reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.22 - County Auditor. › 36.22.181 - Surcharge for prosecution of mortgage lending fraud—Transmittal to state treasurer.

RCW 36.22.181
Surcharge for prosecution of mortgage lending fraud—Transmittal to state treasurer. (Expires June 30, 2027.)
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a surcharge of one dollar shall be charged by the county auditor at the time of recording of each deed of trust, which will be in addition to any other charge authorized by law. The auditor may retain up to five percent of the funds collected to administer collection. The remaining funds shall be transmitted monthly to the state treasurer who will deposit the funds into the mortgage lending fraud prosecution account created in RCW 43.320.140. The department of financial institutions is responsible for the distribution of the funds in the account and shall, in consultation with the attorney general and local prosecutors, develop rules for the use of these funds to pursue criminal prosecution of fraudulent activities within the mortgage lending process.
(2) The surcharge imposed in this section does not apply to assignments or substitutions of previously recorded deeds of trust.
(3) This section expires June 30, 2027.
[ 2021 c 31 § 1; 2016 c 7 § 2; 2011 c 129 § 2; 2006 c 21 § 1; 2003 c 289 § 1.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2021 c 31: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [April 14, 2021]." [ 2021 c 31 § 3.]
Effective date—2011 c 129: See note following RCW 43.320.140.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.22 - County Auditor. › 36.22.185 - Covenant homeownership program assessment.

RCW 36.22.185
Covenant homeownership program assessment.
(1) Beginning January 1, 2024, except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the county auditor must collect a covenant homeownership program assessment of $100 for each document recorded, which is in addition to any other charge, surcharge, or assessment allowed by law. The county auditor may retain up to one percent of the moneys for collection of the assessment and must remit the remainder of the moneys to the state treasurer to be deposited in the covenant homeownership account created in RCW 43.181.020.
(2) The assessment imposed in this section does not apply to: (a) Assignments or substitutions of previously recorded deeds of trust; (b) documents recording a birth, marriage, divorce, or death; (c) any recorded documents otherwise exempted from a recording fee or additional assessments under state law; (d) marriage licenses issued by the county auditor; (e) documents recording a name change order under RCW 4.24.130; or (f) documents recording a federal, state, county, city, or water-sewer district, or wage lien or satisfaction of lien.
[ 2023 c 340 § 2.]
NOTES:
Short title—Conflict with federal requirements—2023 c 340: See notes following RCW 43.181.040.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.22 - County Auditor. › 36.22.190 - Distribution of funds.

RCW 36.22.190
Distribution of funds.
After deduction of those costs of the state treasurer that are described under *RCW 36.22.180, the balance of the funds will be distributed to the counties according to the following formula: One-half of the funds available shall be equally distributed among the thirty-nine counties; and the balance will be distributed among the counties in direct proportion to their population as it relates to the total state's population based on the most recent population statistics.
[ 1989 c 204 § 5.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 36.22.180 was repealed by 1991 sp.s. c 13 § 122, effective July 1, 1991.
Findings—1989 c 204: See note following RCW 36.22.160.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.22 - County Auditor. › 36.22.200 - Action for change of name—Filing and recording.

RCW 36.22.200
Action for change of name—Filing and recording.
Upon receipt of the fee and the name change order from the district court as provided in RCW 4.24.130, the county auditor shall file and record the name change order.
[ 1992 c 30 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.22 - County Auditor. › 36.22.210 - Process servers—Registration—Fees.

RCW 36.22.210
Process servers—Registration—Fees.
(1) Each county auditor shall develop a registration process to register process servers required to register under RCW 18.180.010.
(2) The county auditor may collect an annual registration fee from the process server not to exceed ten dollars.
(3) The county auditor shall use a form in the registration process for the purpose of identifying and locating the registrant, including the process server's name, birthdate, and social security number, and the process server's business name, business address, and business telephone number.
(4) The county auditor shall maintain a register of process servers and assign a number to each registrant. Upon renewal of the registration as required in RCW 18.180.020, the auditor shall continue to assign the same registration number. A successor entity composed of one or more registrants shall be permitted to transfer one or more registration numbers to the new entity.
[ 1997 c 41 § 8; 1992 c 125 § 2.]
NOTES:
Construction—1992 c 125: See RCW 18.180.900.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.22 - County Auditor. › 36.22.215 - Process servers—Social security numbers.

RCW 36.22.215
Process servers—Social security numbers.
(1) The legislature finds that the dissemination of social security numbers of process servers is not in the public interest.
(2) A county auditor collecting social security numbers from process servers required to register under RCW 18.180.010 shall not display or release a process server's social security number on any document or website issued or maintained by the auditor. Social security numbers of process servers required to register under RCW 18.180.010 are confidential, are exempt from public inspection and copying, and shall not be disclosed except as otherwise explicitly required to be disclosed under federal law.
[ 2015 c 56 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.22 - County Auditor. › 36.22.220 - Election assistants, deputies—Appointment, qualifications.

