title: RCW 42.56.425

text:
(1) The following information related to election security is exempt from disclosure under this chapter:
(a) The continuity of operations plan for election operations and any security audits, security risk assessments, or security test results, relating to physical security or cybersecurity of election operations or infrastructure. These records are exempt from disclosure in their entirety;
(b) Those portions of records, manuals, or documentation containing technical details and information regarding election infrastructure, which include the systems, software, and networks that support the election process, the public disclosure of which may increase risk to the integrity of election operations or infrastructure;
(c) Voter signatures on ballot return envelopes, ballot declarations, and signature correction forms, including the original documents, copies, and electronic images; and a voter's phone number and email address contained on ballot return envelopes, ballot declarations, or signature correction forms. The secretary of state, by rule, may authorize in-person inspection of unredacted ballot return envelopes, ballot declarations, and signature correction forms in accordance with RCW 29A.04.260;
(d) Records regarding the infrastructure of a private entity submitted to elections officials are exempt from disclosure for a period of 25 years after the creation of the record when accompanied by an express statement that the record contains information about the private entity's infrastructure and public disclosure may increase risk to the integrity of election operations or infrastructure; and
(e) Voted ballots, voted ballot images, copies of voted ballots, photographs of voted ballots, facsimile images of voted ballots, or cast vote records of voted ballots, starting at the time of ballot return from the voter, during storage per RCW 29A.60.110, and through destruction following any retention period or litigation.
(2) The exemptions specified in subsection (1) of this section do not include information or records pertaining to security breaches, except as prohibited from disclosure under RCW 29A.12.200.
(3) The exemptions specified in subsection (1) of this section do not prohibit an audit authorized or required under Title 29A RCW from being conducted.
(4) Requests for records from or any existing reports generated by the statewide voter registration database established under RCW 29A.08.105 must be submitted to and fulfilled by the secretary of state. If a county elections office receives a request for records from or any existing reports generated by the statewide voter registration database established under RCW 29A.08.105, the county elections office shall not produce any records in response to the request, but shall, by the deadline set forth in RCW 42.56.520, direct the requestor to submit their request to the secretary of state. A knowing violation of this subsection is a violation of RCW 29A.84.150.
[ 2026 c 213 s 1; 2023 c 404 s 4.]
Notes:
Effective date—2026 c 213: See note following RCW 29A.84.150.
Findings—Intent—2023 c 404: See note following RCW 29A.08.105.

catchline: Election security.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 42.56.430

text:
The following information relating to fish and wildlife is exempt from disclosure under this chapter:
(1) Commercial fishing catch data from logbooks required to be provided to the department of fish and wildlife under RCW 77.12.047, when the data identifies specific catch location, timing, or methodology and the release of which would result in unfair competitive disadvantage to the commercial fisher providing the catch data, however, this information may be released to government agencies concerned with the management of fish and wildlife resources;
(2) Sensitive fish and wildlife data. Sensitive fish and wildlife data may be released to the following entities and their agents for fish, wildlife, land management purposes, or scientific research needs: Government agencies, public utilities, and accredited colleges and universities. Sensitive fish and wildlife data may be released to tribal governments. Sensitive fish and wildlife data may also be released to the owner, lessee, or right-of-way or easement holder of the private land to which the data pertains. The release of sensitive fish and wildlife data must be subject to a confidentiality agreement, except upon release of sensitive fish and wildlife data to the owner, lessee, or right-of-way or easement holder of private land who initially provided the data. Sensitive fish and wildlife data does not include data related to reports of predatory wildlife as specified in RCW 77.12.885. Sensitive fish and wildlife data must meet at least one of the following criteria of this subsection as applied by the department of fish and wildlife:
(a) The nesting sites or specific locations of endangered species designated under RCW 77.12.020, or threatened or sensitive species classified by rule of the department of fish and wildlife;
(b) Radio frequencies used in, or locational data generated by, telemetry studies; or
(c) Other location data that could compromise the viability of a specific fish or wildlife population, and where at least one of the following criteria are met:
(i) The species has a known commercial or black market value;
(ii) There is a history of malicious take of that species and the species behavior or ecology renders it especially vulnerable;
(iii) There is a known demand to visit, take, or disturb the species; or
(iv) The species has an extremely limited distribution and concentration;
(3) The following information regarding any damage prevention cooperative agreement, or nonlethal preventative measures deployed to minimize wolf interactions with pets and livestock:
(a) The name, telephone number, residential address, and other personally identifying information of any person who has a current damage prevention cooperative agreement with the department, including a pet or livestock owner, and his or her employees or immediate family members, who agrees to deploy, or is responsible for the deployment of, nonlethal, preventative measures; and
(b) The legal description or name of any residential property, ranch, or farm, that is owned, leased, or used by any person included in (a) of this subsection;
(4) The following information regarding a reported depredation by wolves on pets or livestock:
(a) The name, telephone number, residential address, and other personally identifying information of:
(i) Any person who reported the depredation;
(ii) Any pet or livestock owner, and his or her employees or immediate family members, whose pet or livestock was the subject of a reported depredation; and
(iii) Any department of fish and wildlife employee, range rider contractor, or trapper contractor who directly:
(A) Responds to a depredation; or
(B) Assists in the lethal removal of a wolf; and
(b) The legal description, location coordinates, or name that identifies any residential property, or ranch or farm that contains a residence, that is owned, leased, or used by any person included in (a) of this subsection;
(5) The personally identifying information of persons who acquire recreational licenses under RCW 77.32.010 or commercial licenses under chapter 77.65 or 77.70 RCW, except name, address of contact used by the department, and type of license, endorsement, or tag; however, the department of fish and wildlife may disclose personally identifying information to:
(a) Government agencies concerned with the management of fish and wildlife resources;
(b) The department of social and health services, child support division, and to the department of licensing in order to implement RCW 77.32.014 and 46.20.291; and
(c) Law enforcement agencies for the purpose of firearm possession enforcement under RCW 9.41.040;
(6)(a) Information that the department of fish and wildlife has received or accessed but may not disclose due to confidentiality requirements in the Magnuson-Stevens fishery conservation and management reauthorization act of 2006 (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1861(h)(3) and (i), and Sec. 1881a(b)); and
(b) Fisheries-related information that was collected by another state and is confidential under the laws of that state;
(7) The following tribal fish and shellfish harvest information, shared with the department of fish and wildlife:
(a) Fisher name;
(b) Fisher signature;
(c) Total harvest value per species;
(d) Total harvest value;
(e) Price per pound; and
(f) Tribal tax information; and
(8) The following commercial shellfish harvest information, shared with the department of fish and wildlife:
(a) Individual farmer name;
(b) Individual farmer signature;
(c) Total harvest value per species;
(d) Total harvest value;
(e) Price per pound; and
(f) Tax information.
[ 2024 c 48 s 2; 2018 c 214 s 1. Prior: 2017 c 246 s 1; 2017 c 71 s 1; 2008 c 252 s 1; 2007 c 293 s 1; 2005 c 274 s 423.]
Notes:
Expiration date—2024 c 48 s 2: "Section 2 of this act expires June 30, 2027." [ 2024 c 48 s 4.]
Findings—Intent—2024 c 48: "Fishery data and recordkeeping occurs primarily at the state level on the west coast, but many fishers participate in multiple fisheries along the coast and deliver their catches into multiple states. Coastal states regularly share confidential data to ensure regulations are enforced, to understand fisheries performance, and to analyze the need for and likely effects of potential rule changes. The goal of this act is to expressly authorize the department of fish and wildlife to protect data received from other coastal states if that data is confidential under the originating state's laws." [ 2024 c 48 s 1.]
Expiration date—2022 c 294; 2018 c 214 s 1: "Section 1 of this act expires June 30, 2027." [ 2022 c 294 s 2; 2018 c 214 s 3.]
Expiration date—2022 c 294; 2017 c 246: "This act expires June 30, 2027." [ 2022 c 294 s 1; 2017 c 246 s 4.]
PDF
RCW 42.56.430
Fish and wildlife. (Effective June 30, 2027.)
The following information relating to fish and wildlife is exempt from disclosure under this chapter:
(1) Commercial fishing catch data from logbooks required to be provided to the department of fish and wildlife under RCW 77.12.047, when the data identifies specific catch location, timing, or methodology and the release of which would result in unfair competitive disadvantage to the commercial fisher providing the catch data, however, this information may be released to government agencies concerned with the management of fish and wildlife resources;
(2) Sensitive fish and wildlife data. Sensitive fish and wildlife data may be released to the following entities and their agents for fish, wildlife, land management purposes, or scientific research needs: Government agencies, public utilities, and accredited colleges and universities. Sensitive fish and wildlife data may be released to tribal governments. Sensitive fish and wildlife data may also be released to the owner, lessee, or right-of-way or easement holder of the private land to which the data pertains. The release of sensitive fish and wildlife data must be subject to a confidentiality agreement, except upon release of sensitive fish and wildlife data to the owner, lessee, or right-of-way or easement holder of private land who initially provided the data. Sensitive fish and wildlife data does not include data related to reports of predatory wildlife as specified in RCW 77.12.885. Sensitive fish and wildlife data must meet at least one of the following criteria of this subsection as applied by the department of fish and wildlife:
(a) The nesting sites or specific locations of endangered species designated under RCW 77.12.020, or threatened or sensitive species classified by rule of the department of fish and wildlife;
(b) Radio frequencies used in, or locational data generated by, telemetry studies; or
(c) Other location data that could compromise the viability of a specific fish or wildlife population, and where at least one of the following criteria are met:
(i) The species has a known commercial or black market value;
(ii) There is a history of malicious take of that species and the species behavior or ecology renders it especially vulnerable;
(iii) There is a known demand to visit, take, or disturb the species; or
(iv) The species has an extremely limited distribution and concentration;
(3) The personally identifying information of persons who acquire recreational licenses under RCW 77.32.010 or commercial licenses under chapter 77.65 or 77.70 RCW, except name, address of contact used by the department, and type of license, endorsement, or tag; however, the department of fish and wildlife may disclose personally identifying information to:
(a) Government agencies concerned with the management of fish and wildlife resources;
(b) The department of social and health services, child support division, and to the department of licensing in order to implement RCW 77.32.014 and 46.20.291; and
(c) Law enforcement agencies for the purpose of firearm possession enforcement under RCW 9.41.040;
(4)(a) Information that the department of fish and wildlife has received or accessed but may not disclose due to confidentiality requirements in the Magnuson-Stevens fishery conservation and management reauthorization act of 2006 (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1861(h)(3) and (i), and Sec. 1881a(b)); and
(b) Fisheries-related information that was collected by another state and is confidential under the laws of that state;
(5) The following tribal fish and shellfish harvest information, shared with the department of fish and wildlife:
(a) Fisher name;
(b) Fisher signature;
(c) Total harvest value per species;
(d) Total harvest value;
(e) Price per pound; and
(f) Tribal tax information; and
(6) The following commercial shellfish harvest information, shared with the department of fish and wildlife:
(a) Individual farmer name;
(b) Individual farmer signature;
(c) Total harvest value per species;
(d) Total harvest value;
(e) Price per pound; and
(f) Tax information.
[ 2024 c 48 s 3; 2018 c 214 s 2; 2017 c 71 s 1; 2008 c 252 s 1; 2007 c 293 s 1; 2005 c 274 s 423.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 48 s 3: "Section 3 of this act takes effect June 30, 2027." [ 2024 c 48 s 5.]
Effective date—2022 c 294; 2018 c 214 s 2: "Section 2 of this act takes effect June 30, 2027." [ 2022 c 294 s 3; 2018 c 214 s 4.]

