reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.26 - Agency Vendor Payment Revolving Fund—Petty Cash Accounts. › 42.26.080 - Violation of petty cash account requirements.

RCW 42.26.080
Violation of petty cash account requirements.
If a post audit by the state auditor discloses the amount of the petty cash account of any agency under this chapter to be excessive or the use of the account to be in violation of requirements governing its operation, the director of financial management may require the return of the account or of the excessive amount to the state treasury for credit to the fund from which the advance was made.
[ 1979 c 151 § 78; 1969 ex.s. c 60 § 8.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.26 - Agency Vendor Payment Revolving Fund—Petty Cash Accounts. › 42.26.090 - Regulations for petty cash and accounts.

RCW 42.26.090
Regulations for petty cash and accounts.
The director of financial management shall adopt such regulations as may be necessary or desirable to implement the provisions of this chapter. Such regulation shall include but not be limited to, (1) defining limitations on the use of petty cash, and (2) providing accounting and reporting procedures for operation of the petty cash account.
[ 1979 c 151 § 79; 1969 ex.s. c 60 § 9.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.26 - Agency Vendor Payment Revolving Fund—Petty Cash Accounts. › 42.26.900 - Effective date—1969 ex.s. c 60.

RCW 42.26.900
Effective date—1969 ex.s. c 60.
This chapter shall take effect July 1, 1969.
[ 1969 ex.s. c 60 § 12.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.30 - Open Public Meetings Act. › 42.30.010 - Legislative declaration.

RCW 42.30.010
Legislative declaration.
The legislature finds and declares that all public commissions, boards, councils, committees, subcommittees, departments, divisions, offices, and all other public agencies of this state and subdivisions thereof exist to aid in the conduct of the people's business. It is the intent of this chapter that their actions be taken openly and that their deliberations be conducted openly.
The people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies which serve them. The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people insist on remaining informed and informing the people's public servants of their views so that they may retain control over the instruments they have created. For these reasons, even when not required by law, public agencies are encouraged to incorporate and accept public comment during their decision-making process.
[ 2022 c 115 § 2; 1971 ex.s. c 250 § 1.]
NOTES:
Reviser's note: Throughout this chapter, the phrases "this act" and "this 1971 amendatory act" have been changed to "this chapter." "This act" [1971 ex.s. c 250] consists of this chapter, the amendment to RCW 34.04.025, and the repeal of RCW 42.32.010 and 42.32.020.
Findings—Intent—2022 c 115: See note following RCW 42.30.230.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.30 - Open Public Meetings Act. › 42.30.020 - Definitions.

RCW 42.30.020
Definitions.
As used in this chapter unless the context indicates otherwise:
(1) "Public agency" means:
(a) Any state board, commission, committee, department, educational institution, or other state agency which is created by or pursuant to statute, other than courts and the legislature. This does not include a comprehensive cancer center participating in a collaborative arrangement as defined in RCW 28B.10.930 that is operated in conformance with RCW 28B.10.930;
(b) Any county, city, school district, special purpose district, or other municipal corporation or political subdivision of the state of Washington;
(c) Any subagency of a public agency which is created by or pursuant to statute, ordinance, or other legislative act, including but not limited to planning commissions, library or park boards, commissions, and agencies;
(d) Any policy group whose membership includes representatives of publicly owned utilities formed by or pursuant to the laws of this state when meeting together as or on behalf of participants who have contracted for the output of generating plants being planned or built by an operating agency.
(2) "Governing body" means the multimember board, commission, committee, council, or other policy or rule-making body of a public agency, or any committee thereof when the committee acts on behalf of the governing body, conducts hearings, or takes testimony or public comment.
(3) "Action" means the transaction of the official business of a public agency by a governing body including but not limited to receipt of public testimony, deliberations, discussions, considerations, reviews, evaluations, and final actions. "Final action" means a collective positive or negative decision, or an actual vote by a majority of the members of a governing body when sitting as a body or entity, upon a motion, proposal, resolution, order, or ordinance.
(4) "Meeting" means meetings at which action is taken.
[ 2022 c 71 § 11; 1985 c 366 § 1; 1983 c 155 § 1; 1982 1st ex.s. c 43 § 10; 1971 ex.s. c 250 § 2.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—2022 c 71: See note following RCW 28B.10.930.
Severability—Savings—1982 1st ex.s. c 43: See notes following RCW 43.52.374.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.30 - Open Public Meetings Act. › 42.30.030 - Meetings declared open and public.