RCW 36.22.220
Election assistants, deputies—Appointment, qualifications.
The county auditor of each county, as ex officio supervisor of all primaries and elections, general or special, within the county under Title 29A RCW, may appoint one or more well-qualified persons to act as assistants or deputies; however, not less than two persons of the auditor's office who conduct primaries and elections in the county shall be certified under chapter 29A.04 RCW as elections administrators.
[ 2015 c 53 § 62; 1992 c 163 § 12.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1992 c 163 §§ 5-13: See note following RCW 29A.04.530.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.22 - County Auditor. › 36.22.230 - Election assistants, deputies—Additional qualifications.

RCW 36.22.230
Election assistants, deputies—Additional qualifications.
Each deputy or assistant appointed under RCW 36.22.220 shall have been graduated from an accredited high school or shall have passed a high school equivalency examination. Each shall be knowledgeable in the rules and laws of conducting elections.
[ 1992 c 163 § 13.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1992 c 163 §§ 5-13: See note following RCW 29A.04.530.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.22 - County Auditor. › 36.22.240 - Surcharge for growth management planning and review—Increasing residential building capacity.

RCW 36.22.240
Surcharge for growth management planning and review—Increasing residential building capacity.
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a surcharge of two dollars and fifty cents shall be charged by the county auditor for each document recorded, which will be in addition to any other charge or surcharge allowed by law. The auditor shall remit the funds to the state treasurer to be deposited and used as follows:
(a) Through June 30, 2024, funds must be deposited into the growth management planning and environmental review fund created in RCW 36.70A.490 to be used first for grants for costs associated with RCW 36.70A.600 and for costs associated with RCW 36.70A.610, and thereafter for any allowable use of the fund.
(b) Beginning July 1, 2024, sufficient funds must be deposited into the growth management planning and environmental review fund created in RCW 36.70A.490 for costs associated with RCW 36.70A.610, and the remainder deposited into the home security fund account created in RCW 43.185C.060 to be used for maintenance and operation costs of: (i) Permanent supportive housing and (ii) affordable housing for very low-income and extremely low-income households. Funds may only be expended in cities that have taken action under RCW 36.70A.600.
(2) The surcharge imposed in this section does not apply to: (a) Assignments or substitutions of previously recorded deeds of trust; (b) documents recording a birth, marriage, divorce, or death; (c) any recorded documents otherwise exempted from a recording fee or additional surcharges under state law; (d) marriage licenses issued by the county auditor; or (e) documents recording a federal, state, county, city, or water-sewer district, or wage lien or satisfaction of lien.
(3) For purposes of this section, the terms "permanent supportive housing," "affordable housing," "very low-income households," and "extremely low-income households" have the same meaning as provided in RCW 36.70A.030.
[ 2021 c 214 § 10; 2019 c 348 § 11.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—Department of commerce and William D. Ruckelshaus center examination of homelessness—Reports—2021 c 214: See note following RCW 43.185C.185.
Effective date—2019 c 348 § 11: "Section 11 of this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 2019." [ 2019 c 348 § 12.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.23 - County Clerk. › 36.23.020 - New bond may be required.

RCW 36.23.020
New bond may be required.
When the judge or judges of any court, or a majority of them, believe that the clerk of the court does not have a good and sufficient bond on file, or that the bond is not large enough in amount, such judge or judges shall enter an order requiring him or her, within such time as may be specified in the order, to execute and present to them a good and sufficient bond, in such sum as may be fixed by the order. In case of his or her failure to file the bond within ten days from the expiration of the date fixed the judge or judges shall declare the office vacant.
[ 2009 c 549 § 4028; 1963 c 4 § 36.23.020. Prior: 1895 c 53 § 3; RRS § 72.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.23 - County Clerk. › 36.23.040 - Custody and delivery of records.

RCW 36.23.040
Custody and delivery of records.
The clerk shall be responsible for the safe custody and delivery to his or her successor of all books and papers belonging to his or her office.
[ 2009 c 549 § 4029; 1963 c 4 § 36.23.040. Prior: Code 1881 § 2181; 1863 p 418 § 8; 1854 p 367 § 8; RRS § 76.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.23 - County Clerk. › 36.23.067 - Reproduced court records have same force and effect as original.

RCW 36.23.067
Reproduced court records have same force and effect as original.
Any print, whether enlarged or not, from any photographic film, including any photographic plate, microphotographic film, or photostatic negative or similar reproduction, or from any electronic record, of any original record, document, instrument, book, paper, deposition, or transcript which has been processed in accordance with the provisions of RCW 36.23.065, and has been certified by the county clerk under his or her official seal as a true copy, may be used in all instances, including introduction in evidence in any judicial or administrative proceeding, that the original record, document, instrument, book, paper, deposition, or transcript might have been used, and shall have the full force and effect of the original for all purposes.
[ 1998 c 226 § 2; 1963 c 4 § 36.23.067. Prior: 1957 c 201 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.23 - County Clerk. › 36.23.070 - Destruction of court exhibits—Preservation for historical purposes.