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Fish and wildlife. (Effective until June 30, 2027.)

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 42.56.440

text:
(1) Discharge papers of a veteran of the armed forces of the United States filed at the office of the county auditor before July 1, 2002, that have not been commingled with other recorded documents are exempt from disclosure under this chapter. These records will be available only to the veteran, the veteran's next of kin, a deceased veteran's properly appointed personal representative or executor, a person holding that veteran's general power of attorney, or to anyone else designated in writing by that veteran to receive the records.
(2) Discharge papers of a veteran of the armed forces of the United States filed at the office of the county auditor before July 1, 2002, that have been commingled with other records are exempt from disclosure under this chapter, if the veteran has recorded a "request for exemption from public disclosure of discharge papers" with the county auditor. If such a request has been recorded, these records may be released only to the veteran filing the papers, the veteran's next of kin, a deceased veteran's properly appointed personal representative or executor, a person holding the veteran's general power of attorney, or anyone else designated in writing by the veteran to receive the records.
(3) Discharge papers of a veteran filed at the office of the county auditor after June 30, 2002, are not public records, but will be available only to the veteran, the veteran's next of kin, a deceased veteran's properly appointed personal representative or executor, a person holding the veteran's general power of attorney, or anyone else designated in writing by the veteran to receive the records.
(4) For the purposes of this section, next of kin of deceased veterans have the same rights to full access to the record. Next of kin are the veteran's widow or widower who has not remarried, son, daughter, father, mother, brother, and sister.
(5) Veteran discharge or separation documents held by the department of veterans affairs are confidential and not subject to disclosure except as provided in RCW 43.60A.290.
[ 2023 c 327 s 6; 2005 c 274 s 424.]

catchline: Veterans' discharge papers—Exceptions.


title: RCW 42.56.450

text:
Information in an application for licensing or a small loan endorsement under chapter 31.45 RCW regarding the personal residential address, telephone number of the applicant, or financial statement is exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
[ 2005 c 274 s 425.]

catchline: Check cashers and sellers licensing applications.


title: RCW 42.56.460

text:
(1) All records obtained and all reports produced as required by state fireworks law, chapter 70.77 RCW, are exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
(2) All records obtained and all reports submitted as required by the Washington state explosives act, chapter 70.74 RCW, are exempt from disclosure under this chapter. Nothing in this subsection (2) shall be construed to restrict access to information related to the regulatory duties or actions of any agency.
[ 2019 c 125 s 1; 2005 c 274 s 426.]

catchline: Fireworks and explosives.


title: RCW 42.56.470

text:
All records, documents, data, and other materials obtained under the requirements of RCW 72.09.115 from an existing correctional industries class I work program participant or an applicant for a proposed new or expanded class I correctional industries work program are exempt from public disclosure under this chapter.
[ 2005 c 274 s 427.]

catchline: Correctional industries workers.


title: RCW 42.56.475

text:
(1) The following information or records created or maintained by the department of corrections or a private detention facility is exempt from public inspection and copying under this chapter:
(a) Body scanner images from any system designed to detect and visualize contraband hidden in body cavities or beneath clothing, including backscatter X-ray, millimeter wave, and transmission X-ray systems;
(b) The following information and records created or maintained pursuant to the federal prison rape elimination act, 34 U.S.C. Sec. 30301 et seq., and its regulations:
(i) Risk assessments, risk indicators, and monitoring plans;
(ii) Reports of sexual abuse or sexual harassment, as defined under 28 C.F.R. 115.6;
(iii) Records of open prison rape elimination act investigations; and
(iv) The identities of individuals other than department of corrections or private detention facility staff, contractors, and volunteers, in closed prison rape elimination act investigation reports and related investigative materials; however, the identity of an accused individual is not exempt if the allegation is determined to have been substantiated; and
(c) Health information in records other than an incarcerated individual's or detained individual's medical, mental health, or dental files.
(2) The exemption of information or records described under subsection (1)(b) and (c) of this section does not apply to requests by the incarcerated individual or detained individual who is the subject of the information, a requestor with the written permission of the incarcerated individual or detained individual who is the subject of the information, or a personal representative of an incarcerated individual or detained individual who is the subject of the information. In response to such requests, the department of corrections or private detention facility may withhold information revealing the identity of other incarcerated or detained individuals.
(3) An agency refusing, in whole or in part, inspection of a public record containing information listed in subsection (1)(c) of this section may cite to subsection (1)(c) of this section, without further explanation, when providing the brief explanation required by RCW 42.56.210(3), and shall also identify the number of pages withheld, if any pages are withheld in their entirety.
(4) For purposes of this section:
(a) "Health information" means any information that identifies or can readily be associated with the identity of an incarcerated individual or detained individual and directly relates to the following: Medical, mental health, or dental diagnoses or conditions; medical, mental health, or dental services, treatments, or procedures, including requests for or complaints about such services, treatments, or procedures; transgender, intersex, nonbinary, or gender nonconforming status; sexual orientation; genital anatomy; or gender-affirming care or accommodations other than an incarcerated individual's or detained individual's preferred name, pronouns, and gender marker.
(b) The following information is not "health information" under this section: (i) Health care information subject to RCW 42.56.360(2) and chapter 70.02 RCW; and (ii) information related to injuries, other than injuries related to medical procedures or genital anatomy, contained in incident reports, infraction records, or use of force reports, prepared by department of corrections or private detention facility staff other than health care providers.
(c) "Incarcerated individual" has the same meaning as "inmate" under RCW 72.09.015 and includes currently or formerly incarcerated individuals.
(d) "Detained individual" means a person confined in a private detention facility.
(e) "Private detention facility" has the same meaning as in RCW 70.395.020.
(5) A private detention facility operating pursuant to a contract with a state or local agency is subject to the requirements of this chapter.
[ 2023 c 419 s 1; 2022 c 272 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2023 c 419: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 11, 2023]." [ 2023 c 419 s 11.]
Construction—2023 c 419: "This act shall be construed liberally for the accomplishment of the purposes thereof." [ 2023 c 419 s 12.]
Retroactive application—2022 c 272: "This act is remedial, curative, and retroactive, and the exemptions in section 1 of this act apply retroactively to any public records request made prior to March 31, 2022, for which disclosure of records has not already occurred." [ 2022 c 272 s 2.]
Effective date—2022 c 272: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 31, 2022]." [ 2022 c 272 s 3.]

catchline: Department of corrections and private detention facilities.


title: RCW 42.56.510

text:
Nothing in RCW 42.56.250 and 42.56.330 shall affect a positive duty of an agency to disclose or a positive duty to withhold information which duty to disclose or withhold is contained in any other law.
[ 2005 c 274 s 287; 1991 c 23 s 11; 1990 c 256 s 2; 1987 c 404 s 3. Formerly RCW 42.17.311.]

catchline: Duty to disclose or withhold information—Otherwise provided.