RCW 42.30.030
Meetings declared open and public.
(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.
[ 2022 c 115 § 3; 1971 ex.s. c 250 § 3.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—2022 c 115: See note following RCW 42.30.230.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.30 - Open Public Meetings Act. › 42.30.035 - Minutes.

RCW 42.30.035
Minutes. (Effective until June 30, 2024.)
The minutes of all regular and special meetings except executive sessions of such boards, commissions, agencies or authorities shall be promptly recorded and such records shall be open to public inspection.
[ 1953 c 216 § 3. Formerly RCW 42.32.030.]
NOTES:
(1) The minutes of all regular and special meetings except executive sessions of such boards, commissions, agencies or authorities shall be promptly recorded and such records shall be open to public inspection.
(2) Except in the case of an emergency as provided for in RCW 42.30.070, and excluding executive sessions, all regular and special meetings of school district boards of directors at which a final action is taken or formal public testimony is accepted shall be audio recorded and such recordings shall be maintained for at least one year. The recording shall include the comments of the directors and the comments of members of the public, if any formal testimony was accepted from the public during the meeting. Subject to the limitations on identifiable records in RCW 42.56.080(1), such recordings must be provided electronically to the public upon request. It is not a violation of this chapter if a school board attempts to record a meeting in good faith and, due to technological issues, a recording is not made or if any or all of a recording is unintelligible. Whenever possible, school districts are encouraged to make the content of school board of directors meetings, or a summary thereof, available in formats accessible to individuals who need communication assistance and in languages other than English.
[ 2023 c 67 § 3; 1953 c 216 § 3. Formerly RCW 42.32.030.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2023 c 67: "This act takes effect June 30, 2024." [ 2023 c 67 § 5.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.30 - Open Public Meetings Act. › 42.30.040 - Conditions to attendance not to be required.

RCW 42.30.040
Conditions to attendance not to be required.
A member of the public shall not be required, as a condition to attendance at a meeting of a governing body, to register his or her name and other information, to complete a questionnaire, or otherwise to fulfill any condition precedent to his or her attendance. This section does not prohibit any generally applicable conditions determined by the governing body to be reasonably necessary to protect the public health or safety, or to protect against interruption of the meeting, including a meeting at which the physical attendance by some or all members of the public is limited due to a declared emergency.
[ 2022 c 115 § 6; 2012 c 117 § 124; 1971 ex.s. c 250 § 4.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2022 c 115 §§ 5-11: See note following RCW 42.30.230.
Findings—Intent—2022 c 115: See note following RCW 42.30.230.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.30 - Open Public Meetings Act. › 42.30.050 - Interruptions—Procedure.

RCW 42.30.050
Interruptions—Procedure.
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.
[ 2022 c 115 § 7; 1971 ex.s. c 250 § 5.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2022 c 115 §§ 5-11: See note following RCW 42.30.230.
Findings—Intent—2022 c 115: See note following RCW 42.30.230.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.30 - Open Public Meetings Act. › 42.30.060 - Ordinances, rules, resolutions, regulations, etc., adopted at public meetings—Notice—Secret voting prohibited.

