reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service. › 42.52.520 - Disciplinary action.

RCW 42.52.520
Disciplinary action.
(1) A violation of this chapter or rules adopted under it is grounds for disciplinary action.
(2) The procedures for any such action shall correspond to those applicable for disciplinary action for employee misconduct generally; for those state officers and state employees not specifically exempted in chapter 41.06 RCW, the rules set forth in chapter 41.06 RCW shall apply. Any action against the state officer or state employee shall be subject to judicial review to the extent provided by law for disciplinary action for misconduct of state officers and state employees of the same category and grade.
[ 1994 c 154 § 222; 1969 ex.s. c 234 § 26. Formerly RCW 42.18.260.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service. › 42.52.530 - Additional investigative authority.

RCW 42.52.530
Additional investigative authority.
In addition to other authority under this chapter, the attorney general may investigate persons not under the jurisdiction of an ethics board whom the attorney general has reason to believe were involved in transactions in violation of this chapter or rules adopted under it.
[ 1994 c 154 § 223.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service. › 42.52.540 - Limitations period.

RCW 42.52.540
Limitations period.
Any action taken under this chapter must be commenced within five years from the date of the violation. However, if it is shown that the violation was not discovered because of concealment by the person charged, then the action must be commenced within two years from the date the violation was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered: (1) By any person with direct or indirect supervisory responsibilities over the person who allegedly committed the violation; or (2) if no person has direct or indirect supervisory authority over the person who committed the violation, by the appropriate ethics board.
[ 1994 c 154 § 224.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service. › 42.52.550 - Compensation of ethics boards.

RCW 42.52.550
Compensation of ethics boards.
The citizen members of the legislative ethics board and the members of the executive ethics board shall be compensated as provided in RCW 43.03.250 and reimbursed for travel expenses as provided in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060. Legislator members of the legislative ethics board shall be reimbursed as provided in RCW 44.04.120.
[ 1994 c 154 § 227.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service. › 42.52.560 - Communications from an employee organization or charitable organization—Distribution by state employee.

RCW 42.52.560
Communications from an employee organization or charitable organization—Distribution by state employee.
(1) Nothing in this chapter prohibits a state employee from distributing communications from an employee organization or charitable organization to other state employees if the communications do not support or oppose a ballot proposition or candidate for federal, state, or local public office. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize any lobbying activity with public funds beyond the activity permitted by RCW 42.17A.635.
(2) "Employee organization," for purposes of this section, means any organization, union, or association in which employees participate and that exists for the purpose of collective bargaining with employers or for the purpose of opposing collective bargaining or certification of a union.
[ 2011 c 60 § 33; 2006 c 217 § 1.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2011 c 60: See RCW 42.17A.919.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service. › 42.52.570 - Private business activity policy—Department of fish and wildlife—Parks and recreation commission.

RCW 42.52.570
Private business activity policy—Department of fish and wildlife—Parks and recreation commission.
(1) The department of fish and wildlife and the parks and recreation commission may approve private business activity in state-owned housing provided under Title 77 RCW or chapter 79A.05 RCW.
(2) Prior to granting approval of private business activity in state-owned housing, the department of fish and wildlife and the parks and recreation commission must adopt a private business activity policy that is approved by the executive ethics board.
(a) The private business activity policy may only authorize private business activity by the resident state employee while the employee is off duty or the employee's spouse who is approved for residency in the agency housing or the employee's children.
(b) The private business activity policy may not allow private business activity that negatively impacts the agency's operations. For the purposes of this section, "negatively impacts" includes but is not limited to: (i) Negative impacts to visitors' services or access; (ii) in-person visits to state-owned housing for the purpose of transacting business that negatively impacts agency operations; (iii) the incurrence of additional expenses by the state; (iv) the use of signage in the state-owned residence; (v) advertising on state-owned property; or (vi) an appearance of state endorsement of the private business activity.
(3) The private business activity must comply with all other local, state, and federal laws.
(4) All approvals of a private business activity in state-owned housing must be by the agency director or designee in writing.
(5) A state employee is presumed not to be in violation of RCW 42.52.070 or 42.52.160 if the employee or the employee's spouse or child complies with this section.
[ 2008 c 247 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service. › 42.52.575 - Information about scholarship opportunities.