title: RCW 42.56.520

text:
(1) Responses to requests for public records shall be made promptly by agencies, the office of the secretary of the senate, and the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives. Within five business days of receiving a public record request, an agency, the office of the secretary of the senate, or the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives must respond in one of the ways provided in this subsection (1):
(a) Providing the record;
(b) Providing an internet address and link on the agency's website to the specific records requested, except that if the requester notifies the agency that he or she cannot access the records through the internet, then the agency must provide copies of the record or allow the requester to view copies using an agency computer;
(c) Acknowledging that the agency, the office of the secretary of the senate, or the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives has received the request and providing a reasonable estimate of the time the agency, the office of the secretary of the senate, or the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives will require to respond to the request;
(d) Acknowledging that the agency, the office of the secretary of the senate, or the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives has received the request and asking the requestor to provide clarification for a request that is unclear, and providing, to the greatest extent possible, a reasonable estimate of the time the agency, the office of the secretary of the senate, or the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives will require to respond to the request if it is not clarified; or
(e) Denying the public record request.
(2) Additional time required to respond to a request may be based upon the need to clarify the intent of the request, to locate and assemble the information requested, to notify third persons or agencies affected by the request, or to determine whether any of the information requested is exempt and that a denial should be made as to all or part of the request.
(3)(a) In acknowledging receipt of a public record request that is unclear, an agency, the office of the secretary of the senate, or the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives may ask the requestor to clarify what information the requestor is seeking.
(b) If the requestor fails to respond to an agency request to clarify the request, and the entire request is unclear, the agency, the office of the secretary of the senate, or the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives need not respond to it. Otherwise, the agency must respond, pursuant to this section, to those portions of the request that are clear.
(4) Denials of requests must be accompanied by a written statement of the specific reasons therefor. Agencies, the office of the secretary of the senate, and the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives shall establish mechanisms for the most prompt possible review of decisions denying inspection, and such review shall be deemed completed at the end of the second business day following the denial of inspection and shall constitute final agency action or final action by the office of the secretary of the senate or the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives for the purposes of judicial review.
[ 2017 c 303 s 3; 2010 c 69 s 2; 1995 c 397 s 15; 1992 c 139 s 6; 1975 1st ex.s. c 294 s 18; 1973 c 1 s 32 (Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17.320.]
Notes:
Finding—2010 c 69: "The internet provides for instant access to public records at a significantly reduced cost to the agency and the public. Agencies are encouraged to make commonly requested records available on agency websites. When an agency has made records available on its website, members of the public with computer access should be encouraged to preserve taxpayer resources by accessing those records online." [ 2010 c 69 s 1.]
Effective date—1995 c 397: See note following RCW 29B.40.020.
Effective date—Construction—1973 c 1: See notes following RCW 29B.05.010.

catchline: Prompt responses required.


title: RCW 42.56.530

text:
Whenever a state agency concludes that a public record is exempt from disclosure and denies a person opportunity to inspect or copy a public record for that reason, the person may request the attorney general to review the matter. The attorney general shall provide the person with his or her written opinion on whether the record is exempt.
Nothing in this section shall be deemed to establish an attorney-client relationship between the attorney general and a person making a request under this section.
[ 1992 c 139 s 10. Formerly RCW 42.17.325.]

catchline: Review of agency denial.


title: RCW 42.56.540

text:
The examination of any specific public record may be enjoined if, upon motion and affidavit by an agency or its representative or a person who is named in the record or to whom the record specifically pertains, the superior court for the county in which the movant resides or in which the record is maintained, finds that such examination would clearly not be in the public interest and would substantially and irreparably damage any person, or would substantially and irreparably damage vital governmental functions. An agency has the option of notifying persons named in the record or to whom a record specifically pertains, that release of a record has been requested. However, this option does not exist where the agency is required by law to provide such notice.
[ 1992 c 139 s 7; 1975 1st ex.s. c 294 s 19; 1973 c 1 s 33 (Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17.330.]
Notes:
Effective date—Construction—1973 c 1: See notes following RCW 29B.05.010.

catchline: Court protection of public records.


title: RCW 42.56.550

text:
(1) Upon the motion of any person having been denied an opportunity to inspect or copy a public record by an agency, the superior court in the county in which a record is maintained may require the responsible agency to show cause why it has refused to allow inspection or copying of a specific public record or class of records. The burden of proof shall be on the agency to establish that refusal to permit public inspection and copying is in accordance with a statute that exempts or prohibits disclosure in whole or in part of specific information or records.
(2) Upon the motion of any person who believes that an agency has not made a reasonable estimate of the time that the agency requires to respond to a public record request or a reasonable estimate of the charges to produce copies of public records, the superior court in the county in which a record is maintained may require the responsible agency to show that the estimate it provided is reasonable. The burden of proof shall be on the agency to show that the estimate it provided is reasonable.
(3) Judicial review of all agency actions taken or challenged under RCW 42.56.030 through 42.56.520 shall be de novo. Courts shall take into account the policy of this chapter that free and open examination of public records is in the public interest, even though such examination may cause inconvenience or embarrassment to public officials or others. Courts may examine any record in camera in any proceeding brought under this section. The court may conduct a hearing based solely on affidavits.
(4) Any person who prevails against an agency in any action in the courts seeking the right to inspect or copy any public record or the right to receive a response to a public record request within a reasonable amount of time shall be awarded all costs, including reasonable attorney fees, incurred in connection with such legal action. In addition, it shall be within the discretion of the court to award such person an amount not to exceed one hundred dollars for each day that he or she was denied the right to inspect or copy said public record.
(5) For actions under this section against counties, the venue provisions of RCW 36.01.050 apply.
(6) Actions under this section must be filed within one year of the agency's claim of exemption or the last production of a record on a partial or installment basis.
[ 2017 c 304 s 5; 2011 c 273 s 1. Prior: 2005 c 483 s 5; 2005 c 274 s 288; 1992 c 139 s 8; 1987 c 403 s 5; 1975 1st ex.s. c 294 s 20; 1973 c 1 s 34 (Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17.340.]
Notes:
Intent—Severability—1987 c 403: See notes following RCW 42.56.050.
Effective date—Construction—1973 c 1: See notes following RCW 29B.05.010.
Application of chapter 300, Laws of 2011: See note following RCW 42.56.565.

catchline: Judicial review of agency actions.


title: RCW 42.56.556

text:
The failure to provide a recording of a school district board of directors meeting that is required to be recorded under RCW 42.30.035(2) shall not be a basis for finding that a requester has been denied an opportunity to inspect or copy a public record if the recording, despite the good faith efforts of the school district board of directors to create a recording, is unavailable or unintelligible due to technical issues.
[ 2023 c 67 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2023 c 67: See note following RCW 42.30.035.

catchline: Failure to provide recording of school district board of directors meeting.


title: RCW 42.56.560

text:
The procedures in RCW 42.56.550 govern denials of an opportunity to inspect or copy a public record by the office of the secretary of the senate or the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives.
[ 2005 c 274 s 289; 1995 c 397 s 16. Formerly RCW 42.17.341.]
Notes:
Effective date—1995 c 397: See note following RCW 29B.40.020.

catchline: Application of RCW 42.56.550.


title: RCW 42.56.565

text:
(1) A court shall not award penalties under RCW 42.56.550(4) to a person who was serving a criminal sentence in a state, local, or privately operated correctional facility on the date the request for public records was made, unless the court finds that the agency acted in bad faith in denying the person the opportunity to inspect or copy a public record.
(2) The inspection or copying of any nonexempt public record by persons serving criminal sentences in state, local, or privately operated correctional facilities may be enjoined pursuant to this section.
(a) The injunction may be requested by: (i) An agency or its representative; (ii) a person named in the record or his or her representative; or (iii) a person to whom the requests specifically pertains or his or her representative.
(b) The request must be filed in: (i) The superior court in which the movant resides; or (ii) the superior court in the county in which the record is maintained.
(c) In order to issue an injunction, the court must find that:
(i) The request was made to harass or intimidate the agency or its employees;
(ii) Fulfilling the request would likely threaten the security of correctional facilities;
(iii) Fulfilling the request would likely threaten the safety or security of staff, inmates, family members of staff, family members of other inmates, or any other person; or
(iv) Fulfilling the request may assist criminal activity.
(3) In deciding whether to enjoin a request under subsection (2) of this section, the court may consider all relevant factors including, but not limited to:
(a) Other requests by the requestor;
(b) The type of record or records sought;
(c) Statements offered by the requestor concerning the purpose for the request;
(d) Whether disclosure of the requested records would likely harm any person or vital government interest;
(e) Whether the request seeks a significant and burdensome number of documents;
(f) The impact of disclosure on correctional facility security and order, the safety or security of correctional facility staff, inmates, or others; and
(g) The deterrence of criminal activity.
(4) The motion proceeding described in this section shall be a summary proceeding based on affidavits or declarations, unless the court orders otherwise. Upon a showing by a preponderance of the evidence, the court may enjoin all or any part of a request or requests. Based on the evidence, the court may also enjoin, for a period of time the court deems reasonable, future requests by:
(a) The same requestor; or
(b) An entity owned or controlled in whole or in part by the same requestor.
(5) An agency shall not be liable for penalties under RCW 42.56.550(4) for any period during which an order under this section is in effect, including during an appeal of an order under this section, regardless of the outcome of the appeal.
[ 2011 c 300 s 1; 2009 c 10 s 1.]
Notes:
Application—2011 c 300: "This act applies to all actions brought under RCW 42.56.550 in which final judgment has not been entered as of July 22, 2011." [ 2011 c 300 s 2.]
Effective date—2009 c 10: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 20, 2009]." [ 2009 c 10 s 2.]

catchline: Inspection or copying by persons serving criminal sentences—Injunction.