RCW 42.30.060
Ordinances, rules, resolutions, regulations, etc., adopted at public meetings—Notice—Secret voting prohibited.
(1) No governing body of a public agency shall adopt any ordinance, resolution, rule, regulation, order, or directive, except in a meeting open to the public and then only at a meeting, the date of which is fixed by law or rule, or at a meeting of which notice has been given according to the provisions of this chapter. Any action taken at meetings failing to comply with the provisions of this subsection shall be null and void.
(2) No governing body of a public agency at any meeting required to be open to the public shall vote by secret ballot. Any vote taken in violation of this subsection shall be null and void, and shall be considered an "action" under this chapter.
[ 1989 c 42 § 1; 1971 ex.s. c 250 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.30 - Open Public Meetings Act. › 42.30.070 - Times and places for meetings—Emergencies—Exception.

RCW 42.30.070
Times and places for meetings—Emergencies—Exception.
The governing body of a public agency shall provide the time for holding regular meetings by ordinance, resolution, bylaws, or by whatever other rule is required for the conduct of business by that body. Unless otherwise provided for in the act under which the public agency was formed, meetings of the governing body need not be held within the boundaries of the territory over which the public agency exercises jurisdiction. If at any time any regular meeting falls on a holiday, such regular meeting shall be held on the next business day. If, by reason of fire, flood, earthquake, or other emergency, there is a need for expedited action by a governing body to meet the emergency, the presiding officer of the governing body may provide for a meeting site other than the regular meeting site, for a remote meeting without a physical location, or for a meeting at which the physical attendance by some or all members of the public is limited due to a declared emergency, and the notice requirements of this chapter shall be suspended during such emergency. It shall not be a violation of the requirements of this chapter for a majority of the members of a governing body to travel together or gather for purposes other than a regular meeting or a special meeting as these terms are used in this chapter: PROVIDED, That they take no action as defined in this chapter.
[ 2022 c 115 § 8; 1983 c 155 § 2; 1973 c 66 § 1; 1971 ex.s. c 250 § 7.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2022 c 115 §§ 5-11: See note following RCW 42.30.230.
Findings—Intent—2022 c 115: See note following RCW 42.30.230.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.30 - Open Public Meetings Act. › 42.30.075 - Schedule of regular meetings—Publication in state register—Notice of change—"Regular" meetings defined.

RCW 42.30.075
Schedule of regular meetings—Publication in state register—Notice of change—"Regular" meetings defined.
State agencies which hold regular meetings shall file with the code reviser a schedule of the time and place of such meetings on or before January of each year for publication in the Washington state register. Notice of any change from such meeting schedule shall be published in the state register for distribution at least twenty days prior to the rescheduled meeting date.
For the purposes of this section "regular" meetings shall mean recurring meetings held in accordance with a periodic schedule declared by statute or rule.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 240 § 12.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1977 ex.s. c 240: See RCW 34.08.905.
Public meeting notices in state register: RCW 34.08.020.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.30 - Open Public Meetings Act. › 42.30.077 - Agendas of regular meetings—Online availability.

RCW 42.30.077
Agendas of regular meetings—Online availability.
(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.
[ 2022 c 115 § 9; 2014 c 61 § 2.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2022 c 115 §§ 5-11: See note following RCW 42.30.230.
Findings—Intent—2022 c 115: See note following RCW 42.30.230.
Intent—Finding—2014 c 61: "The legislature intends to promote transparency in government and strengthen the Washington's open public meetings act. The legislature finds that it is in the best interest of citizens for public agencies with governing bodies to post meeting agendas on websites before meetings. Full public review and inspection of meeting agendas will promote a greater exchange of information so the public can provide meaningful input related to government decisions." [ 2014 c 61 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.30 - Open Public Meetings Act. › 42.30.090 - Adjournments.

