitable organization—Distribution by state employee.

RCW 42.52.560 Communications from an employee organization or charitable organization—Distribution by state employee.(1) Nothing in this chapter prohibits a state employee from distributing communications from an employee organization or charitable organization to other state employees if the communications do not support or oppose a ballot proposition or candidate for federal, state, or local public office. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize any lobbying activity with public funds beyond the activity permitted by RCW 42.17A.635.(2) "Employee organization," for purposes of this section, means any organization, union, or association in which employees participate and that exists for the purpose of collective bargaining with employers or for the purpose of opposing collective bargaining or certification of a union.[ 2011 c 60 § 33; 2006 c 217 § 1.]NOTES:Effective date—2011 c 60: See RCW 42.17A.919.
WA Rev Code § 42.52.570 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies|Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service.|42.52.570 - Private business activity policy—Department of fish and wildlife—Parks and recreation commission.

RCW 42.52.570 Private business activity policy—Department of fish and wildlife—Parks and recreation commission.(1) The department of fish and wildlife and the parks and recreation commission may approve private business activity in state-owned housing provided under Title 77 RCW or chapter 79A.05 RCW.(2) Prior to granting approval of private business activity in state-owned housing, the department of fish and wildlife and the parks and recreation commission must adopt a private business activity policy that is approved by the executive ethics board. (a) The private business activity policy may only authorize private business activity by the resident state employee while the employee is off duty or the employee's spouse who is approved for residency in the agency housing or the employee's children.(b) The private business activity policy may not allow private business activity that negatively impacts the agency's operations. For the purposes of this section, "negatively impacts" includes but is not limited to: (i) Negative impacts to visitors' services or access; (ii) in-person visits to state-owned housing for the purpose of transacting business that negatively impacts agency operations; (iii) the incurrence of additional expenses by the state; (iv) the use of signage in the state-owned residence; (v) advertising on state-owned property; or (vi) an appearance of state endorsement of the private business activity.(3) The private business activity must comply with all other local, state, and federal laws.(4) All approvals of a private business activity in state-owned housing must be by the agency director or designee in writing.(5) A state employee is presumed not to be in violation of RCW 42.52.070 or 42.52.160 if the employee or the employee's spouse or child complies with this section.[ 2008 c 247 § 1.]
WA Rev Code § 42.52.575 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies|Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service.|42.52.575 - Information about scholarship opportunities.

RCW 42.52.575 Information about scholarship opportunities.This chapter does not prohibit the department of labor and industries from providing information about scholarship opportunities offered by nonprofit organizations and available to children and spouses of workers who suffered an injury in the course of employment resulting in death or permanent total disability. The department of labor and industries may, in its sole discretion, provide information about one or more scholarship opportunities. The cost of printing and inserting materials, any additional mailing costs, and any other related costs must be borne by the scholarship organization.[ 2013 c 134 § 1.]
WA Rev Code § 42.52.800 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies|Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service.|42.52.800 - Exemptions—Solicitation for state capitol historic furnishings and preservation and restoration of state legislative building.

RCW 42.52.800 Exemptions—Solicitation for state capitol historic furnishings and preservation and restoration of state legislative building.(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.[ 2002 c 167 § 3; 1999 c 343 § 4.]NOTES:Findings—Effective date—2002 c 167: See notes following RCW 27.48.050.Findings—Purpose—1999 c 343: See note following RCW 27.48.040.