title: RCW 42.56.570

text:
(1) The attorney general's office shall publish, and update when appropriate, a pamphlet, written in plain language, explaining this chapter.
(2) The attorney general, by February 1, 2006, shall adopt by rule advisory model rules for state and local agencies, as defined in RCW 42.56.010, addressing the following subjects:
(a) Providing fullest assistance to requestors;
(b) Fulfilling large requests in the most efficient manner;
(c) Fulfilling requests for electronic records; and
(d) Any other issues pertaining to public disclosure as determined by the attorney general.
(3) The attorney general, in his or her discretion, may from time to time revise the model rules.
(4) Local agencies should consult the advisory model rules when establishing local ordinances for compliance with the requirements and responsibilities of this chapter.
(5) The attorney general must establish a consultation program to provide information for developing best practices for local agencies requesting assistance in compliance with this chapter including, but not limited to: Responding to records requests, seeking additional public and private resources for developing and updating technology information services, and mitigating liability and costs of compliance. The attorney general may develop the program in conjunction with the advisory model rule and may collaborate with the chief information officer, the state archivist, and other relevant agencies and organizations in developing and managing the program.
(6) The state archivist must offer and provide consultation and training services for local agencies on improving record retention practices.
[ 2019 c 372 s 2; 2017 c 303 s 4; 2007 c 197 s 8. Prior: 2005 c 483 s 4; 2005 c 274 s 290; 1992 c 139 s 9. Formerly RCW 42.17.348.]

catchline: Explanatory pamphlet—Advisory model rules—Consultation and training services.


title: RCW 42.56.580

text:
(1) Each state and local agency shall appoint and publicly identify a public records officer whose responsibility is to serve as a point of contact for members of the public in requesting disclosure of public records and to oversee the agency's compliance with the public records disclosure requirements of this chapter. A state or local agency's public records officer may appoint an employee or official of another agency as its public records officer.
(2) For state agencies, the name and contact information of the agency's public records officer to whom members of the public may direct requests for disclosure of public records and who will oversee the agency's compliance with the public records disclosure requirements of this chapter shall be published in the state register at the time of designation and maintained thereafter on the code reviser website for the duration of the designation.
(3) For local agencies, the name and contact information of the agency's public records officer to whom members of the public may direct requests for disclosure of public records and who will oversee the agency's compliance within the public records disclosure requirements of this chapter shall be made in a way reasonably calculated to provide notice to the public, including posting at the local agency's place of business, posting on its internet site, or including in its publications.
[ 2007 c 456 s 6; 2005 c 483 s 3. Formerly RCW 42.17.253.]

catchline: Public records officers.


title: RCW 42.56.590

text:
(1) Any agency that owns or licenses data that includes personal information shall disclose any breach of the security of the system to any resident of this state whose personal information was, or is reasonably believed to have been, acquired by an unauthorized person and the personal information was not secured. Notice is not required if the breach of the security of the system is not reasonably likely to subject consumers to a risk of harm. The breach of secured personal information must be disclosed if the information acquired and accessed is not secured during a security breach or if the confidential process, encryption key, or other means to decipher the secured information was acquired by an unauthorized person.
(2) Any agency that maintains or possesses data that may include personal information that the agency does not own or license shall notify the owner or licensee of the information of any breach of the security of the data immediately following discovery, if the personal information was, or is reasonably believed to have been, acquired by an unauthorized person.
(3) The notification required by this section may be delayed if the data owner or licensee contacts a law enforcement agency after discovery of a breach of the security of the system and a law enforcement agency determines that the notification will impede a criminal investigation. The notification required by this section shall be made after the law enforcement agency determines that it will not compromise the investigation.
(4) For purposes of this section and except under subsection (5) of this section and RCW 42.56.592, notice may be provided by one of the following methods:
(a) Written notice;
(b) Electronic notice, if the notice provided is consistent with the provisions regarding electronic records and signatures set forth in 15 U.S.C. Sec. 7001; or
(c) Substitute notice, if the agency demonstrates that the cost of providing notice would exceed two hundred fifty thousand dollars, or that the affected class of subject persons to be notified exceeds five hundred thousand, or the agency does not have sufficient contact information. Substitute notice shall consist of all of the following:
(i) Email notice when the agency has an email address for the subject persons;
(ii) Conspicuous posting of the notice on the agency's website page, if the agency maintains one; and
(iii) Notification to major statewide media.
(5) An agency that maintains its own notification procedures as part of an information security policy for the treatment of personal information and is otherwise consistent with the timing requirements of this section is in compliance with the notification requirements of this section if it notifies subject persons in accordance with its policies in the event of a breach of security of the system.
(6) Any agency that is required to issue notification pursuant to this section shall meet all of the following requirements:
(a) The notification must be written in plain language; and
(b) The notification must include, at a minimum, the following information:
(i) The name and contact information of the reporting agency subject to this section;
(ii) A list of the types of personal information that were or are reasonably believed to have been the subject of a breach;
(iii) A time frame of exposure, if known, including the date of the breach and the date of the discovery of the breach; and
(iv) The toll-free telephone numbers and addresses of the major credit reporting agencies if the breach exposed personal information.
(7) Any agency that is required to issue a notification pursuant to this section to more than five hundred Washington residents as a result of a single breach shall notify the attorney general of the breach no more than thirty days after the breach was discovered.
(a) The notice to the attorney general must include the following information:
(i) The number of Washington residents affected by the breach, or an estimate if the exact number is not known;
(ii) A list of the types of personal information that were or are reasonably believed to have been the subject of a breach;
(iii) A time frame of exposure, if known, including the date of the breach and the date of the discovery of the breach;
(iv) A summary of steps taken to contain the breach; and
(v) A single sample copy of the security breach notification, excluding any personally identifiable information.
(b) The notice to the attorney general must be updated if any of the information identified in (a) of this subsection is unknown at the time notice is due.
(8) Notification to affected individuals must be made in the most expedient time possible, without unreasonable delay, and no more than thirty calendar days after the breach was discovered, unless the delay is at the request of law enforcement as provided in subsection (3) of this section, or the delay is due to any measures necessary to determine the scope of the breach and restore the reasonable integrity of the data system. An agency may delay notification to the consumer for up to an additional fourteen days to allow for notification to be translated into the primary language of the affected consumers.
(9) For purposes of this section, "breach of the security of the system" means unauthorized acquisition of data that compromises the security, confidentiality, or integrity of personal information maintained by the agency. Good faith acquisition of personal information by an employee or agent of the agency for the purposes of the agency is not a breach of the security of the system when the personal information is not used or subject to further unauthorized disclosure.
(10)(a) For purposes of this section, "personal information" means:
(i) An individual's first name or first initial and last name in combination with any one or more of the following data elements:
(A) Social security number or the last four digits of the social security number;
(B) Driver's license number or Washington identification card number;
(C) Account number, credit or debit card number, or any required security code, access code, or password that would permit access to an individual's financial account, or any other numbers or information that can be used to access a person's financial account;
(D) Full date of birth;
(E) Private key that is unique to an individual and that is used to authenticate or sign an electronic record;
(F) Student, military, or passport identification number;
(G) Health insurance policy number or health insurance identification number;
(H) Any information about a consumer's medical history or mental or physical condition or about a health care professional's medical diagnosis or treatment of the consumer; or
(I) Biometric data generated by automatic measurements of an individual's biological characteristics, such as a fingerprint, voiceprint, eye retinas, irises, or other unique biological patterns or characteristics that is used to identify a specific individual;
(ii) User name or email address in combination with a password or security questions and answers that would permit access to an online account; and
(iii) Any of the data elements or any combination of the data elements described in (a)(i) of this subsection without the consumer's first name or first initial and last name if:
(A) Encryption, redaction, or other methods have not rendered the data element or combination of data elements unusable; and
(B) The data element or combination of data elements would enable a person to commit identity theft against a consumer.
(b) Personal information does not include publicly available information that is lawfully made available to the general public from federal, state, or local government records.
(11) For purposes of this section, "secured" means encrypted in a manner that meets or exceeds the national institute of standards and technology standard or is otherwise modified so that the personal information is rendered unreadable, unusable, or undecipherable by an unauthorized person.
[ 2020 c 65 s 1; 2019 c 241 s 5; 2015 c 64 s 3; 2007 c 197 s 9; 2005 c 368 s 1. Formerly RCW 42.17.31922.]
Notes:
Effective date—2019 c 241: See note following RCW 19.255.010.
Intent—2015 c 64: See note following RCW 19.255.010.
Similar provision: RCW 19.255.010.

catchline: Personal information—Notice of security breaches.


title: RCW 42.56.592

text:
A covered entity under the federal health insurance portability and accountability act of 1996, Title 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1320d et seq., is deemed to have complied with the requirements of this chapter with respect to protected health information if it has complied with section 13402 of the federal health information technology for economic and clinical health act, P.L. 111-5 as it existed on July 24, 2015. Covered entities shall notify the attorney general pursuant to RCW 42.56.590(7) in compliance with the timeliness of notification requirements of section 13402 of the federal health information technology for economic and clinical health act, P.L. 111-5 as it existed on July 24, 2015, notwithstanding the timeline in RCW 42.56.590(7).
[ 2019 c 241 s 6.]
Notes:
Effective date—2019 c 241: See note following RCW 19.255.010.

catchline: Personal information—Covered entities.


title: RCW 42.56.594

text:
(1) Any waiver of the provisions of RCW 42.56.590 or 42.56.592 is contrary to public policy, and is void and unenforceable.
(2)(a) Any consumer injured by a violation of RCW 42.56.590 may institute a civil action to recover damages.
(b) Any agency that violates, proposes to violate, or has violated RCW 42.56.590 may be enjoined.
(c) The rights and remedies available under RCW 42.56.590 are cumulative to each other and to any other rights and remedies available under law.
[ 2019 c 241 s 7.]
Notes:
Effective date—2019 c 241: See note following RCW 19.255.010.