RCW 36.23.070
Destruction of court exhibits—Preservation for historical purposes.
A county clerk may at any time more than six years after the entry of final judgment in any action apply to the superior court for an authorizing order and, upon such order being signed and entered, turn such exhibits of possible value over to the sheriff for disposal in accordance with the provisions of chapter 63.40 RCW, and destroy any other exhibits, unopened depositions, and reporters' notes which have theretofore been filed in such cause: PROVIDED, That reporters' notes in criminal cases must be preserved for at least fifteen years: PROVIDED FURTHER, That any exhibits which are deemed to possess historical value may be directed to be delivered by the clerk to libraries or historical societies.
[ 1981 c 154 § 1; 1973 c 14 § 2; 1967 ex.s. c 34 § 3; 1963 c 4 § 36.23.070. Prior: 1957 c 201 § 3; 1947 c 277 § 1; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 81-1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.23 - County Clerk. › 36.23.080 - Office at county seat.

RCW 36.23.080
Office at county seat.
The clerk of the superior court shall keep an office at the county seat of the county of which he or she is clerk.
[ 2009 c 105 § 2; 1963 c 4 § 36.23.080. Prior: 1891 c 57 § 1; RRS § 73, part. Cf. Code 1881 § 2125.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.23 - County Clerk. › 36.23.090 - Search for birth parents—County clerk's duty.

RCW 36.23.090
Search for birth parents—County clerk's duty.
The county clerk shall provide the name and telephone number of at least one resource to assist adopted persons who are searching for birth parents, or birth parents who are searching for children they have relinquished, if these resources have contacted the clerk's office and requested that their name be made available to persons making inquiry.
[ 1990 c 146 § 10.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.23 - County Clerk. › 36.23.100 - Electronic payment of court fees and other financial obligations—Authorized.

RCW 36.23.100
Electronic payment of court fees and other financial obligations—Authorized.
County clerks are authorized to accept credit cards, charge cards, debit cards, smart cards, stored value cards, federal wire, and automatic clearinghouse system transactions, or other electronic communication, for payment of all fees and moneys due the court under RCW 36.18.012 through 36.18.020, and for the payment of court-ordered legal financial obligations of criminal defendants which include, but are not limited to, fines, fees, assessments, restitution, and crime victims' compensation, consistent with RCW 36.48.010, 36.48.080, and 36.48.090. A payer desiring to pay by credit card, charge card, debit card, smart card, stored value card, federal wire, and automatic clearinghouse system transactions, or other electronic communication shall bear the cost of processing the transaction.
[ 2000 c 202 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.23 - County Clerk. › 36.23.110 - Legal financial obligations—Report on collections.

RCW 36.23.110
Legal financial obligations—Report on collections.
The Washington association of county officials, in consultation with county clerks, shall determine a funding formula for allocation of moneys to counties for purposes of collecting legal financial obligations, and report this formula to the legislature and the administrative office of the courts by September 1, 2003. The Washington association of county officials shall report on the amounts of legal financial obligations collected by the county clerks to the appropriate committees of the legislature no later than December 1, 2004, and annually thereafter.
[ 2003 c 379 § 20.]
NOTES:
Severability—Effective dates—2003 c 379: See notes following RCW 9.94A.728.
Intent—Purpose—2003 c 379 §§ 13-27: See note following RCW 9.94A.760.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.24 - County Coroner. › 36.24.010 - To act as sheriff under certain conditions.

RCW 36.24.010
To act as sheriff under certain conditions.
The coroner shall perform the duties of the sheriff in all cases where the sheriff is interested or otherwise incapacitated from serving; and whenever the coroner acts as sheriff he or she shall possess the powers and perform all the duties of sheriff, and shall be liable on his or her official bond in like manner as the sheriff would be, and shall be entitled to the same fees as are allowed by law to the sheriff for similar services: PROVIDED, That nothing herein contained shall prevent the court from appointing a suitable person to discharge such duties, as provided by RCW 36.28.090.
[ 2009 c 549 § 4031; 1963 c 4 § 36.24.010. Prior: 1897 c 21 § 1; Code 1881 § 2776; 1863 p 559 § 2; 1854 p 436 § 2; RRS § 4180.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.24 - County Coroner. › 36.24.020 - Inquests—Jury—Venue—Payment of costs.