RCW 42.52.575
Information about scholarship opportunities.
This chapter does not prohibit the department of labor and industries from providing information about scholarship opportunities offered by nonprofit organizations and available to children and spouses of workers who suffered an injury in the course of employment resulting in death or permanent total disability. The department of labor and industries may, in its sole discretion, provide information about one or more scholarship opportunities. The cost of printing and inserting materials, any additional mailing costs, and any other related costs must be borne by the scholarship organization.
[ 2013 c 134 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service. › 42.52.800 - Exemptions—Solicitation for state capitol historic furnishings and preservation and restoration of state legislative building.

RCW 42.52.800
Exemptions—Solicitation for state capitol historic furnishings and preservation and restoration of state legislative building.
(1) When soliciting charitable gifts, grants, or donations solely for the limited purposes of RCW 27.48.040, members of the capitol furnishings preservation committee are exempt from the laws of this chapter.
(2) When soliciting charitable gifts, grants, or donations solely for the limited purposes of RCW 27.48.050 or when assisting a nonprofit foundation established for the purposes of RCW 27.48.050, state officers and state employees are exempt from the laws of this chapter.
[ 2002 c 167 § 3; 1999 c 343 § 4.]
NOTES:
Findings—Effective date—2002 c 167: See notes following RCW 27.48.050.
Findings—Purpose—1999 c 343: See note following RCW 27.48.040.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service. › 42.52.801 - Exemption—Solicitation to promote tourism.

RCW 42.52.801
Exemption—Solicitation to promote tourism.
When soliciting charitable gifts, grants, or donations solely for the purposes of promoting the *expansion of tourism as provided for in RCW 43.330.090, state officers and state employees are presumed not to be in violation of the solicitation and receipt of gift provisions in RCW 42.52.140.
[ 2003 c 153 § 5.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 43.330.090 was amended by 2007 c 228 § 201, deleting subsection (2) which directly related to "expansion of tourism."
Findings—2003 c 153: See note following RCW 43.330.090.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service. › 42.52.802 - Exemption—Solicitation for Washington state legacy project, state library, and archives account.

RCW 42.52.802
Exemption—Solicitation for Washington state legacy project, state library, and archives account.
This chapter does not prohibit the secretary of state or a designee from soliciting and accepting contributions to the Washington state legacy project, state library, and archives account created in RCW 43.07.380.
[ 2008 c 222 § 14; 2003 c 164 § 4.]
NOTES:
Purpose—2008 c 222: See note following RCW 44.04.320.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service. › 42.52.8021 - Exemption—Solicitation for Washington state flag account.

RCW 42.52.8021
Exemption—Solicitation for Washington state flag account.
This chapter does not prohibit the secretary of state or the secretary of state's designee from soliciting and accepting contributions to the Washington state flag account created in RCW 43.07.388.
[ 2009 c 71 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service. › 42.52.8022 - Exemption—Informational or educational meetings regarding legislative issues.

RCW 42.52.8022
Exemption—Informational or educational meetings regarding legislative issues.
This chapter does not prohibit state employees from attending informational or educational meetings regarding legislative issues with a legislator or other elected official. It is not a violation of this chapter to hold such meetings in public facilities, including state-owned or leased buildings. This section is not intended to allow the use of state facilities for a political campaign or for the promotion of or opposition to a ballot proposition.
[ 2011 c 63 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service. › 42.52.8023 - Exemption—Gina Grant Bull memorial legislative page scholarship account.

RCW 42.52.8023
Exemption—Gina Grant Bull memorial legislative page scholarship account.
This chapter does not prohibit the secretary of the senate, the chief clerk of the house of representatives, or their designee from soliciting and accepting contributions to the Gina Grant Bull memorial legislative page scholarship account created in RCW 44.04.380. Furthermore, this chapter does not prohibit any legislative member or legislative employee from soliciting gifts for the Gina Grant Bull memorial legislative page scholarship account.
[ 2017 c 322 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service. › 42.52.8024 - Exemption—Rosa Franklin legislative internship program scholarship.