title: RCW 42.56.600

text:
Records of mediation communications that are privileged under chapter 7.07 RCW are exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
[ 2006 c 209 s 15.]

catchline: Mediation communications.


title: RCW 42.56.610

text:
The following information in plans, records, and reports obtained by state and local agencies from dairies, animal feeding operations, and concentrated animal feeding operations, not required to apply for a national pollutant discharge elimination system permit is disclosable only in ranges that provide meaningful information to the public while ensuring confidentiality of business information regarding: (1) Number of animals; (2) volume of livestock nutrients generated; (3) number of acres covered by the plan or used for land application of livestock nutrients; (4) livestock nutrients transferred to other persons; and (5) crop yields. The department of agriculture shall adopt rules to implement this section in consultation with affected state and local agencies.
[ 2005 c 510 s 5. Formerly RCW 42.17.31923.]

catchline: Certain information from dairies and feedlots limited—Rules.


title: RCW 42.56.615

text:
Actual enumeration data collected under RCW 35.13.260, 35A.14.700, 36.13.030, and chapter 43.62 RCW shall be used and retained only by the office of financial management and only for the purposes of RCW 35.13.260, 35A.14.700, 36.13.030, and chapter 43.62 RCW. The enumeration data collected is confidential, is exempt from public inspection and copying under this chapter, and in accordance with RCW 43.41.435, must be destroyed after it is used.
[ 2014 c 14 s 1.]

catchline: Enumeration data used by the office of financial management for population estimates.


title: RCW 42.56.620

text:
Reports submitted by cannabis research licensees in accordance with rules adopted by the state liquor and cannabis board under RCW 69.50.372 that contain proprietary information are exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
[ 2022 c 16 s 29; 2015 2nd sp.s. c 4 s 1504; 2015 c 71 s 4.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2022 c 16: See note following RCW 69.50.101.
Findings—Intent—Effective dates—2015 2nd sp.s. c 4: See notes following RCW 69.50.334.

catchline: Cannabis research licensee reports.


title: RCW 42.56.625

text:
Records in the medical cannabis authorization database established in RCW 69.51A.230 containing names and other personally identifiable information of qualifying patients and designated providers are exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
[ 2022 c 16 s 30; 2015 c 70 s 22.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2022 c 16: See note following RCW 69.50.101.
Effective date—2015 c 70 ss 21, 22, 32, and 33: See note following RCW 69.51A.230.
Short title—Findings—Intent—References to Washington state liquor control board—Draft legislation—2015 c 70: See notes following RCW 66.08.012.

catchline: Medical cannabis authorization database.


title: RCW 42.56.630

text:
(1) Registration information submitted to the state liquor and cannabis board under RCW 69.51A.250 including the names of all participating members of a cooperative, copies of each member's recognition card, location of the cooperative, and other information required for registration by the state liquor and cannabis board is exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
(2) The definitions in this section apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(a) "Cooperative" means a cooperative established under RCW 69.51A.250 to produce and process cannabis only for the medical use of members of the cooperative.
(b) "Recognition card" has the same meaning as provided in RCW 69.51A.010.
[ 2022 c 16 s 31; 2015 2nd sp.s. c 4 s 1002.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—2022 c 16: See note following RCW 69.50.101.
Findings—Intent—Effective dates—2015 2nd sp.s. c 4: See notes following RCW 69.50.334.

catchline: Registration information of members of cooperatives to produce and process medical cannabis.


title: RCW 42.56.640

text:
(1) Sensitive personal information of vulnerable individuals and sensitive personal information of in-home caregivers for vulnerable populations is exempt from inspection and copying under this chapter.
(2) The following definitions apply to this section:
(a) "In-home caregivers for vulnerable populations" means: (i) Individual providers as defined in RCW 74.39A.240, (ii) home care aides as defined in RCW 18.88B.010, and (iii) family child care providers as defined in RCW 41.56.030.
(b) "Sensitive personal information" means names, addresses, GPS [global positioning system] coordinates, telephone numbers, email addresses, social security numbers, driver's license numbers, or other personally identifying information.
(c) "Vulnerable individual" has the meaning set forth in RCW 9.35.005.
[ 2017 c 4 s 8 (Initiative Measure No. 1501, approved November 8, 2016).]
Notes:
Intent—2017 c 4 ss 8, 10, and 11 (Initiative Measure No. 1501): "It is the intent of part three of this act to protect seniors and vulnerable individuals from identity theft and other financial crimes by preventing the release of public records that could be used to victimize them. Sensitive personal information about in-home caregivers for vulnerable populations is protected because its release could facilitate identity crimes against seniors, vulnerable individuals, and other vulnerable populations that these caregivers serve." [ 2017 c 4 s 7 (Initiative Measure No. 1501, approved November 8, 2016).]
Short title—Intent—Construction—2017 c 4 (Initiative Measure No. 1501): See notes following RCW 9.35.005.

catchline: Vulnerable individuals, in-home caregivers for vulnerable populations.


title: RCW 42.56.645

text:
[(1)] Nothing in chapter 4, Laws of 2017 shall prevent the release of public information in the following circumstances:
(a) The information is released to a governmental body, including the state's area agencies on aging, and the recipient agrees to protect the confidentiality of the information;
(b) The information concerns individuals who have been accused of or disciplined for abuse, neglect, exploitation, abandonment, or other acts involving the victimization of individuals or other professional misconduct;
(c) The information is being released as part of a judicial or quasi-judicial proceeding and subject to a court's order protecting the confidentiality of the information and allowing it to be used solely in that proceeding;
(d) The information is being provided to a representative certified or recognized under RCW 41.56.240, or as necessary for the provision of fringe benefits to public employees, and the recipient agrees to protect the confidentiality of the information;
(e) The disclosure is required by federal law;
(f) The disclosure is required by a contract between the state and a third party, and the recipient agrees to protect the confidentiality of the information;
(g) The information is released to a person or entity under contract with the state to manage, administer, or provide services to vulnerable residents, or under contract with the state to engage in research or analysis about state services for vulnerable residents, and the recipient agrees to protect the confidentiality of the information; or
(h) Information about specific public employee(s) is released to a bona fide news organization that requests such information to conduct an investigation into, or report upon, the actions of such specific public employee(s).
(2) Nothing in chapter 4, Laws of 2017 shall prevent an agency from providing contact information for the purposes of RCW * 74.39A.056(3) and 74.39A.250. Nothing in chapter 4, Laws of 2017 shall prevent an agency from confirming the licensing or certification status of a caregiver on an individual basis to allow consumers to ensure the licensing or certification status of an individual caregiver.
[ 2017 c 4 s 11 (Initiative Measure No. 1501, approved November 8, 2016).]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 74.39A.056 was amended by 2025 c 214 s 2, changing subsection (3) to subsection (4).
Intent—2017 c 4 ss 8, 10, and 11 (Initiative Measure No. 1501): See note following RCW 42.56.640.
Short title—Intent—Construction—2017 c 4 (Initiative Measure No. 1501): See notes following RCW 9.35.005.

catchline: Release of public information—2017 c 4 (Initiative Measure No. 1501).


title: RCW 42.56.650

text:
(1) Any data submitted by health carriers to the health benefit exchange for purposes of establishing standardized health plans under RCW 43.71.095 are exempt from disclosure under this chapter. This subsection applies to health carrier data in the custody of the insurance commissioner for purposes of consulting with the health benefit exchange under RCW 43.71.095(1).
(2) Any data submitted by health carriers to the health care authority for purposes of RCW 41.05.410 are exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
[ 2019 c 364 s 2.]

catchline: Health carrier data.


title: RCW 42.56.655

text:
By December 1, 2023, 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 exemption created in RCW 42.56.460(2) should be continued, modified, or terminated. No recommendations or action from the committee or the legislature will result in the continuation of the exemption created in RCW 42.56.460(2).
[ 2019 c 125 s 2.]

catchline: Explosives exemption report.