RCW 36.24.020
Inquests—Jury—Venue—Payment of costs.
Any coroner, in his or her discretion, may hold an inquest if the coroner suspects that the death of a person was unnatural, or violent, or resulted from unlawful means, or from suspicious circumstances, or was of such a nature as to indicate the possibility of death by the hand of the deceased or through the instrumentality of some other person: PROVIDED, That, except under suspicious circumstances, no inquest shall be held following a traffic death.
The coroner in the county where an inquest is to be convened pursuant to this chapter shall notify the superior court to provide persons to serve as a jury of inquest to hear all the evidence concerning the death and to inquire into and render a true verdict on the cause of death. Jurors shall be selected and summoned in the same manner and shall have the same qualifications as specified in chapter 2.36 RCW.
At the coroner's request, the superior court shall schedule a courtroom in which the inquest may be convened, a bailiff, reporter, and any security deemed reasonably necessary by the coroner. The coroner and the superior court shall set an inquest date by mutual agreement. The inquest shall take place within eighteen months of the coroner's request to the court. If the superior court cannot accommodate the inquest for good cause shown, the court may designate a comparable public venue for the inquest in the county.
If the superior court is unable to provide a courtroom or comparable public venue, it shall certify courtroom unavailability in writing within sixty days of the coroner's request and the inquest shall be scheduled and transferred to another county within one hundred miles of the requesting county.
The prosecuting attorney having jurisdiction shall be notified in advance of any such inquest to be held, and at his or her discretion may be present at and assist the coroner in the conduct of the same. The coroner may adjourn the inquest from time to time as he or she may deem necessary.
The costs of inquests, including any costs incurred by the superior court, shall be borne by the county in which the inquest is requested. When an inquest is transferred to another county due to unavailability of a courtroom, the county from which such inquest is transferred shall pay the county in which the inquest is held all costs accrued for per diem and mileage for jurors and witnesses and all other costs properly charged to the transferring county.
[ 2016 c 13 § 1; 2009 c 549 § 4032; 1988 c 188 § 18; 1963 c 4 § 36.24.020. Prior: 1953 c 188 § 3; Code 1881 § 2777; 1863 p 560 § 3; 1854 p 436 § 3; RRS § 4181.]
NOTES:
Legislative findings—Severability—Effective date—1988 c 188: See notes following RCW 2.36.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.24 - County Coroner. › 36.24.030 - Penalty for nonattendance of juror.

RCW 36.24.030
Penalty for nonattendance of juror.
Every person summoned as a juror who fails to appear without having a reasonable excuse shall forfeit a sum not exceeding twenty dollars, to be recovered by the coroner, in the name of the state, before any district judge of the county. The penalty when collected shall be paid over to the county treasurer for the use of the county.
[ 1987 c 202 § 202; 1963 c 4 § 36.24.030. Prior: Code 1881 § 2778; 1863 p 560 § 4; 1854 p 436 § 4; RRS § 4182.]
NOTES:
Intent—1987 c 202: See note following RCW 2.04.190.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.24 - County Coroner. › 36.24.040 - Duty of coroner's jury—Oath.

RCW 36.24.040
Duty of coroner's jury—Oath.
When four or more of the jurors attend, they shall be sworn by the coroner to inquire who the person was, and when, where, and by what means he or she came to his or her death, and into the circumstances attending his or her death, and to render a true verdict therein, according to the evidence afforded them, or arising from the inspection of the body.
[ 2009 c 549 § 4033; 1963 c 4 § 36.24.040. Prior: Code 1881 § 2779; 1863 p 560 § 5; 1854 p 436 § 5; RRS § 4183.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.24 - County Coroner. › 36.24.050 - Power to summon witnesses—Subpoenas.

RCW 36.24.050
Power to summon witnesses—Subpoenas.
The coroner may issue subpoenas for witnesses returnable forthwith or at such time and place as the coroner may appoint, which may be served by any competent person. The coroner must summon and examine as witnesses, on oath administered by the coroner, every person, who, in his or her opinion or that of any of the jury, has any knowledge of the facts. A witness served with a subpoena may be compelled to attend and testify, or be punished by the coroner for disobedience, in like manner as upon a subpoena issued by a district judge.
[ 1987 c 202 § 203; 1963 c 4 § 36.24.050. Prior: (i) 1901 c 131 § 1, part; Code 1881 § 2780, part; 1863 p 560 § 6, part; 1854 p 436 § 6, part; RRS § 4184, part. (ii) Code 1881 § 2781; 1863 p 560 § 7; 1854 p 437 § 7; RRS § 4186.]
NOTES:
Intent—1987 c 202: See note following RCW 2.04.190.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.24 - County Coroner. › 36.24.060 - Power to employ physician or surgeon—Compensation.

RCW 36.24.060
Power to employ physician or surgeon—Compensation.
The coroner may summon a surgeon or physician to inspect the body and give under oath a professional opinion as to the cause of death. The fees for the coroner's physician or surgeon shall not be less than ten dollars.
[ 1963 c 4 § 36.24.060. Prior: (i) 1901 c 131 § 1, part; Code 1881 § 2780, part; 1863 p 560 § 6, part; 1854 p 436 § 6, part; RRS § 4184, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.24 - County Coroner. › 36.24.070 - Verdict of jury.