RCW 42.52.8024
Exemption—Rosa Franklin legislative internship program scholarship.
This chapter does not prohibit the secretary of the senate, the chief clerk of the house of representatives, or their designee from soliciting and accepting contributions to the Rosa Franklin legislative internship program scholarship account created in RCW 44.04.410. Furthermore, this chapter does not prohibit any legislative member or legislative employee from soliciting gifts for the Rosa Franklin legislative internship program scholarship account.
[ 2021 c 108 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service. › 42.52.803 - Exemption—Solicitation for legislative oral history account.

RCW 42.52.803
Exemption—Solicitation for legislative oral history account.
This chapter does not prohibit the secretary of the senate, the chief clerk of the house of representatives, or their designee from soliciting and accepting contributions to the legislative oral history account created in RCW 44.04.345.
[ 2008 c 222 § 2.]
NOTES:
Purpose—2008 c 222: See note following RCW 44.04.320.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service. › 42.52.804 - Exemption—Health profession board or commission—Professional opinions.

RCW 42.52.804
Exemption—Health profession board or commission—Professional opinions.
Members of a health profession board or commission as identified in RCW 18.130.040(2)(b) may express their professional opinions to an elected official about the work of the board or commission on which the member serves, even if those opinions differ from the department of health's official position. Such communication shall be to inform the elected official and not to lobby in support or opposition to any initiative to the legislature.
[ 2008 c 134 § 15.]
NOTES:
Finding—Intent—Severability—2008 c 134: See notes following RCW 18.130.020.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service. › 42.52.805 - Solicitation for charitable activities of executive branch state employees—Limitations—Definitions.

RCW 42.52.805
Solicitation for charitable activities of executive branch state employees—Limitations—Definitions.
(1) When soliciting gifts, grants, or donations solely to support the charitable activities of executive branch state employees conducted pursuant to RCW 9.46.0209, the executive branch state officers and executive branch state employees are presumed not to be in violation of the solicitation and receipt of gift provisions in RCW 42.52.140. However, the gifts, grants, or donations must only be solicited from state employees or businesses and organizations that have no business dealings with the soliciting employee's agency. For the purposes of this subsection, "business dealings" includes being subject to regulation by the agency, having a contractual relationship with the agency, and purchasing goods or services from the agency.
(2) For purposes of this section, activities are deemed to be charitable if the activities are devoted to the purposes authorized under RCW 9.46.0209 for charitable and nonprofit organizations listed in that section, or are in support of the activities of those charitable or nonprofit organizations.
[ 2007 c 452 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service. › 42.52.806 - Exemption—Solicitation for Billy Frank Jr. national statuary hall collection fund.

RCW 42.52.806
Exemption—Solicitation for Billy Frank Jr. national statuary hall collection fund.
This chapter does not prohibit the members of the Billy Frank Jr. national statuary hall selection committee, members of the legislature, when outside the period in which solicitation of contributions is prohibited by RCW 42.17A.560, or employees of the Washington state historical society from soliciting contributions for the purposes established in chapter 20, Laws of 2021, and for deposit into the Billy Frank Jr. national statuary hall collection fund created in RCW 43.08.800.
[ 2023 c 387 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service. › 42.52.810 - Solicitation for the legislative international trade account—Report.

RCW 42.52.810
Solicitation for the legislative international trade account—Report.
(1) When soliciting charitable gifts, grants, or donations solely for the legislative international trade account created in *RCW 44.04.270, the president of the senate is presumed not to be in violation of the solicitation and receipt of gift provisions in RCW 42.52.140.
(2) When soliciting charitable gifts, grants, or donations solely for the legislative international trade account created in *RCW 44.04.270, state officers and state employees are presumed not to be in violation of the solicitation and receipt of gift provisions in RCW 42.52.140.
(3) An annual report of the legislative international trade account activities, including a list of receipts and expenditures, shall be published by the president of the senate and submitted to the house of representatives and the senate and be a public record for the purposes of RCW 42.56.070.
[ 2005 c 274 § 293; 2003 c 265 § 2.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 44.04.270 was recodified as RCW 43.15.050 pursuant to 2006 c 317 § 5.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service. › 42.52.820 - Solicitation for hosting national legislative association conference.