title: RCW 42.56.660

text:
(1) Except by court order issued pursuant to subsection (3) of this section, an agency may not disclose as a response to a public records request made pursuant to this chapter records concerning an agency employee, as defined in subsection (5) of this section, if:
(a) The requestor is a person alleged in the claim of workplace sexual harassment or stalking to have harassed or stalked the agency employee who is named as the victim in the claim; and
(b) After conducting an investigation, the agency issued discipline resulting from the claim of workplace sexual harassment or stalking to the requestor described under (a) of this subsection.
(2)(a) When the requestor is someone other than a person described under subsection (1) of this section, the agency must immediately notify an agency employee upon receipt of a public records request for records concerning that agency employee if the agency conducted an investigation of the claim of workplace sexual harassment or stalking involving the agency employee and the agency issued discipline resulting from the claim.
(b) Upon notice provided in accordance with (a) of this subsection, the agency employee may bring an action in a court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin the agency from disclosing the records. The agency employee shall immediately notify the agency upon filing an action under this subsection. Except for the five-day notification required under RCW 42.56.520, the time for the employing agency to process a request for records is suspended during the pendency of an action filed under this subsection. Upon notice of an action filed under this subsection, the agency may not disclose such records unless by an order issued in accordance with subsection (3) of this section, or if the action is dismissed without the court granting an injunction.
(3)(a) A court of competent jurisdiction, following sufficient notice to the employing agency, may order the release of some or all of the records described in subsections (1) and (2) of this section after finding that, in consideration of the totality of the circumstances, disclosure would not violate the right to privacy under RCW 42.56.050 for the agency employee. An agency that is ordered in accordance with this subsection to disclose records is not liable for penalties, attorneys' fees, or costs under RCW 42.56.550 if the agency has complied with this section.
(b) For the purposes of this section, it is presumed to be highly offensive to a reasonable person under RCW 42.56.050 to disclose, directly or indirectly, records concerning an agency employee who has made a claim of workplace sexual harassment or stalking with the agency, or is named as a victim in the claim, to persons alleged in the claim to have sexually harassed or stalked the agency employee named as the victim and where the agency issued discipline resulting from the claim after conducting an investigation. The presumption set out under this subsection may be rebutted upon showing of clear, cogent, and convincing evidence that disclosure of the requested record or information to persons alleged in the claim to have sexually harassed or stalked the agency employee named as the victim in the claim is not highly offensive.
(4) Nothing in this section restricts access to records described under subsections (1) and (2) of this section where the agency employee consents in writing to disclosure.
(5) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Agency" means a state agency, including every state office, department, division, bureau, board, commission, or other state agency.
(b) "Agency employee" means a state agency employee who has made a claim of workplace sexual harassment or stalking with the employing agency, or is named as the victim in the claim.
(c) "Records concerning an agency employee" do not include work product created by the agency employee as part of his or her official duties.
[ 2019 c 373 s 2.]
Notes:
Findings—2019 c 373: "The legislature finds that state agency employees operate in unique work environments in which there is a higher level of transparency surrounding their daily work activities. The legislature finds that we must act to protect the health and safety of state employees, but even more so when employees become the victims of sexual harassment or stalking. The legislature finds that when a state agency employee is the target of sexual harassment or stalking, there is a significant risk to the employee's physical safety and well-being. The legislature finds that workplace safety is of paramount importance and that the state has an interest in protecting against the inappropriate use of public resources to carry out actions of sexual harassment or stalking." [ 2019 c 373 s 1.]
Effective date—2019 c 373: "This act takes effect July 1, 2020." [ 2019 c 373 s 6.]

catchline: Agency employee records.


title: RCW 42.56.665

text:
(1) Any person who requests and obtains a record concerning an agency employee, as described in RCW 42.56.660, is subject to civil liability if he or she uses the record or information in the record to harass, stalk, threaten, or intimidate that agency employee, or provides the record or information in the record to a person, knowing that the person intends to use it to harass, stalk, threaten, or intimidate that agency employee.
(2) Any person liable under subsection (1) of this section may be sued in superior court by any aggrieved party, or in the name of the state by the attorney general or the prosecuting authority of any political subdivision. The court may order an appropriate civil remedy. The plaintiff may recover up to one thousand dollars for each record used in violation of this section, as well as costs and reasonable attorneys' fees.
(3) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Agency" means a state agency, including every state office, department, division, bureau, board, commission, or other state agency.
(b) "Agency employee" means a state agency employee who has made a claim of workplace sexual harassment or stalking with the employing agency, or is named as the victim in the claim.
(c) "Record concerning an agency employee" does not include work product created by the agency employee as part of his or her official duties.
[ 2019 c 373 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—Findings—2019 c 373: See notes following RCW 42.56.660.

catchline: Agency employee records—Civil liability.


title: RCW 42.56.670

text:
By January 1, 2020, the attorney general, in consultation with state agencies, shall create model policies for the implementation of chapter 373, Laws of 2019.
[ 2019 c 373 s 4.]
Notes:
Effective date—Findings—2019 c 373: See notes following RCW 42.56.660.

catchline: Agency employee records—Model policies.


title: RCW 42.56.675

text:
A state agency may not disclose lists of the names of agency employees, as defined under RCW 42.56.660, maintained by the agency in order to administer RCW 42.56.660.
[ 2019 c 373 s 5.]
Notes:
Effective date—Findings—2019 c 373: See notes following RCW 42.56.660.

catchline: Agency employee records—Lists of names.


title: RCW 42.56.680

text:
Information obtained by the department of commerce under RCW 61.24.190 that reveals the name or other personal information of the borrower or the street address of the residential real property on which a notice of default was issued is exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
[ 2021 c 151 s 12.]
Notes:
Effective date—2021 c 151 ss 5, 9, 11, and 12: See note following RCW 61.24.135.
Findings—Intent—2021 c 151: See note following RCW 61.24.005.

catchline: Residential real property information and borrower personal information.


title: RCW 42.56.690

text:
Information and records related to notification or registration for notification as described in RCW 36.28A.455 are exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
[ 2022 c 82 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—2022 c 82: See note following RCW 72.09.712.

catchline: Victim and witness notification program.


title: RCW 42.56.692

text:
Information and records prepared, owned, used, or retained by the department of corrections that reveal any notification or request for notification regarding any specific individual, or that reveal the identity, location of, or any information submitted by a person who requests or is invited to enroll for notification under RCW 72.09.712(2) or 72.09.710(1), are exempt from public inspection and copying under this chapter.
[ 2023 c 391 s 2.]

catchline: Victim and witness notification program—Notification enrollment.


title: RCW 42.56.695

text:
Any data collected by an intelligent speed assistance device as defined in RCW 46.04.218 is exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
[ 2025 c 228 s 7.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—Short title—Effective date—2025 c 228: See notes following RCW 46.20.760.

catchline: Intelligent speed assistance devices. (Effective January 1, 2029.)


title: RCW 42.56.700

text:
Any recipient income data collected by the department of licensing as part of the driver training education course voucher program established under RCW 46.82.480 is exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
[ 2025 c 299 s 12.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2025 c 299: See note following RCW 46.20.1191.

catchline: Driver training education course voucher program.


title: RCW 42.56.705

text:
(1) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, records filed with or maintained by the department of labor and industries that reveal the identity of, or contain any personal information about, an employee or applicant who has filed a complaint, requested assistance, or participated in an investigation under chapter 49.92 RCW are confidential and not open to public inspection.
(2) For the purposes of this section, "personal information" includes, but is not limited to, the individual's name, address, telephone number, electronic contact information, identifying photograph, and any medical or health information related to pregnancy or childbirth.
(3) The department may release statistical or summary data that do not disclose the identity of any individual.
(4) This section does not limit disclosure of information:
(a) To the complainant's employer when necessary for the fair determination of the issues in the investigation;
(b) To public employees in the performance of their official duties;
(c) In a court or administrative proceeding when disclosure is required by law or necessary to the fair determination of the issues; and
(d) To the complainant.
[ 2026 c 76 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2026 c 76: "This act takes effect January 1, 2027." [ 2026 c 76 s 3.]

catchline: Pregnancy-related accommodations. (Effective January 1, 2027.)


title: RCW 42.56.900

text:
The purpose of sections 402 through 429 of this act is to reorganize the public inspection and copying exemptions in *RCW 42.17.310 through 42.17.31921 by creating smaller, discrete code sections organized by subject matter. The legislature does not intend that this act effectuate any substantive change to any public inspection and copying exemption in the Revised Code of Washington.
[ 2005 c 274 s 401.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: The substance of RCW 42.17.310 through 42.17.31921 was recodified in chapter 42.56 RCW. See the Comparative Table in the Table of Disposition of Former RCW Sections.


title: RCW 42.56.904

text:
It is the intent of the legislature to clarify that no reasonable construction of chapter 42.56 RCW has ever allowed attorney invoices to be withheld in their entirety by any public entity in a request for documents under that chapter. It is further the intent of the legislature that specific descriptions of work performed be redacted only if they would reveal an attorney's mental impressions, actual legal advice, theories, or opinions, or are otherwise exempt under chapter 391, Laws of 2007 or other laws, with the burden upon the public entity to justify each redaction and narrowly construe any exception to full disclosure. The legislature intends to clarify that the public's interest in open, accountable government includes an accounting of any expenditure of public resources, including through liability insurance, upon private legal counsel or private consultants.
[ 2007 c 391 s 1.]

catchline: Intent—2007 c 391.


title: RCW 42.60.010

text:
The legislature finds and declares the following:
(1) Washington state celebrates the rich cultural heritage and diversity of its residents; and
(2) Freedom of religion and protection from persecution on the basis of religion is one of the founding ideals of the nation.
[ 2018 c 303 s 1.]

catchline: Findings.


title: RCW 42.60.020

text:
A state or local government agency or public employee shall not:
(1) Provide or disclose to federal government authorities personally identifiable information regarding the religious beliefs, practices, or affiliation of any individual, except where the employee is a witness to a crime;
(2) Use public funds, facilities, property, equipment, or personnel to assist in creation, implementation, or enforcement of any government program compiling a list, registry, or database of personally identifiable information about individuals based on religious beliefs, practice, or affiliation, for law enforcement or immigration purposes; or
(3) Make personally identifiable information from agency databases available, including any databases maintained by private vendors contracting with the agency, to anyone or any entity for the purpose of investigation or enforcement under any government program compiling a list, registry, or database of individuals based on religious belief, practice, or affiliation, or national origin, or ethnicity for law enforcement or immigration purposes.
[ 2018 c 303 s 3.]

catchline: Prohibitions—Government agencies and public employees.