RCW 36.24.070
Verdict of jury.
After hearing the testimony, the jury shall render its verdict and certify the same in writing signed by the jurors, and setting forth who the person killed is, if known, and when, where and by what means he or she came to his or her death; or if he or she was killed, or his or her death was occasioned by the act of another by criminal means, who is guilty thereof, if known.
[ 2009 c 549 § 4034; 1963 c 4 § 36.24.070. Prior: 1953 c 188 § 4; Code 1881 § 2782; 1863 p 560 § 8; 1854 p 437 § 8; RRS § 4187.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.24 - County Coroner. › 36.24.080 - Testimony reduced to writing in certain cases and witnesses recognized.

RCW 36.24.080
Testimony reduced to writing in certain cases and witnesses recognized.
In all cases where murder or manslaughter is supposed to have been committed, the testimony of witnesses taken before the coroner's jury shall be reduced to writing by the coroner, or under his or her direction, and he or she shall also recognize such witnesses to appear and testify in the superior court of the county, and shall forthwith file the written testimony, inquisition, and recognizance with the clerk of such court.
[ 2009 c 549 § 4035; 1963 c 4 § 36.24.080. Prior: Code 1881 § 2783; 1863 p 561 § 9; 1854 p 437 § 9; RRS § 4188.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.24 - County Coroner. › 36.24.090 - Procedure where accused is under arrest.

RCW 36.24.090
Procedure where accused is under arrest.
If the person charged with the commission of the offense has been arrested before the inquisition has been filed, the coroner shall deliver the recognizance and the inquisition, with the testimony taken, to the magistrate before whom such person may be brought, who shall return the same, with the depositions and statements taken before him or her to the clerk of the superior court of the county.
[ 2009 c 549 § 4036; 1963 c 4 § 36.24.090. Prior: Code 1881 § 2784; 1863 p 561 § 10; 1854 p 437 § 10; RRS § 4189.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.24 - County Coroner. › 36.24.100 - Procedure where accused is at large—Delivery of findings to the prosecuting attorney.

RCW 36.24.100
Procedure where accused is at large—Delivery of findings to the prosecuting attorney.
If the jury finds that the person was killed and the party committing the homicide is ascertained by the inquisition, but is not in custody, the coroner must deliver the findings of the jury and all documents, testimony, records generated, possessed, or used during the inquest to the prosecuting attorney of the county where the inquest was held.
[ 2016 c 186 § 1; 1963 c 4 § 36.24.100. Prior: Code 1881 § 2785; 1863 p 561 § 11; 1854 p 437 § 11; RRS § 4190.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.24 - County Coroner. › 36.24.110 - Form of warrant.

RCW 36.24.110
Form of warrant.
NOTES:
Reviser's note: RCW 36.24.110 was amended by 2016 c 202 § 29 without reference to its repeal by 2016 c 186 § 2. It has been decodified for publication purposes under RCW 1.12.025.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.24 - County Coroner. › 36.24.130 - Property of deceased.

RCW 36.24.130
Property of deceased.
The coroner or medical examiner must, within thirty days after the investigation of the death, deliver to the county treasurer any money which may be found upon the body, unless claimed in the meantime by the legal representatives of the deceased. If there is personal property, other than money, found upon the body, unless claimed in the meantime by a legal representative of the deceased, the coroner or medical examiner shall, within one hundred eighty days of the investigation, be authorized to dispose of any property of no resale value and forward any other property to the applicable county agency to be sold at the next county surplus sale. Any proceeds from the sale shall be forwarded to the county treasurer. If the coroner or medical examiner fails to do so, the treasurer may proceed against the coroner or medical examiner to recover the same by a civil action in the name of the county.
[ 2004 c 79 § 1; 1963 c 4 § 36.24.130. Prior: Code 1881 § 2789; 1863 p 562 § 15; 1854 p 438 § 15; RRS § 4194.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.24 - County Coroner. › 36.24.140 - Duty of treasurer.

RCW 36.24.140
Duty of treasurer.
Upon the delivery of money to the treasurer, the treasurer shall place it to the credit of the county.
[ 2004 c 79 § 2; 1963 c 4 § 36.24.140. Prior: Code 1881 § 2790; 1863 p 562 § 16; 1854 p 438 § 16; RRS § 4195.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.24 - County Coroner. › 36.24.150 - Delivery to representatives.

RCW 36.24.150
Delivery to representatives.
If the money in the treasury is demanded within six years by the legal representatives of the deceased, the treasurer shall pay it to them after deducting the fees and expenses of the coroner and of the county in relation to the matter, or the same may be so paid at any time thereafter, upon the order of the board of county commissioners of the county.
[ 1963 c 4 § 36.24.150. Prior: Code 1881 § 2791; 1863 p 562 § 17; 1854 p 438 § 17; RRS § 4196.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.24 - County Coroner. › 36.24.155 - Undisposed of remains—Entrusting to funeral homes or mortuaries—Indigenous persons remains.