RCW 42.30.090
Adjournments.
The governing body of a public agency may adjourn any regular, adjourned regular, special, or adjourned special meeting to a time and place specified in the order of adjournment. Less than a quorum may so adjourn from time to time. If all members are absent from any regular or adjourned regular meeting the clerk or secretary of the governing body may declare the meeting adjourned to a stated time and place. He or she shall cause a written notice of the adjournment to be given in the same manner as provided in RCW 42.30.080 for special meetings, unless such notice is waived as provided for special meetings. Except in the case of remote meetings without a physical location as provided for in this chapter, whenever any meeting is adjourned a copy of the order or notice of adjournment shall be conspicuously posted immediately after the time of the adjournment on or near the door of the place where the regular, adjourned regular, special, or adjourned special meeting was held. When a regular or adjourned regular meeting is adjourned as provided in this section, the resulting adjourned regular meeting is a regular meeting for all purposes. When an order of adjournment of any meeting fails to state the hour at which the adjourned meeting is to be held, it shall be held at the hour specified for regular meetings by ordinance, resolution, bylaw, or other rule.
[ 2022 c 115 § 11; 2012 c 117 § 125; 1971 ex.s. c 250 § 9.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2022 c 115 §§ 5-11: See note following RCW 42.30.230.
Findings—Intent—2022 c 115: See note following RCW 42.30.230.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.30 - Open Public Meetings Act. › 42.30.100 - Continuances.

RCW 42.30.100
Continuances.
Any hearing being held, noticed, or ordered to be held by a governing body at any meeting may by order or notice of continuance be continued or recontinued to any subsequent meeting of the governing body in the same manner and to the same extent set forth in RCW 42.30.090 for the adjournment of meetings.
[ 1971 ex.s. c 250 § 10.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.30 - Open Public Meetings Act. › 42.30.120 - Violations—Personal liability—Civil penalty—Attorneys' fees and costs.

RCW 42.30.120
Violations—Personal liability—Civil penalty—Attorneys' fees and costs.
(1) Each member of the governing body who attends a meeting of such governing body where action is taken in violation of any provision of this chapter applicable to him or her, with knowledge of the fact that the meeting is in violation thereof, shall be subject to personal liability in the form of a civil penalty in the amount of five hundred dollars for the first violation.
(2) Each member of the governing body who attends a meeting of a governing body where action is taken in violation of any provision of this chapter applicable to him or her, with knowledge of the fact that the meeting is in violation thereof, and who was previously assessed a penalty under subsection (1) of this section in a final court judgment, shall be subject to personal liability in the form of a civil penalty in the amount of one thousand dollars for any subsequent violation.
(3) The civil penalty shall be assessed by a judge of the superior court and an action to enforce this penalty may be brought by any person. A violation of this chapter does not constitute a crime and assessment of the civil penalty by a judge shall not give rise to any disability or legal disadvantage based on conviction of a criminal offense.
(4) Any person who prevails against a public agency in any action in the courts for a violation of this chapter shall be awarded all costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, incurred in connection with such legal action. Pursuant to RCW 4.84.185, any public agency which prevails in any action in the courts for a violation of this chapter may be awarded reasonable expenses and attorney fees upon final judgment and written findings by the trial judge that the action was frivolous and advanced without reasonable cause.
[ 2016 c 58 § 1; 2012 c 117 § 126; 1985 c 69 § 1; 1973 c 66 § 3; 1971 ex.s. c 250 § 12.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.30 - Open Public Meetings Act. › 42.30.130 - Violations—Mandamus or injunction.

RCW 42.30.130
Violations—Mandamus or injunction.
Any person may commence an action either by mandamus or injunction for the purpose of stopping violations or preventing threatened violations of this chapter by members of a governing body.
[ 1971 ex.s. c 250 § 13.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.30 - Open Public Meetings Act. › 42.30.140 - Chapter controlling—Application.