RCW 42.52.820
Solicitation for hosting national legislative association conference.
When soliciting gifts, grants, or donations to host an official conference within the state of Washington of a national legislative association as approved by both the chief clerk and the secretary of the senate, designated legislative officials and designated legislative employees are presumed not to be in violation of the solicitation and receipt of gift provisions in this chapter. For the purposes of this section, any legislative association must include among its membership the Washington state legislature or individual legislators or legislative staff.
[ 2003 1st sp.s. c 23 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service. › 42.52.821 - Exemption—Solicitation to host conference of a national association.

RCW 42.52.821
Exemption—Solicitation to host conference of a national association.
When soliciting gifts, grants, or donations to host an official conference within the state of Washington of a national association as approved by the state treasurer, the treasurer and designated employees are presumed not to be in violation of the solicitation and receipt of gift provisions in this chapter.
[ 2015 c 45 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service. › 42.52.822 - Exemption—Solicitation for regional or national legislative association conferences.

RCW 42.52.822
Exemption—Solicitation for regional or national legislative association conferences.
(1) When soliciting gifts, grants, or donations to a regional or national legislative association for an official conference held outside the state of Washington, legislators who serve as elected leaders of the association and designated legislative employees are presumed not to be in violation of the solicitation and receipt of gift provisions of this chapter.
(2) For purposes of this section, any regional or national legislative association is any organization which:
(a) Exists for the purpose of supporting legislators in the execution of their official duties;
(b) Includes among its membership the Washington state legislature; and
(c) Is supported in part by the payment of annual dues by the Washington state legislature.
[ 2023 c 91 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service. › 42.52.900 - Legislative declaration.

RCW 42.52.900
Legislative declaration.
Government derives its powers from the people. Ethics in government are the foundation on which the structure of government rests. State officials and employees of government hold a public trust that obligates them, in a special way, to honesty and integrity in fulfilling the responsibilities to which they are elected and appointed. Paramount in that trust is the principle that public office, whether elected or appointed, may not be used for personal gain or private advantage.
The citizens of the state expect all state officials and employees to perform their public responsibilities in accordance with the highest ethical and moral standards and to conduct the business of the state only in a manner that advances the public's interest. State officials and employees are subject to the sanctions of law and scrutiny of the media; ultimately, however, they are accountable to the people and must consider this public accountability as a particular obligation of the public service. Only when affairs of government are conducted, at all levels, with openness as provided by law and an unswerving commitment to the public good does government work as it should.
The obligations of government rest equally on the state's citizenry. The effectiveness of government depends, fundamentally, on the confidence citizens can have in the judgments and decisions of their elected representatives. Citizens, therefore, should honor and respect the principles and the spirit of representative democracy, recognizing that both elected and appointed officials, together with state employees, seek to carry out their public duties with professional skill and dedication to the public interest. Such service merits public recognition and support.
All who have the privilege of working for the people of Washington state can have but one aim: To give the highest public service to its citizens.
[ 1994 c 154 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service. › 42.52.901 - Liberal construction.

RCW 42.52.901
Liberal construction.
This chapter shall be construed liberally to effectuate its purposes and policy and to supplement existing laws as may relate to the same subject.
[ 1994 c 154 § 301.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service. › 42.52.903 - Serving on board, committee, or commission not prevented.

RCW 42.52.903
Serving on board, committee, or commission not prevented.
Nothing in this chapter shall be interpreted to prevent a member of a board, committee, advisory commission, or other body required or permitted by statute to be appointed from any identifiable group or interest, from serving on such body in accordance with the intent of the legislature in establishing such body.
[ 1969 ex.s. c 234 § 33. Formerly RCW 42.18.330.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service. › 42.52.904 - Effective date—1994 c 154.

RCW 42.52.904
Effective date—1994 c 154.
Sections 101 through 121, 203, 204, 207 through 224, and 301 through 317 of this act shall take effect January 1, 1995.
[ 1994 c 154 § 319.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service. › 42.52.906 - Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.

RCW 42.52.906
Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.
For the purposes of this chapter, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to marital relationships and married persons, and references to dissolution of marriage shall apply equally to state registered domestic partnerships that have been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated, to the extent that such interpretation does not conflict with federal law. Where necessary to implement chapter 521, Laws of 2009, gender-specific terms such as husband and wife used in any statute, rule, or other law shall be construed to be gender neutral, and applicable to individuals in state registered domestic partnerships.
[ 2009 c 521 § 105.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.001 - Finding, purpose.