RCW 36.24.155
Undisposed of remains—Entrusting to funeral homes or mortuaries—Indigenous persons remains.
(1) Whenever anyone shall die within a county without making prior plans for the disposition of his or her body and there is no other person willing to provide for the disposition of the body, the county coroner shall cause such body to be entrusted to a funeral home in the county where the body is found. Except in counties where the county coroner or medical examiner has established a preferred funeral home using a qualified bidding process, disposition shall be on a rotation basis, which shall treat equally all funeral homes or mortuaries desiring to participate, such rotation to be established by the coroner after consultation with representatives of the funeral homes or mortuaries in the county or counties involved.
(2)(a) The county coroner, upon knowledge that a body is of an indigenous person, shall make reasonable efforts to identify and contact family members prior to entrusting the body to a funeral home, including an attempt to facilitate contact through the regional liaison for missing and murdered indigenous persons pursuant to RCW 43.43.874 within 10 days of the county coroner having jurisdiction over the remains.
(b) Upon the written request of a family member responsible for the disposition of the body of an indigenous person, the county coroner shall provide a written estimate of the time frame for entrusting the body to the family member or the family member's chosen funeral home, unless doing so would jeopardize an ongoing criminal investigation.
[ 2022 c 251 § 2; 2011 c 16 § 1; 2009 c 549 § 4038; 1969 ex.s. c 259 § 2.]
NOTES:
Human remains that have not been disposed: RCW 68.50.230.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.24 - County Coroner. › 36.24.160 - District judge may act as coroner.

RCW 36.24.160
District judge may act as coroner.
If the office of coroner is vacant, or the coroner is absent or unable to attend, the duties of the coroner's office may be performed by any district judge in the county with the like authority and subject to the same obligations and penalties as the coroner. For such service a district judge shall be entitled to the same fees, payable in the same manner.
[ 1987 c 202 § 204; 1963 c 4 § 36.24.160. Prior: (i) Code 1881 § 2793; 1863 p 562 § 19; 1854 p 438 § 19; RRS § 4198. (ii) Code 1881 § 2795; 1863 p 562 § 21; 1854 p 438 § 21; RRS § 4199.]
NOTES:
Intent—1987 c 202: See note following RCW 2.04.190.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.24 - County Coroner. › 36.24.170 - Coroner not to practice law.

RCW 36.24.170
Coroner not to practice law.
The coroner shall not appear or practice as attorney in any court, except in defense of himself or herself or his or her deputies.
[ 2009 c 549 § 4039; 1963 c 4 § 36.24.170. Prior: 1891 c 45 § 4, part; Code 1881 § 2770, part; 1863 p 558 § 5, part; 1854 p 434 § 5, part; RRS § 4171, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.24 - County Coroner. › 36.24.175 - Coroner not to be owner or employee of funeral home or mortuary—Counties with populations of forty thousand or more.

RCW 36.24.175
Coroner not to be owner or employee of funeral home or mortuary—Counties with populations of forty thousand or more.
In each county with a population of forty thousand or more, no person shall be qualified for the office of county coroner as provided for in RCW 36.16.030 who is an owner or employee of any funeral home or mortuary.
[ 1991 c 363 § 54; 1969 ex.s. c 259 § 3.]
NOTES:
Purpose—Captions not law—1991 c 363: See notes following RCW 2.32.180.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.24 - County Coroner. › 36.24.180 - Audit of coroner's account.

RCW 36.24.180
Audit of coroner's account.
Before auditing and allowing the account of the coroner the board of county commissioners shall require from him or her a verified statement in writing, accounting for all money or other property found upon persons on whom inquests have been held by him or her, and that the money or property mentioned in it has been delivered to the legal representatives of the deceased, or to the county treasurer.
[ 2009 c 549 § 4040; 1963 c 4 § 36.24.180. Prior: Code 1881 § 2792; 1863 p 562 § 18; 1854 p 438 § 18; RRS § 4197.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.24 - County Coroner. › 36.24.190 - Medical examiner—When authorized—Election—Qualifications for appointment.

RCW 36.24.190
Medical examiner—When authorized—Election—Qualifications for appointment.
In a county with a population of two hundred fifty thousand or more, the county legislative authority may, upon majority vote at an election called by the county legislative authority, adopt a system under which a medical examiner may be appointed to replace the office of the coroner. The county legislative authority must adopt a resolution or ordinance that creates the office of medical examiner at least thirty days prior to the first day of filing for the primary election for county offices. If a county adopts such a resolution or ordinance, the resolution or ordinance shall be referred to the voters for confirmation or rejection at the next date for a special election according to RCW 29A.04.321. If the resolution or ordinance is approved by majority vote, no election shall be held for the position of coroner and the coroner's position is abolished following the expiration of the coroner's term of office or upon vacating of the office of the coroner for any reason. The county legislative authority shall appoint a medical examiner to assume the statutory duties performed by the county coroner and the appointment shall become effective following the expiration of the coroner's term of office or upon the vacating of the office of the coroner. To be appointed as a medical examiner pursuant to this section, a person must either be: (1) Certified as a forensic pathologist by the American board of pathology; or (2) a qualified physician eligible to take the American board of pathology exam in forensic pathology within one year of being appointed. A physician specializing in pathology who is appointed to the position of medical examiner and who is not certified as a forensic pathologist must pass the pathology exam within three years of the appointment.
[ 2006 c 344 § 27; 1996 c 108 § 2.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2006 c 344 §§ 1-16 and 18-40: See note following RCW 29A.04.311.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.24 - County Coroner. › 36.24.200 - Subpoena for production—Authority.