RCW 42.30.140
Chapter controlling—Application.
If any provision of this chapter conflicts with the provisions of any other statute, the provisions of this chapter shall control: PROVIDED, That this chapter shall not apply to:
(1) The proceedings concerned with the formal issuance of an order granting, suspending, revoking, or denying any license, permit, or certificate to engage in any business, occupation, or profession or to any disciplinary proceedings involving a member of such business, occupation, or profession, or to receive a license for a sports activity or to operate any mechanical device or motor vehicle where a license or registration is necessary; or
(2) That portion of a meeting of a quasi-judicial body which relates to a quasi-judicial matter between named parties as distinguished from a matter having general effect on the public or on a class or group; or
(3) Matters governed by chapter 34.05 RCW, the Administrative Procedure Act; or
(4)(a) Collective bargaining sessions with employee organizations, including contract negotiations, grievance meetings, and discussions relating to the interpretation or application of a labor agreement; or (b) that portion of a meeting during which the governing body is planning or adopting the strategy or position to be taken by the governing body during the course of any collective bargaining, professional negotiations, or grievance or mediation proceedings, or reviewing the proposals made in the negotiations or proceedings while in progress.
[ 1990 c 98 § 1; 1989 c 175 § 94; 1973 c 66 § 4; 1971 ex.s. c 250 § 14.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1989 c 175: See note following RCW 34.05.010.
Drug reimbursement policy recommendations: RCW 74.09.653.
Mediation testimony competency: RCW 5.60.070 and 5.60.072.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.30 - Open Public Meetings Act. › 42.30.200 - Governing body of recognized student association at college or university—Chapter applicability to.

RCW 42.30.200
Governing body of recognized student association at college or university—Chapter applicability to.
The multimember student board which is the governing body of the recognized student association at a given campus of a public institution of higher education is hereby declared to be subject to the provisions of the open public meetings act as contained in this chapter, as now or hereafter amended. For the purposes of this section, "recognized student association" shall mean any body at any of the state's colleges and universities which selects officers through a process approved by the student body and which represents the interests of students. Any such body so selected shall be recognized by and registered with the respective boards of trustees and regents of the state's colleges and universities: PROVIDED, That there be no more than one such association representing undergraduate students, no more than one such association representing graduate students, and no more than one such association representing each group of professional students so recognized and registered at any of the state's colleges or universities.
[ 1980 c 49 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.30 - Open Public Meetings Act. › 42.30.205 - Training.

RCW 42.30.205
Training.
(1) Every member of the governing body of a public agency must complete training on the requirements of this chapter no later than ninety days after the date the member either:
(a) Takes the oath of office, if the member is required to take an oath of office to assume his or her duties as a public official; or
(b) Otherwise assumes his or her duties as a public official.
(2) In addition to the training required under subsection (1) of this section, every member of the governing body of a public agency must complete training at intervals of no more than four years as long as the individual is a member of the governing body or public agency.
(3) Training may be completed remotely with technology including but not limited to internet-based training.
[ 2014 c 66 § 2.]
NOTES:
Findings—Short title—Effective date—2014 c 66: See notes following RCW 42.56.150.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.30 - Open Public Meetings Act. › 42.30.210 - Assistance by attorney general.

RCW 42.30.210
Assistance by attorney general.
The attorney general's office may provide information, technical assistance, and training on the provisions of this chapter.
[ 2001 c 216 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.30 - Open Public Meetings Act. › 42.30.220 - Recording or online streaming by agency encouraged.

RCW 42.30.220
Recording or online streaming by agency encouraged.
(1) Public agencies are encouraged to make an audio or video recording of, or to provide an online streaming option for, all regular meetings of its governing body, and to make recordings of these meetings available online for a minimum of six months.
(2) This section does not alter a local government's recordkeeping requirements under chapter 42.56 RCW.
[ 2022 c 115 § 4.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—2022 c 115: See note following RCW 42.30.230.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.30 - Open Public Meetings Act. › 42.30.240 - Public comment.