title: RCW 42.60.030

text:
State and local law enforcement agencies shall not:
(1) Collect information on the religious belief, practice, or affiliation of any individual except (a) as part of a criminal investigation of an individual based on reasonable suspicion that the individual has engaged in criminal activity, and when there is a nexus between the criminal activity and the specific information collected about religious belief, practice, or affiliation, or (b) where necessary to provide religious accommodations; or
(2) Use public funds, facilities, property, equipment, or personnel to investigate, enforce, or assist in the investigation or enforcement of any criminal, civil, or administrative violation, or warrant for a violation, of any requirement that individuals register with the federal government or any federal agency based on religion.
[ 2018 c 303 s 4.]

catchline: Prohibitions—Law enforcement agencies.


title: RCW 42.60.040

text:
Any agreements in existence on June 7, 2018, that make any state or local government agency information or database available in conflict with the terms of this chapter are terminated on that date to the extent of the conflict.
[ 2018 c 303 s 5.]

catchline: Agreements in conflict with chapter.


title: RCW 42.64.010

text:
(1) A government agency that makes available an artificial intelligence system intended to interact with consumers must disclose to each consumer, before or at the time of interaction, that the consumer is interacting with an artificial intelligence system. The disclosure must be:
(a) Clear and conspicuously posted;
(b) Written in plain language; and
(c) May not use a dark pattern.
(2) The disclosure may be provided by using a hyperlink to direct a consumer to a separate web page.
(3) An agency is required to make the disclosure under subsection (1) of this section regardless of whether it would be obvious to a reasonable consumer that the consumer is interacting with an artificial intelligence system.
(4) For the purposes of this section, "artificial intelligence system" has the same meaning as in RCW 19.435.010.
[ 2026 c 167 s 6.]
Notes:
Effective date—2026 c 167: See note following RCW 19.435.010.

catchline: Disclosure by government agencies. (Effective February 1, 2027.)


title: RCW 43.01.010

text:
The governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, treasurer, auditor, attorney general, superintendent of public instruction, commissioner of public lands, and insurance commissioner, shall hold office for the term of four years, and until their successors are elected and qualified; and the term shall commence on the Wednesday after the second Monday of January following their election.
[ 1965 c 8 s 43.01.010. Prior: 1891 c 82 s 1; RRS s 10980.]
Notes:
Term of person elected to fill vacancy: RCW 42.12.030.
Terms of office: State Constitution Art. 3 s 3.
Vacancies in office: Chapter 42.12 RCW.

catchline: Terms of office.


title: RCW 43.01.020

text:
The governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, treasurer, auditor, attorney general, superintendent of public instruction, commissioner of public lands, and insurance commissioner, shall, before entering upon the duties of their respective offices, take and subscribe an oath or affirmation in substance as follows: I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution and laws of the state of Washington, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of (name of office) to the best of my ability.
The oath or affirmation shall be administered by one of the justices of the supreme court at the capitol. A certificate shall be affixed thereto by the person administering the oath, and the oath or affirmation so certified shall be filed in the office of the secretary of state before the officer shall be qualified to discharge any official duties: PROVIDED, That the oath of the secretary of state shall be filed in the office of the state auditor.
[ 1965 c 8 s 43.01.020. Prior: 1909 c 43 s 1; RRS s 10981.]
Notes:
Attorney general, oath of office: RCW 43.10.010.
Commissioner of public lands, oaths of employees: RCW 43.12.021.
Court commissioners, oath of office: RCW 2.24.020.
Engineers and land surveyors' board of registration, oath required: RCW 18.43.030.
Horse racing commission, oath of office: RCW 67.16.012.
Judges of superior court, oath of office: State Constitution Art. 4 s 28; RCW 2.08.080, 2.08.180.
Judges of supreme court, oath of office: State Constitution Art. 4 s 28; RCW 2.04.080.
Liquor and cannabis board, oath of office: RCW 66.08.014.
Militia, oath of office: RCW 38.12.150, 38.12.160.
Oaths, mode of administering: State Constitution Art. 1 s 6.
Perjury, oath defined: RCW 9A.72.010.
State administrative officers, oath required: RCW 43.17.030.
State auditor, oath of office: RCW 43.09.010.
State treasurer, oath of office: RCW 43.08.020.
University of Washington, board of regents, oath required: RCW 28B.10.520.
Utilities and transportation commission: RCW 80.01.020.
Washington State University, board of regents: RCW 28B.10.520.

catchline: Oath of office.


title: RCW 43.01.031

text:
This chapter does not apply to any position in or employee of the Washington health benefit exchange established in chapter 43.71 RCW.
[ 2012 c 87 s 20.]
Notes:
Effective date—2012 c 87 ss 4, 16, 18, and 19-23: See note following RCW 43.71.030.
Spiritual care services—2012 c 87: See RCW 43.71.901.

catchline: Chapter application—Health benefit exchange.


title: RCW 43.01.035

text:
All biennial reports to the legislature and the governor shall cover the period comprising the first full fiscal year of the then current biennium and the last full fiscal year of the biennium immediately preceding. All annual reports to the governor shall cover the full fiscal year immediately preceding the date of said report.
[ 1965 c 8 s 43.01.035. Prior: 1953 c 184 s 3.]

catchline: Reports—Periods to be covered.


title: RCW 43.01.036

text:
(1)(a) All reports required to be submitted to the legislature shall be provided only in an electronic format. Reports must be submitted electronically to the chief clerk of the house of representatives and the secretary of the senate. The chief clerk of the house of representatives and the secretary of the senate shall provide an online site for reports submitted to the legislature on the legislative internet home page. The reports shall be organized in such a way as to make the reports easy to find and accessible by legislators, staff, and the public.
(b) Upon electronic submittal of the required report to the chief clerk of the house of representatives and the secretary of the senate, the agency shall send a letter, also by electronic means, to the appropriate legislative committee that the report has been filed. The letter may include a brief summary of the report. The public entity submitting the report may make hard copies available by request.
(2)(a) All annual and biennial reports to the governor shall be provided only in an electronic format. The reports shall be organized in such a way as to make the reports easy to find and accessible by the public.
(b) Upon electronic submittal of the required report to the governor's office, the agency shall send a letter, also by electronic means, that the report has been filed. The letter may include a brief summary of the report. The entity submitting the report may make hard copies available by request.
[ 2009 c 518 s 24.]


title: RCW 43.01.040

text:
Each subordinate officer and employee of the several offices, departments, and institutions of the state government shall be entitled under their contract of employment with the state government to not less than eight hours of vacation leave with full pay for each month of employment.
Each such subordinate officer and employee shall be entitled under such contract of employment to not less than eight additional hours of vacation with full pay each year for satisfactorily completing the first two, three, and five continuous years of employment respectively.
Such part-time officers or employees of the state government who are employed on a regular schedule of duration of not less than one year shall be entitled under their contract of employment to that fractional part of the vacation leave that the total number of hours of such employment bears to the total number of hours of full-time employment.
Each subordinate officer and employee of the several offices, departments, and institutions of the state government shall be entitled under his or her contract of employment with the state government to accrue unused vacation leave not to exceed 280 hours. However, employees of the Washington state ferries covered by collective bargaining agreements containing provisions in effect on June 30, 2017, allowing accrual of unused vacation leave not to exceed three hundred twenty hours shall be allowed to continue the higher accrual limit until such time as those provisions are modified through collective bargaining, or the bargaining unit changes its exclusive representative or is decertified. Officers and employees transferring within the several offices, departments, and institutions of the state government shall be entitled to transfer such accrued vacation leave to each succeeding state office, department, or institution. All vacation leave shall be taken at the time convenient to the employing office, department, or institution: PROVIDED, That if a subordinate officer's or employee's request for vacation leave is deferred by reason of the convenience of the employing office, department, or institution, and a statement of the necessity therefor is retained by the agency, then the aforesaid maximum 280 hours of accrued unused vacation leave shall be extended for each month said leave is so deferred.
[ 2024 c 151 s 1. Prior: 2017 c 168 s 1; 2017 c 167 s 1; 2011 1st sp.s. c 43 s 449; 2009 c 549 s 5001; 1984 c 184 s 19; 1982 1st ex.s. c 51 s 2; 1965 ex.s. c 13 s 1; 1965 c 8 s 43.01.040; prior: 1955 c 140 s 1; 1921 c 7 s 133; RRS s 10891.]
Notes:
Effective date—2017 c 168: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 2017." [ 2017 c 168 s 2.]
Effective date—2017 c 167: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 2017." [ 2017 c 167 s 4.]
Effective date—Purpose—2011 1st sp.s. c 43: See notes following RCW 43.19.003.
Severability—1984 c 184: See note following RCW 41.50.150.
Savings—1982 1st ex.s. c 51: "This act shall not have the effect of terminating or modifying any rights acquired under a contract in existence prior to the effective date of this act." [ 1982 1st ex.s. c 51 s 4.]
Effective date—1982 1st ex.s. c 51: "This act shall take effect July 1, 1982." [ 1982 1st ex.s. c 51 s 5.]
Severability—1982 1st ex.s. c 51: "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." [ 1982 1st ex.s. c 51 s 6.]
Military leave of absence: RCW 38.40.060.

catchline: Vacations—Computation and accrual—Transfer—Statement of necessity required for extension of unused leave.