RCW 36.24.200
Subpoena for production—Authority.
In addition to any of its existing authorities, the coroner may, in the course of an active or ongoing death investigation, request that the superior court issue subpoenas for production of documents or other records and command each person to whom the subpoena is directed to produce and permit inspection and copying of documentary evidence or tangible things in the possession, custody, or control of that person at a specified time and place. A subpoena for production must substantively comply with the requirements of CR 45. A subpoena for production may be joined with a subpoena for testimony, or it may be issued separately.
[ 2019 c 237 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.24 - County Coroner. › 36.24.205 - Medicolegal forensic investigation training required.

RCW 36.24.205
Medicolegal forensic investigation training required.
Within 12 months of being elected or appointed to the office, a coroner or medical examiner must have a certificate of completion of medicolegal forensic investigation training that complies with the standards adopted for the medicolegal training academy adopted by the criminal justice training commission in conjunction with the Washington association of coroners and medical examiners and a practicing physician selected by the commission pursuant to RCW 43.101.480. This requirement does not apply to an elected prosecutor acting as the ex officio coroner in a county. All medicolegal investigative personnel employed by any coroner's or medical examiner's office must complete medicolegal forensic investigation training as required under RCW 43.101.480. A county in which the coroner or county medical examiner has not obtained such certification within 12 months of assuming office may have its reimbursement from the death investigations account reduced as provided under RCW 68.50.104.
[ 2021 c 127 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.24 - County Coroner. › 36.24.210 - Accreditation required.

RCW 36.24.210
Accreditation required.
Except those run by a county prosecutor, all county coroner's offices and medical examiner's offices must be accredited by either the international association of coroners and medical examiners or the national association of medical examiners no later than July 1, 2025, and maintain continued accreditation thereafter. A county that contracts for its coroner or medical examiner services with an accredited coroner or medical examiner's office in another county does not need to maintain accreditation.
[ 2021 c 127 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.26 - Public Defender. › 36.26.010 - Definitions.

RCW 36.26.010
Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1) "County commissioners" or "board of county commissioners" means and includes:
(a) Any single board of county commissioners, county council, or other governing body of any county which has neither a board of county commissioners nor a county council denominated as such; and
(b) The governing bodies, including any combination or mixture of more than one board of county commissioners, county council, or otherwise denominated governing body of a county, of any two or more contiguous counties electing to participate jointly in the support of any intercounty public defender.
(2) "District" or "public defender district" means any one or more entire counties electing to employ a public defender; and no county shall be divided in the creation of any public defender district.
[ 1969 c 94 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.26 - Public Defender. › 36.26.020 - Public defender district—Creation—Office of public defender.

RCW 36.26.020
Public defender district—Creation—Office of public defender.
The board of county commissioners of any single county or of any two or more territorially contiguous counties or acting in cooperation with the governing authority of any city located within the county or counties may, by resolution or by ordinance, or by concurrent resolutions or concurrent ordinances, constitute such county or counties or counties and cities as a public defender district, and may establish an office of public defender for such district.
[ 1969 c 94 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.26 - Public Defender. › 36.26.030 - Selection committee.

RCW 36.26.030
Selection committee.
The board of county commissioners of every county electing to become or to join in a public defender district shall appoint a selection committee for the purpose of selecting a full or part time public defender for the public defender district. Such selection committee shall consist of one member of each board of county commissioners, one member of the superior court from each county, and one practicing attorney from each county within the district.
[ 1969 c 94 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.26 - Public Defender. › 36.26.040 - Public defender—Qualifications—Term.

RCW 36.26.040
Public defender—Qualifications—Term.
Every public defender and every assistant public defender must be a qualified attorney licensed to practice law in this state; and the term of the public defender shall coincide with the elected term of the prosecuting attorney.
[ 1969 c 94 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.26 - Public Defender. › 36.26.050 - Reports—Records—Costs and expenses.