RCW 42.30.240
Public comment.
(1) Except in an emergency situation, the governing body of a public agency shall provide an opportunity at or before every regular meeting at which final action is taken for public comment. The public comment required under this section may be taken orally at a public meeting, or by providing an opportunity for written testimony to be submitted before or at the meeting. If the governing body accepts written testimony, this testimony must be distributed to the governing body. The governing body may set a reasonable deadline for the submission of written testimony before the meeting.
(2) Upon the request of any individual who will have difficulty attending a meeting of the governing body of a public agency by reason of disability, limited mobility, or for any other reason that makes physical attendance at a meeting difficult, the governing body shall, when feasible, provide an opportunity for that individual to provide oral comment at the meeting remotely if oral comment from other members of the public will be accepted at the meeting.
(3) Nothing in this section prevents a governing body from allowing public comment on items not on the meeting agenda.
(4) Nothing in this section diminishes the authority of governing bodies to deal with interruptions under RCW 42.30.050, limits the ability of the governing body to put limitations on the time available for public comment or on how public comment is accepted, or requires a governing body to accept public comment that renders orderly conduct of the meeting unfeasible.
[ 2022 c 115 § 13.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—2022 c 115: See note following RCW 42.30.230.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.30 - Open Public Meetings Act. › 42.30.900 - Short title.

RCW 42.30.900
Short title.
This chapter may be known and cited as the Washington state open public meetings act or OPMA.
[ 2022 c 115 § 14; 1971 ex.s. c 250 § 16.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—2022 c 115: See note following RCW 42.30.230.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.30 - Open Public Meetings Act. › 42.30.910 - Construction—1971 ex.s. c 250.

RCW 42.30.910
Construction—1971 ex.s. c 250.
The purposes of this chapter are hereby declared remedial and shall be liberally construed.
[ 1971 ex.s. c 250 § 18.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.36 - Appearance of Fairness Doctrine—Limitations. › 42.36.010 - Local land use decisions.

RCW 42.36.010
Local land use decisions.
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.
[ 1982 c 229 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.36 - Appearance of Fairness Doctrine—Limitations. › 42.36.020 - Members of local decision-making bodies.

RCW 42.36.020
Members of local decision-making bodies.
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.
[ 1982 c 229 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.36 - Appearance of Fairness Doctrine—Limitations. › 42.36.030 - Legislative action of local executive or legislative officials.

RCW 42.36.030
Legislative action of local executive or legislative officials.
No legislative action taken by a local legislative body, its members, or local executive officials shall be invalidated by an application of the appearance of fairness doctrine.
[ 1982 c 229 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.36 - Appearance of Fairness Doctrine—Limitations. › 42.36.040 - Public discussion by candidate for public office.

RCW 42.36.040
Public discussion by candidate for public office.
Prior to declaring as a candidate for public office or while campaigning for public office as defined by RCW 42.17A.005 no public discussion or expression of an opinion by a person subsequently elected to a public office, on any pending or proposed quasi-judicial actions, shall be a violation of the appearance of fairness doctrine.
[ 2011 c 60 § 27; 1982 c 229 § 4.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2011 c 60: See RCW 42.17A.919.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.36 - Appearance of Fairness Doctrine—Limitations. › 42.36.050 - Campaign contributions.

RCW 42.36.050
Campaign contributions.
A candidate for public office who complies with all provisions of applicable public disclosure and ethics laws shall not be limited from accepting campaign contributions to finance the campaign, including outstanding debts; nor shall it be a violation of the appearance of fairness doctrine to accept such campaign contributions.
[ 1982 c 229 § 5.]
NOTES:
Public disclosure of campaign finances: Chapter 42.17A RCW.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.36 - Appearance of Fairness Doctrine—Limitations. › 42.36.060 - Quasi-judicial proceedings—Ex parte communications prohibited, exceptions.

RCW 42.36.060
Quasi-judicial proceedings—Ex parte communications prohibited, exceptions.
During the pendency of any quasi-judicial proceeding, no member of a decision-making body may engage in ex parte communications with opponents or proponents with respect to the proposal which is the subject of the proceeding unless that person:
(1) Places on the record the substance of any written or oral ex parte communications concerning the decision of action; and
(2) Provides that a public announcement of the content of the communication and of the parties' rights to rebut the substance of the communication shall be made at each hearing where action is considered or taken on the subject to which the communication related. This prohibition does not preclude a member of a decision-making body from seeking in a public hearing specific information or data from such parties relative to the decision if both the request and the results are a part of the record. Nor does such prohibition preclude correspondence between a citizen and his or her elected official if any such correspondence is made a part of the record when it pertains to the subject matter of a quasi-judicial proceeding.
[ 1984 c 191 § 1; 1982 c 229 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.36 - Appearance of Fairness Doctrine—Limitations. › 42.36.070 - Quasi-judicial proceedings—Prior advisory proceedings.

