Opinion ID: 2514663
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: Other Interpretations of Public Policy

Text: ś108 Finally, we briefly consider Executive Order 96-05 (Domestic Violence in the Workplace) (Oct. 1, 1996). An amicus brief (filed by the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence) argues that Executive Order 96-05 requires state agencies to make every reasonable effort ... to adjust work schedules and/or grant accrued or unpaid leave to allow employees who are victim[s] of domestic violence to obtain access to the appropriate services. Exec. Order 96-05. Executive Order 96-05 may not be treated as a source of clear public policy for those not employed by the State. Such general policy must be found in the constitution, statutes and regulatory schemes, or judicial holdings. See Thompson, 102 Wash.2d at 232, 685 P.2d 1081. The executive order would not have been required, of course, if Washington policy already established such a rule for all employees as argued here. The order applies only to state employment and further evidenced executive knowledge of an issue generally resolvable through legislation (the governor may request legislation in Washington, but did not).