RCW 36.26.050
Reports—Records—Costs and expenses.
The public defender shall make an annual report to each board of county commissioners within his or her district. If any public defender district embraces more than one county or a cooperating city, the public defender shall maintain records of expenses allocable to each county or city within the district, and shall charge such expenses only against the county or city for which the services were rendered or the costs incurred. The boards of county commissioners of counties and the governing authority of any city participating jointly in a public defender district are authorized to provide for the sharing of the costs of the district by mutual agreement, for any costs which cannot be specifically apportioned to any particular county or city within the district.
Expenditures by the public defender shall be subject to the provisions of chapter 36.40 RCW and other statutes relating to expenditures by counties or cities.
[ 2009 c 549 § 4041; 1969 c 94 § 5.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.26 - Public Defender. › 36.26.060 - Compensation—Office—Assistants, clerks, investigators, etc.

RCW 36.26.060
Compensation—Office—Assistants, clerks, investigators, etc.
(1) The board of county commissioners shall:
(a) Fix the compensation of the public defender and of any staff appointed to assist him or her in the discharge of his or her duties: PROVIDED, That the compensation of the public defender shall not exceed that of the county prosecutor in those districts which comprise only one county;
(b) Provide office space, furniture, equipment and supplies for the use of the public defender suitable for the conduct of his or her office in the discharge of his or her duties, or provide an allowance in lieu of facilities and supplies.
(2) The public defender may appoint as many assistant attorney public defenders, clerks, investigators, stenographers and other employees as the board of county commissioners considers necessary in the discharge of his or her duties as a public defender.
[ 2009 c 549 § 4042; 1969 c 94 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.26 - Public Defender. › 36.26.070 - Duty to represent indigent defendants.

RCW 36.26.070
Duty to represent indigent defendants.
The public defender must represent, without charge to any accused, every indigent person who is or has been arrested or charged with a crime for which court appointed counsel for indigent defendants is required either under the Constitution of the United States or under the Constitution and laws of the state of Washington:
(1) If such arrested person or accused, having been apprised of his or her constitutional and statutory rights to counsel, requests the appointment of counsel to represent him or her; and
(2) If a court, on its own motion or otherwise, does not appoint counsel to represent the accused; and
(3) Unless the arrested person or accused, having been apprised of his or her right to counsel in open court, affirmatively rejects or intelligently repudiates his or her constitutional and statutory rights to be represented by counsel.
[ 2009 c 549 § 4043; 1984 c 76 § 18; 1969 c 94 § 7.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.26 - Public Defender. › 36.26.080 - Duty to counsel, defend, and prosecute appeals.

RCW 36.26.080
Duty to counsel, defend, and prosecute appeals.
Whenever the public defender represents any indigent person held in custody without commitment or charged with any criminal offense, he or she must (1) counsel and defend such person, and (2) prosecute any appeals and other remedies, whether before or after conviction, which he or she considers to be in the interests of justice.
[ 2009 c 549 § 4044; 1969 c 94 § 8.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.26 - Public Defender. › 36.26.090 - Appointment of attorney other than public defender.

RCW 36.26.090
Appointment of attorney other than public defender.
For good cause shown, or in any case involving a crime of widespread notoriety, the court may, upon its own motion or upon application of either the public defender or of the indigent accused, appoint an attorney other than the public defender to represent the accused at any stage of the proceedings or on appeal: PROVIDED, That the public defender may represent an accused, not an indigent, in any case of public notoriety where the court may find that adequate retained counsel is not available. The court shall award, and the county in which the offense is alleged to have been committed shall pay, such attorney reasonable compensation and reimbursement for any expenses reasonably and necessarily incurred in the presentation of the accused's defense or appeal, in accordance with RCW 4.88.330.
[ 1984 c 76 § 19; 1983 c 3 § 76; 1969 c 94 § 9.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.26 - Public Defender. › 36.26.900 - Chapter cumulative and nonexclusive.

RCW 36.26.900
Chapter cumulative and nonexclusive.
The provisions of this chapter shall be cumulative and nonexclusive and shall not affect any other remedy, particularly in counties electing not to create the office of public defender: PROVIDED, That nothing herein shall be construed to prevent the appointment of a full time or part time assigned-counsel administrator for the purpose of maintaining a centrally administered system for the assignment of counsel to represent indigent persons.
[ 1969 c 94 § 10.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.27 - Prosecuting Attorney. › 36.27.005 - Defined.

RCW 36.27.005
Defined.
Prosecuting attorneys are attorneys authorized by law to appear for and represent the state and the counties thereof in actions and proceedings before the courts and judicial officers.
[ 1963 c 4 § 36.27.005. Prior: 1891 c 55 § 3; RRS § 113.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 36 - Counties › Chapter 36.27 - Prosecuting Attorney. › 36.27.010 - Eligibility to office.

RCW 36.27.010
Eligibility to office.
No person shall be eligible to the office of prosecuting attorney in any county of this state, unless he or she is a qualified elector therein, and has been admitted as an attorney and counselor of the courts of this state.
[ 2009 c 549 § 4045; 1963 c 4 § 36.27.010. Prior: 1891 c 55 § 4; RRS § 4128. Cf. 1883 p 72 § 7.]