RCW 42.56.001
Finding, purpose.
The legislature finds that *chapter 42.17 RCW contains laws relating to several discrete subjects. Therefore, the purpose of chapter 274, Laws of 2005 is to recodify some of those laws and create a new chapter in the Revised Code of Washington that contains laws pertaining to public records.
[ 2005 c 274 § 1.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: Provisions in chapter 42.17 RCW relating to public records were recodified in chapter 42.56 RCW by 2005 c 274, effective July 1, 2006. Provisions in chapter 42.17 RCW relating to campaign disclosure and contribution were recodified in chapter 42.17A RCW by 2010 c 204, effective January 1, 2012.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.010 - Definitions.

RCW 42.56.010
Definitions.
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Agency" includes all state agencies and all local agencies. "State agency" includes every state office, department, division, bureau, board, commission, or other state agency. "Local agency" includes every county, city, town, municipal corporation, quasi-municipal corporation, or special purpose district, or any office, department, division, bureau, board, commission, or agency thereof, or other local public agency. "Agency" 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.
(2) "Person in interest" means the person who is the subject of a record or any representative designated by that person, except that if that person is under a legal disability, "person in interest" means and includes the parent or duly appointed legal representative.
(3) "Public record" includes any writing containing information relating to the conduct of government or the performance of any governmental or proprietary function prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency regardless of physical form or characteristics. For the office of the secretary of the senate and the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives, public records means legislative records as defined in RCW 40.14.100 and also means the following: All budget and financial records; personnel leave, travel, and payroll records; records of legislative sessions; reports submitted to the legislature; and any other record designated a public record by any official action of the senate or the house of representatives. This definition does not include records that are not otherwise required to be retained by the agency and are held by volunteers who:
(a) Do not serve in an administrative capacity;
(b) Have not been appointed by the agency to an agency board, commission, or internship; and
(c) Do not have a supervisory role or delegated agency authority.
(4) "Writing" means handwriting, typewriting, printing, photostating, photographing, and every other means of recording any form of communication or representation including, but not limited to, letters, words, pictures, sounds, or symbols, or combination thereof, and all papers, maps, magnetic or paper tapes, photographic films and prints, motion picture, film and video recordings, magnetic or punched cards, discs, drums, diskettes, sound recordings, and other documents including existing data compilations from which information may be obtained or translated.
[ 2022 c 71 § 6; 2017 c 303 § 1; 2010 c 204 § 1005; 2007 c 197 § 1; 2005 c 274 § 101.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—2022 c 71: See note following RCW 28B.10.930.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.030 - Construction.

RCW 42.56.030
Construction.
The people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies that 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 so that they may maintain control over the instruments that they have created. This chapter shall be liberally construed and its exemptions narrowly construed to promote this public policy and to assure that the public interest will be fully protected. In the event of conflict between the provisions of this chapter and any other act, the provisions of this chapter shall govern.
[ 2007 c 197 § 2; 2005 c 274 § 283; 1992 c 139 § 2. Formerly RCW 42.17.251.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.040 - Duty to publish procedures.

RCW 42.56.040
Duty to publish procedures.
(1) Each state agency shall separately state and currently publish in the Washington Administrative Code and each local agency shall prominently display and make available for inspection and copying at the central office of such local agency, for guidance of the public:
(a) Descriptions of its central and field organization and the established places at which, the employees from whom, and the methods whereby, the public may obtain information, make submittals or requests, or obtain copies of agency decisions;
(b) Statements of the general course and method by which its operations are channeled and determined, including the nature and requirements of all formal and informal procedures available;
(c) Rules of procedure;
(d) Substantive rules of general applicability adopted as authorized by law, and statements of general policy or interpretations of general applicability formulated and adopted by the agency; and
(e) Each amendment or revision to, or repeal of any of the foregoing.
(2) Except to the extent that he or she has actual and timely notice of the terms thereof, a person may not in any manner be required to resort to, or be adversely affected by, a matter required to be published or displayed and not so published or displayed.
[ 2012 c 117 § 127; 1973 c 1 § 25 (Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17.250.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.050 - Invasion of privacy, when.

