Opinion ID: 6328783
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Standard of Review and Background Principles

Text: May contends that this case concerns the refusal to consider a declaratory action and is, therefore, reviewed for abuse of discretion. Br. of Appellant at 4 (Wash. Ct. App. No. 37179-4-III (2020)) (“This court reviews ‘a trial court’s refusal to consider a declaratory judgment action for abuse of discretion.’” (quoting Kitsap County v. Smith, 143 Wn. App. 893, 902, 180 P.3d 834 (2008))). However, as Spokane County observes, May is appealing from the denial of a summary judgment motion. When reviewing a summary judgment order de novo, “[w]e engage in the same inquiry as the superior court,” Lakehaven Water & Sewer Dist. v. City of Federal Way, 195 Wn.2d 742, 752, 466 P.3d 213 (2020). 9 In re That Portion of Lots 1 & 2, No. 99598-2 As this case raises the issue of how to interpret RCW 49.60.227, we review questions of statutory interpretation de novo. Dep’t of Ecology v. Campbell & Gwinn, LLC, 146 Wn.2d 1, 9, 43 P.3d 4 (2002). “The court’s fundamental objective is to ascertain and carry out the Legislature’s intent, and if the statute’s meaning is plain on its face, then the court must give effect to that plain meaning as an expression of legislative intent.” Id. at 9-10. We discern the plain meaning from “all that the Legislature has said in the statute and related statutes.” Id. at 11. II. The Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD) Chapter 49.60 RCW was enacted as “a broad remedial statute evidencing the Legislature’s desire to confront many forms of discrimination.” Bennett v. Hardy, 113 Wn.2d 912, 927, 784 P.2d 1258 (1990). Known as the WLAD, the legislature enacted the chapter, finding that “discrimination threatens not only the rights and proper privileges of its inhabitants but menaces the institutions and foundation of a free democratic state.” RCW 49.60.010. The chapter also created an agency “with powers with respect to elimination and prevention of discrimination . . . in real property transactions because of race . . . .” Id. “The provisions of this chapter shall be construed liberally for the accomplishment of the purposes thereof.” RCW 49.60.020. 10 In re That Portion of Lots 1 & 2, No. 99598-2