title: RCW 43.01.041

text:
Officers and employees referred to in RCW 43.01.040 whose employment is terminated by their death, reduction in force, resignation, dismissal, or retirement, who have been employed for at least six continuous months, and who have accrued vacation leave as specified in RCW 43.01.040 or 43.01.044, shall be paid therefor under their contract of employment, or their estate if they are deceased, or if the employee in case of voluntary resignation has provided adequate notice of termination. Vacation leave accumulated under RCW 43.01.044 is not to be included in the computation of retirement benefits. From July 1, 2011, through June 29, 2013, the amount of pay received by an employee under the provisions of this section shall not be reduced by any temporary salary reduction.
Should the legislature revoke any benefits or rights provided under chapter 292, Laws of 1985, no affected officer or employee shall be entitled thereafter to receive such benefits or exercise such rights as a matter of contractual right.
[ 2017 c 167 s 3; 2011 1st sp.s. c 39 s 13; 1985 c 292 s 1; 1984 c 184 s 20; 1982 1st ex.s. c 51 s 3; 1965 c 8 s 43.01.041. Prior: 1955 c 140 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2017 c 167: See note following RCW 43.01.040.
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 39: See note following RCW 41.04.820.
Severability—1984 c 184: See note following RCW 41.50.150.
Savings—Effective date—Severability—1982 1st ex.s. c 51: See notes following RCW 43.01.040.

catchline: Accrued vacation leave—Payment upon termination of employment.


title: RCW 43.01.042

text:
State institutions of higher learning may prescribe such rules and regulations as they may determine governing vacation leave for academic and professional personnel.
[ 1965 c 8 s 43.01.042. Prior: 1955 c 140 s 3.]

catchline: Vacations—State institutions of higher learning.


title: RCW 43.01.043

text:
The several offices, departments and institutions of the state government may prescribe supplemental rules and regulations that are not inconsistent with the provisions of RCW 43.01.040 through 43.01.043 with respect to vacation leave of subordinate officers and employees thereof.
[ 1965 c 8 s 43.01.043. Prior: 1955 c 140 s 4.]

catchline: Vacations—Rules and regulations.


title: RCW 43.01.044

text:
As an alternative, in addition to the provisions of RCW 43.01.040 authorizing the accumulation of vacation leave in excess of 280 hours with the filing of a statement of necessity, vacation leave in excess of 280 hours may also be accumulated as provided in this section but without the filing of a statement of necessity. The accumulation of leave under this alternative method shall be governed by the following provisions:
(1) Each subordinate officer and employee of the several offices, departments, and institutions of state government may accumulate the vacation leave hours between the time 280 hours is accrued and his or her anniversary date of state employment.
(2) All vacation hours accumulated under this section shall be used by the anniversary date and at a time convenient to the employing office, department, or institution. If an officer or employee does not use the excess leave by the anniversary date, then such leave shall be automatically extinguished and considered to have never existed.
(3) This section shall not result in any increase in a retirement allowance under any public retirement system in this state.
(4) Should the legislature revoke any benefits or rights provided under this section, no affected officer or employee shall be entitled thereafter to receive such benefits or exercise such rights as a matter of contractual right.
(5) Vacation leave credit acquired and accumulated under this section shall never, regardless of circumstances, be deferred by the employing office, department, or institution by filing a statement of necessity under the provisions of RCW 43.01.040.
(6) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, on or after July 24, 1983, a statement of necessity for excess leave shall, at a minimum, include the following: (a) The specific number of hours of excess leave; and (b) the date on which it was authorized. A copy of any such authorization shall be sent to the department of retirement systems.
[ 2024 c 151 s 2; 2017 c 167 s 2; 1983 c 283 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2017 c 167: See note following RCW 43.01.040.

catchline: Vacations—Accumulation of leave in excess of 280 hours authorized without statement of necessity—Requirements of statement of necessity.


title: RCW 43.01.045

text:
The provisions of RCW 43.01.040 through 43.01.044 shall not be applicable to the officers and employees of the nonprofit corporation formed under *chapter 67.40 RCW.
[ 1984 c 210 s 4.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: A majority of chapter 67.40 RCW was repealed by 2010 1st sp.s. c 15 s 14, effective November 30, 2010. RCW 67.40.020 was repealed by 2010 1st sp.s. c 15 s 15, effective December 30, 2010.
Savings—1984 c 210: "This act shall not terminate or modify any right acquired under a contract of employment in existence prior to March 27, 1984." [ 1984 c 210 s 7.]
Severability—1984 c 210: "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." [ 1984 c 210 s 8.]

catchline: Vacations—Provisions not applicable to officers and employees of state convention and trade center.


title: RCW 43.01.047

text:
RCW 43.01.040 through 43.01.044 do not apply to individual providers under RCW * 74.39A.220 through 74.39A.300, family child care providers under RCW 41.56.153, or adult family home providers under RCW 41.56.155, or language access providers under RCW 41.56.157.
[ 2010 c 296 s 6; 2007 c 184 s 5; 2006 c 54 s 5; 2004 c 3 s 4.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 74.39A.220 was repealed by 2018 c 278 s 32.
Conflict with federal requirements—2010 c 296: See note following RCW 41.56.157.
Part headings not law—Severability—Conflict with federal requirements—2007 c 184: See notes following RCW 41.56.155.
Conflict with federal requirements—2006 c 54: See RCW 41.56.913.
Short title—2006 c 54: See note following RCW 41.56.081.
Severability—Effective date—2004 c 3: See notes following RCW 74.39A.270.

catchline: Vacations—Provisions not applicable to individual providers, family child care providers, adult family home providers, or language access providers.


title: RCW 43.01.050

text:
Each state officer or other person, other than county treasurer, who is authorized by law to collect or receive moneys which are required by statute to be deposited in the state treasury shall transmit to the state treasurer each day, all such moneys collected by him or her on the preceding day: PROVIDED, That the state treasurer may in his or her discretion grant exceptions where such daily transfers would not be administratively practical or feasible. In the event that remittances are not accompanied by a statement designating source and fund, the state treasurer shall deposit these moneys in an account hereby created in the state treasury to be known as the undistributed receipts account. These moneys shall be retained in the account until such time as the transmitting agency provides a statement in duplicate of the source from which each item of money was derived and the fund into which it is to be transmitted. The director of financial management in accordance with RCW 43.88.160 shall promulgate regulations designed to assure orderly and efficient administration of this account. In the event moneys are deposited in this account that constitute overpayments, refunds may be made by the remitting agency without virtue of a legislative appropriation.
[ 2009 c 549 s 5002; 1985 c 57 s 26; 1981 2nd ex.s. c 4 s 5; 1979 c 151 s 80; 1967 c 212 s 1; 1965 c 8 s 43.01.050. Prior: 1909 c 133 s 1, part; 1907 c 96 s 1, part; RRS s 5501, part.]
Notes:
Effective date—1985 c 57: See note following RCW 18.04.105.
Severability—1981 2nd ex.s. c 4: See note following RCW 43.30.325.
Commissioner of public lands and department of natural resources, deposit of funds: RCW 43.30.325.
State depositaries: Chapter 43.85 RCW.

catchline: Daily remittance of moneys to treasury—Undistributed receipts account—Use.


title: RCW 43.01.060

text:
The state treasurer shall inform the governor of any failure on the part of any officer to comply with the provisions of RCW 43.01.050.
[ 1965 c 8 s 43.01.060. Prior: 1907 c 96 s 2; RRS s 5502.]

catchline: Daily remittance of moneys to treasury—Treasurer's duty on default.


title: RCW 43.01.070

text:
If any officer fails to comply with the provisions of RCW 43.01.050, he or she shall be liable to the state upon his or her official bond in a sum equal to ten percent annual interest on the funds for such time as he or she retained them.
[ 2009 c 549 s 5003; 1965 c 8 s 43.01.070. Prior: 1907 c 96 s 3; RRS s 5503.]

catchline: Daily remittance of moneys to treasury—Liability of officers for noncompliance.


title: RCW 43.01.072

text:
Whenever any law which provides for the collection of fees or other payments by a state agency does not authorize the refund of erroneous or excessive payments thereof, refunds may be made or authorized by the state agency which collected the fees or payments of all such amounts received by the state agency in consequence of error, either of fact or of law as to: (1) The proper amount of such fee or payments; (2) The necessity of making or securing a permit, filing, examination or inspection; (3) The sufficiency of the credentials of an applicant; (4) The eligibility of an applicant for any other reason; (5) The necessity for the payment.
[ 1965 c 8 s 43.01.072. Prior: 1955 c 224 s 1.]
Notes:
Refunds of fees or other payments, budget and accounting system: RCW 43.88.170.

catchline: Refund of fees or other payments collected by state.


title: RCW 43.01.073

text:
Any state agency desiring to authorize such a refund shall file with the state treasurer a voucher naming the payee and giving full particulars as to the reason for the refund and the fund in the treasury to which it was credited.
[ 1965 c 8 s 43.01.073. Prior: 1955 c 224 s 2.]

catchline: Refund of fees or other payments collected by state—Voucher.


title: RCW 43.01.074

text:
Payment of such refunds shall be by warrant issued by the state treasurer against the fund in the state treasury to which the erroneous or excessive payment was credited or from any other appropriation made for such refund.
[ 1965 c 8 s 43.01.074. Prior: 1955 c 224 s 3.]
Notes:
Appropriation, when not required for refunds: RCW 43.88.180.

catchline: Refund of fees or other payments collected by state—Warrant.


title: RCW 43.01.075

text:
No such refund shall be authorized by a state agency where the amount is two dollars or less unless demand for the refund is made within six months from the date the erroneous or excessive payment was made.
[ 1965 c 8 s 43.01.075. Prior: 1955 c 224 s 4.]

catchline: Refund of fees or other payments collected by state—Limitation where amount is two dollars or less.