RCW 42.56.050
Invasion of privacy, when.
A person's "right to privacy," "right of privacy," "privacy," or "personal privacy," as these terms are used in this chapter, is invaded or violated only if disclosure of information about the person: (1) Would be highly offensive to a reasonable person, and (2) is not of legitimate concern to the public. The provisions of this chapter dealing with the right to privacy in certain public records do not create any right of privacy beyond those rights that are specified in this chapter as express exemptions from the public's right to inspect, examine, or copy public records.
[ 1987 c 403 § 2. Formerly RCW 42.17.255.]
NOTES:
Intent—1987 c 403: "The legislature intends to restore the law relating to the release of public records largely to that which existed prior to the Washington Supreme Court decision in "In Re Rosier," 105 Wn.2d 606 (1986). The intent of this legislation is to make clear that: (1) Absent statutory provisions to the contrary, agencies possessing records should in responding to requests for disclosure not make any distinctions in releasing or not releasing records based upon the identity of the person or agency which requested the records, and (2) agencies having public records should rely only upon statutory exemptions or prohibitions for refusal to provide public records. Further, to avoid unnecessary confusion, "privacy" as used in RCW 42.17.255 is intended to have the same meaning as the definition given that word by the Supreme Court in "Hearst v. Hoppe," 90 Wn.2d 123, 135 (1978)." [ 1987 c 403 § 1.]
Severability—1987 c 403: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1987 c 403 § 7.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.060 - Disclaimer of public liability.

RCW 42.56.060
Disclaimer of public liability.
No public agency, public official, public employee, or custodian shall be liable, nor shall a cause of action exist, for any loss or damage based upon the release of a public record if the public agency, public official, public employee, or custodian acted in good faith in attempting to comply with the provisions of this chapter.
[ 1992 c 139 § 11. Formerly RCW 42.17.258.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.090 - Times for inspection and copying—Posting on website.

RCW 42.56.090
Times for inspection and copying—Posting on website.
Public records shall be available for inspection and copying during the customary office hours of the agency, the office of the secretary of the senate, and the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives for a minimum of thirty hours per week, except weeks that include state legal holidays, unless the person making the request and the agency, the office of the secretary of the senate, or the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives or its representative agree on a different time. Customary business hours must be posted on the agency or office's website and made known by other means designed to provide the public with notice.
[ 2009 c 428 § 2; 1995 c 397 § 12; 1973 c 1 § 28 (Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17.280.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.100 - Protection of public records—Public access.

RCW 42.56.100
Protection of public records—Public access.
Agencies shall adopt and enforce reasonable rules and regulations, and the office of the secretary of the senate and the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives shall adopt reasonable procedures allowing for the time, resource, and personnel constraints associated with legislative sessions, consonant with the intent of this chapter to provide full public access to public records, to protect public records from damage or disorganization, and to prevent excessive interference with other essential functions of the agency, the office of the secretary of the senate, or the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives. Such rules and regulations shall provide for the fullest assistance to inquirers and the most timely possible action on requests for information. Nothing in this section shall relieve agencies, the office of the secretary of the senate, and the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives from honoring requests received by mail for copies of identifiable public records.
If a public record request is made at a time when such record exists but is scheduled for destruction in the near future, the agency, the office of the secretary of the senate, or the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives shall retain possession of the record, and may not destroy or erase the record until the request is resolved.
[ 1995 c 397 § 13; 1992 c 139 § 4; 1975 1st ex.s. c 294 § 16; 1973 c 1 § 29 (Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17.290.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.110 - Destruction of information relating to employee misconduct.

RCW 42.56.110
Destruction of information relating to employee misconduct.
Nothing in this chapter prevents an agency from destroying information relating to employee misconduct or alleged misconduct, in accordance with RCW 41.06.450, to the extent necessary to ensure fairness to the employee.
[ 1982 c 208 § 13. Formerly RCW 42.17.295.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.130 - Other provisions not superseded.