RCW 42.36.070
Quasi-judicial proceedings—Prior advisory proceedings.
Participation by a member of a decision-making body in earlier proceedings that result in an advisory recommendation to a decision-making body shall not disqualify that person from participating in any subsequent quasi-judicial proceeding.
[ 1982 c 229 § 7.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.36 - Appearance of Fairness Doctrine—Limitations. › 42.36.080 - Disqualification based on doctrine—Time limitation for raising challenge.

RCW 42.36.080
Disqualification based on doctrine—Time limitation for raising challenge.
Anyone seeking to rely on the appearance of fairness doctrine to disqualify a member of a decision-making body from participating in a decision must raise the challenge as soon as the basis for disqualification is made known to the individual. Where the basis is known or should reasonably have been known prior to the issuance of a decision and is not raised, it may not be relied on to invalidate the decision.
[ 1982 c 229 § 8.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.36 - Appearance of Fairness Doctrine—Limitations. › 42.36.090 - Participation of challenged member of decision-making body.

RCW 42.36.090
Participation of challenged member of decision-making body.
In the event of a challenge to a member or members of a decision-making body which would cause a lack of a quorum or would result in a failure to obtain a majority vote as required by law, any such challenged member(s) shall be permitted to fully participate in the proceeding and vote as though the challenge had not occurred, if the member or members publicly disclose the basis for disqualification prior to rendering a decision. Such participation shall not subject the decision to a challenge by reason of violation of the appearance of fairness doctrine.
[ 1982 c 229 § 9.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.36 - Appearance of Fairness Doctrine—Limitations. › 42.36.100 - Judicial restriction of doctrine not prohibited—Construction of chapter.

RCW 42.36.100
Judicial restriction of doctrine not prohibited—Construction of chapter.
Nothing in this chapter prohibits the restriction or elimination of the appearance of fairness doctrine by the appellate courts. Nothing in this chapter may be construed to expand the appearance of fairness doctrine.
[ 1982 c 229 § 10.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.36 - Appearance of Fairness Doctrine—Limitations. › 42.36.110 - Right to fair hearing not impaired.

RCW 42.36.110
Right to fair hearing not impaired.
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.
[ 1982 c 229 § 11.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.40 - State Employee Whistleblower Protection. › 42.40.010 - Policy.

RCW 42.40.010
Policy.
It is the policy of the legislature that employees should be encouraged to disclose, to the extent not expressly prohibited by law, improper governmental actions, and it is the intent of the legislature to protect the rights of state employees making these disclosures, regardless of whether an investigation is initiated under RCW 42.40.040. It is also the policy of the legislature that employees should be encouraged to identify rules warranting review or provide information to the rules review committee, and it is the intent of the legislature to protect the rights of these employees.
[ 2017 c 44 § 1; 1995 c 403 § 508; 1982 c 208 § 1.]
NOTES:
Findings—Short title—Intent—1995 c 403: See note following RCW 34.05.328.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.40 - State Employee Whistleblower Protection. › 42.40.030 - Right to disclose improper governmental actions—Interference prohibited.