RCW 42.56.130
Other provisions not superseded.
The provisions of RCW * 42.56.070 (7) and (8) and 42.56.120 that establish or allow agencies to establish the costs charged for photocopies or electronically produced copies of public records do not supersede other statutory provisions, other than in this chapter, authorizing or governing fees for copying public records.
[ 2017 c 304 § 4; 2005 c 274 § 286; 1995 c 341 § 3. Formerly RCW 42.17.305.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 42.56.070 was amended by 2017 c 304 § 1, deleting subsection (8).
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.141 - Public records exemptions accountability committee—Wolf depredation information exemption.

RCW 42.56.141
Public records exemptions accountability committee—Wolf depredation information exemption. (Expires June 30, 2027.)
By December 1, 2021, the public records exemptions accountability committee, in addition to its duties in RCW 42.56.140, must prepare and submit a report to the legislature that includes recommendations on whether the exemptions created in section 1, chapter 246, Laws of 2017 should be continued or allowed to expire. The report should focus on whether the exemption continues to serve the intent of the legislature in section 1, chapter 246, Laws of 2017 to provide protections of personal information during the period the state establishes and implements new policies regarding wolf management. The committee must consider whether the development of wolf management policy, by the time of the report, has diminished risks of threats to personal safety so that the protection of personal information in section 1, chapter 246, Laws of 2017 is no longer an ongoing necessity.
[ 2017 c 246 § 3.]
NOTES:
Expiration date—2017 c 246: See note following RCW 42.56.430.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.150 - Training—Local elected and statewide elected officials.

RCW 42.56.150
Training—Local elected and statewide elected officials.
(1) Each local elected official and statewide elected official, and each person appointed to fill a vacancy in a local or statewide office, must complete a training course regarding the provisions of this chapter, and also chapter 40.14 RCW for records retention.
(2) Officials required to complete training under this section may complete their training before assuming office but must:
(a) Complete training no later than ninety days after the date the official either:
(i) Takes the oath of office, if the official is required to take an oath of office to assume his or her duties as a public official; or
(ii) Otherwise assumes his or her duties as a public official; and
(b) Complete refresher training at intervals of no more than four years for as long as he or she holds the office.
(3) Training must be consistent with the attorney general's model rules for compliance with the public records act.
(4) Training may be completed remotely with technology including but not limited to internet-based training.
[ 2014 c 66 § 3.]
NOTES:
Findings—2014 c 66: "The legislature finds that the rights of citizens to observe the actions of their public officials and to have timely access to public records are the underpinnings of democracy and are essential for meaningful citizen participation in the democratic process. All too often, however, violations of the requirements of the public records act and the open public meetings act by public officials and agencies result in citizens being denied this important information and materials to which they are legally entitled. Such violations are often the result of inadvertent error or a lack of knowledge on the part of officials and agencies regarding their legal duties to the public pursuant to these acts. Also, whether due to error or ignorance, violations of the public records act and open public meetings act are very costly for state and local governments, both in terms of litigation expenses and administrative costs. The legislature also finds that the implementation of simple, cost-effective training programs will greatly increase the likelihood that public officials and agencies will better serve the public by improving citizen access to public records and encouraging public participation in governmental deliberations. Such improvements in public service will, in turn, enhance the public's trust in its government and result in significant cost savings by reducing the number of violations of the public records act and open public meetings act." [ 2014 c 66 § 1.]
Short title—2014 c 66: "This act may be known and cited as the open government trainings act." [ 2014 c 66 § 6.]
Effective date—2014 c 66: "This act takes effect July 1, 2014." [ 2014 c 66 § 7.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.152 - Training—Public records officers.

RCW 42.56.152
Training—Public records officers.
(1) Public records officers designated under RCW 42.56.580 and records officers designated under RCW 40.14.040 must complete a training course regarding the provisions of this chapter, and also chapter 40.14 RCW for records retention.
(2) Public records officers must:
(a) Complete training no later than ninety days after assuming responsibilities as a public records officer or records manager; and
(b) Complete refresher training at intervals of no more than four years as long as they maintain the designation.
(3) Training must be consistent with the attorney general's model rules for compliance with the public records act.
(4) Training may be completed remotely with technology including but not limited to internet-based training.
(5) Training must address particular issues related to the retention, production, and disclosure of electronic documents, including updating and improving technology information services.
[ 2017 c 303 § 2; 2014 c 66 § 4.]
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 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.155 - Assistance by attorney general.