RCW 42.40.030
Right to disclose improper governmental actions—Interference prohibited.
(1) An employee shall not directly or indirectly use or attempt to use the employee's official authority or influence for the purpose of intimidating, threatening, coercing, commanding, influencing, or attempting to intimidate, threaten, coerce, command, or influence any individual for the purpose of interfering with the right of the individual to: (a) Disclose to the auditor (or representative thereof) or other public official, as defined in RCW 42.40.020, information concerning improper governmental action; or (b) identify rules warranting review or provide information to the rules review committee.
(2) Nothing in this section authorizes an individual to disclose information otherwise prohibited by law, except to the extent that information is necessary to substantiate the whistleblower complaint, in which case information may be disclosed to the auditor or public official, as defined in RCW 42.40.020, by the whistleblower for the limited purpose of providing information related to the complaint. Any information provided to the auditor or public official under the authority of this subsection may not be further disclosed.
[ 2008 c 266 § 3; 1995 c 403 § 510; 1989 c 284 § 2; 1982 c 208 § 3.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—2008 c 266: See note following RCW 42.40.020.
Findings—Short title—Intent—1995 c 403: See note following RCW 34.05.328.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.40 - State Employee Whistleblower Protection. › 42.40.035 - Duty of correctness—Penalties for false information.

RCW 42.40.035
Duty of correctness—Penalties for false information.
An employee must make a reasonable attempt to ascertain the correctness of the information furnished and may be subject to disciplinary actions, including, but not limited to, suspension or termination, for knowingly furnishing false information as determined by the employee's appointing authority.
[ 1999 c 361 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.40 - State Employee Whistleblower Protection. › 42.40.050 - Retaliatory action against whistleblower—Remedies.

RCW 42.40.050
Retaliatory action against whistleblower—Remedies.
(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).
[ 2008 c 266 § 6; 1999 c 283 § 1; 1992 c 118 § 3; 1989 c 284 § 4; 1982 c 208 § 5.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—2008 c 266: See note following RCW 42.40.020.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.40 - State Employee Whistleblower Protection. › 42.40.070 - Summary of chapter available to employees.

RCW 42.40.070
Summary of chapter available to employees.
A written summary of this chapter and procedures for reporting improper governmental actions established by the auditor's office shall be made available by each department or agency of state government to each employee upon entering public employment. Such notices may be in agency internal newsletters, included with paychecks or stubs, sent via electronic mail to all employees, or sent by other means that are cost-effective and reach all employees of the government level, division, or subdivision. Employees shall be notified by each department or agency of state government each year of the procedures and protections under this chapter. The annual notices shall include a list of public officials, as defined in RCW 42.40.020, authorized to receive whistleblower reports. The list of public officials authorized to receive whistleblower reports shall also be prominently displayed in all agency offices.
[ 2008 c 266 § 5; 1989 c 284 § 5; 1982 c 208 § 7.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—2008 c 266: See note following RCW 42.40.020.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.40 - State Employee Whistleblower Protection. › 42.40.080 - Contracting for assistance.

RCW 42.40.080
Contracting for assistance.
The auditor has the authority to contract for any assistance necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
[ 1999 c 361 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.40 - State Employee Whistleblower Protection. › 42.40.090 - Administrative costs.

RCW 42.40.090
Administrative costs.
The cost of administering this chapter is funded through the auditing services revolving account created in RCW 43.09.410.
[ 1999 c 361 § 5.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.40 - State Employee Whistleblower Protection. › 42.40.100 - Assertions against auditor.

RCW 42.40.100
Assertions against auditor.
A whistleblower wishing to provide information under this chapter regarding asserted improper governmental action against the state auditor or an employee of that office shall provide the information to the attorney general who shall act in place of the auditor in investigating and reporting the matter.
[ 1999 c 361 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.40 - State Employee Whistleblower Protection. › 42.40.110 - Performance audit.

RCW 42.40.110
Performance audit.
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.
[ 1999 c 361 § 8.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.40 - State Employee Whistleblower Protection. › 42.40.910 - Application of chapter.

RCW 42.40.910
Application of chapter.
Chapter 266, Laws of 2008 and chapter 361, Laws of 1999 do not affect the jurisdiction of the legislative ethics board, the executive ethics board, or the commission on judicial conduct, as set forth in chapter 42.52 RCW. The senate, the house of representatives, and the supreme court shall adopt policies regarding the applicability of chapter 42.40 RCW to the senate, house of representatives, and judicial branch.
[ 2008 c 266 § 9; 1999 c 361 § 7.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—2008 c 266: See note following RCW 42.40.020.