RCW 42.56.155
Assistance by attorney general.
The attorney general's office may provide information, technical assistance, and training on the provisions of this chapter.
[ 2014 c 66 § 5.]
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 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.235 - Religious affiliation exemption.

RCW 42.56.235
Religious affiliation exemption.
All records that relate to or contain personally identifying information about an individual's religious beliefs, practices, or affiliation are exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
[ 2018 c 303 § 7.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.260 - Real estate transactions.

RCW 42.56.260
Real estate transactions.
(1) Subject to the time limitations in subsection (2) of this section, the following documents relating to an agency's real estate transactions are exempt from public inspection and copying under this chapter:
(a) Except as provided by chapter 8.26 RCW, the contents of real estate appraisals, made for or by any agency relative to the acquisition or sale of property;
(b) Documents prepared for the purpose of considering the selection of a site or the acquisition of real estate by lease or purchase when public knowledge regarding such consideration would cause a likelihood of increased price, including records prepared for executive session pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(b); and
(c) Documents prepared for the purpose of considering the minimum price of real estate that will be offered for sale or lease when public knowledge regarding such consideration would cause a likelihood of decreased price, including records prepared for executive session pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(c).
(2) The exemptions in this section do not apply when disclosure is mandated by another statute or after the project or prospective project is abandoned or all properties that are part of the project have been purchased, sold, or leased. No appraisal may be withheld for more than three years.
[ 2015 c 150 § 1; 2005 c 274 § 406.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.280 - Preliminary drafts, notes, recommendations, intra-agency memorandums.

RCW 42.56.280
Preliminary drafts, notes, recommendations, intra-agency memorandums.
Preliminary drafts, notes, recommendations, and intra-agency memorandums in which opinions are expressed or policies formulated or recommended are exempt under this chapter, except that a specific record is not exempt when publicly cited by an agency in connection with any agency action.
[ 2005 c 274 § 408.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.290 - Agency party to controversy.

RCW 42.56.290
Agency party to controversy.
Records that are relevant to a controversy to which an agency is a party but which records would not be available to another party under the rules of pretrial discovery for causes pending in the superior courts are exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
[ 2005 c 274 § 409.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.300 - Archaeological sites.

RCW 42.56.300
Archaeological sites.
(1) Records, maps, or other information identifying the location of archaeological sites in order to avoid the looting or depredation of such sites are exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
(2) Records, maps, and other information, acquired during watershed analysis pursuant to the forests and fish report under RCW 76.09.370, that identify the location of archaeological sites, historic sites, artifacts, or the sites of traditional religious, ceremonial, or social uses and activities of affected Indian tribes, are exempt from disclosure under this chapter in order to prevent the looting or depredation of such sites.
(3) Any site form, report, specific fields and tables relating to site form data within a database, or geographic information systems spatial layer obtained by any state agency or local government, or shared between any state agency, local government, or tribal government, is exempt from disclosure under this chapter, if the material is related to:
(a) An archaeological site as defined in RCW 27.53.030;
(b) Historical [Historic] archaeological resources as defined in RCW 27.53.030; or
(c) Traditional cultural places.
(4) The local government or agency shall respond to requests from the owner of the real property for public records exempt under subsection (1), (2), or (3) of this section by providing information to the requestor on how to contact the department of archaeology and historic preservation to obtain available locality information on archaeological and cultural resources.
[ 2014 c 165 § 1; 2006 c 86 § 1; 2005 c 274 § 410.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2006 c 86: "This act takes effect July 1, 2006." [ 2006 c 86 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.310 - Library records.

RCW 42.56.310
Library records.
Any library record, the primary purpose of which is to maintain control of library materials, or to gain access to information, that discloses or could be used to disclose the identity of a library user is exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
[ 2005 c 274 § 411.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.315 - Certain student information.

RCW 42.56.315
Certain student information.
Information received by a school district superintendent, a designee of the superintendent, or a principal pursuant to RCW 28A.225.330, 9A.44.138, 13.04.155, 13.40.215, or 72.09.730 is exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
[ 2020 c 167 § 10.]