title: RCW 42.45.280

text:
(1) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(a) "Communication technology" means an electronic device or process that:
(i) Allows an electronic records notary public and a remotely located individual to communicate with each other simultaneously by sight and sound; and
(ii) When necessary under and consistent with other applicable law, facilitates communication with a remotely located individual with a vision, hearing, or speech impairment.
(b) "Foreign state" means a jurisdiction other than the United States, a state, or a federally recognized Indian tribe.
(c) "Identity proofing" means a process or service by which a third person provides an electronic records notary public with a means to verify the identity of a remotely located individual by a review of personal information from public or private data sources.
(d) "Outside the United States" means a location outside the geographic boundaries of the United States, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, and any territory, insular possession, or other location subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
(e) "Remotely located individual" means an individual who is not in the physical presence of the electronic records notary public who performs a notarial act under subsection (3) of this section.
(2) A remotely located individual complies with RCW 42.45.040 by using communication technology to appear before an electronic records notary public.
(3) An electronic records notary public located in this state may perform a notarial act using communication technology for a remotely located individual if:
(a) The electronic records notary public:
(i) Has personal knowledge under RCW 42.45.050(1) of the identity of the remotely located individual;
(ii) Has satisfactory evidence of the identity of the remotely located individual by a verification on oath or affirmation of a credible witness appearing before and identified by the electronic records notary public under RCW 42.45.050(2); or
(iii) Has obtained satisfactory evidence of the identity of the remotely located individual by using at least two different types of identity proofing;
(b) The electronic records notary public is reasonably able to confirm that a record before the electronic records notary public is the same record in which the remotely located individual made a statement or on which the individual executed a signature;
(c) The electronic records notary public, or a person acting on behalf of the electronic records notary public, creates an audiovisual recording of the performance of the notarial act; and
(d) For a remotely located individual located outside the United States:
(i) The record:
(A) Is to be filed with or relates to a matter before a public official or court, governmental entity, or other entity subject to the jurisdiction of the United States; or
(B) Involves property located in the territorial jurisdiction of the United States or involves a transaction substantially connected with the United States; and
(ii) The act of making the statement or signing the record is not prohibited by the foreign state in which the remotely located individual is located.
(4) If a notarial act is performed under this section, the certificate of notarial act required by RCW 42.45.130 and the short form certificate provided in RCW 42.45.140 must indicate that the notarial act was performed using communication technology.
(5) A short form certificate provided in RCW 42.45.140 for a notarial act subject to this section is sufficient if it:
(a) Complies with rules adopted under subsection (8)(a) of this section; or
(b) Is in the form provided by RCW 42.45.140 and contains a statement substantially as follows: "This notarial act involved the use of communication technology."
(6) An electronic records notary public, a guardian, conservator, or agent of an electronic records notary public, or a personal representative of a deceased electronic records notary public shall retain the audiovisual recording created under subsection (3)(c) of this section or cause the recording to be retained by a repository designated by or on behalf of the person required to retain the recording. Unless a different period is required by rule adopted under subsection (8)(d) of this section, the recording must be retained for a period of at least ten years after the recording is made.
(7) Before an electronic records notary public performs the electronic records notary public's initial notarial act under this section, the electronic records notary public must notify the director that the electronic records notary public will be performing notarial acts and identify the technologies the electronic records notary public intends to use. If the director has established standards under subsection (8) of this section and RCW 42.45.250 for approval of communication technology or identity proofing, the communication technology and identity proofing must conform to the standards.
(8) In addition to adopting rules under RCW 42.45.250, the director may adopt rules under this section regarding performance of a notarial act. The rules may:
(a) Prescribe the means of performing a notarial act involving a remotely located individual using communication technology;
(b) Establish standards for communication technology and identity proofing;
(c) Establish requirements or procedures to approve providers of communication technology and the process of identity proofing; and
(d) Establish standards and a period for the retention of an audiovisual recording created under subsection (3)(c) of this section.
(9) Before adopting, amending, or repealing a rule governing performance of a notarial act with respect to a remotely located individual, the director must consider:
(a) The most recent standards regarding the performance of a notarial act with respect to a remotely located individual adopted by national standard-setting organizations and the recommendations of the national association of secretaries of state;
(b) Standards, practices, and customs of other jurisdictions that have laws substantially similar to this section; and
(c) The views of governmental officials and entities and other interested persons.
[ 2019 c 154 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2019 c 154: "This act takes effect October 1, 2020." [ 2019 c 154 s 10.]
PDF
RCW 42.45.280
Electronic records notary public. (Effective January 1, 2027.)
(1) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(a) "Communication technology" means an electronic device or process that:
(i) Allows an electronic records notary public and a remotely located individual to communicate with each other simultaneously by sight and sound; and
(ii) When necessary under and consistent with other applicable law, facilitates communication with a remotely located individual with a vision, hearing, or speech impairment.
(b) "Foreign state" means a jurisdiction other than the United States, a state, or a federally recognized Indian tribe.
(c) "Identity proofing" means a process or service by which a third person provides an electronic records notary public with a means to verify the identity of a remotely located individual by a review of personal information from public or private data sources.
(d) "Outside the United States" means a location outside the geographic boundaries of the United States, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, and any territory, insular possession, or other location subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
(e) "Remotely located individual" means an individual who is not in the physical presence of the electronic records notary public who performs a notarial act under subsection (3) of this section.
(2) A remotely located individual complies with RCW 42.45.040 by using communication technology to appear before an electronic records notary public.
(3) An electronic records notary public located in this state may perform a notarial act using communication technology for a remotely located individual if:
(a) The electronic records notary public:
(i) Has personal knowledge under RCW 42.45.050(1) of the identity of the remotely located individual;
(ii) Has satisfactory evidence of the identity of the remotely located individual by a verification on oath or affirmation of a credible witness appearing before and identified by the electronic records notary public under RCW 42.45.050(2); or
(iii) Has obtained satisfactory evidence of the identity of the remotely located individual by using at least two different types of identity proofing;
(b) The electronic records notary public is reasonably able to confirm that a record before the electronic records notary public is the same record in which the remotely located individual made a statement or on which the individual executed a signature;
(c) The electronic records notary public, or a person acting on behalf of the electronic records notary public, creates an audiovisual recording of the performance of the notarial act; and
(d) For a remotely located individual located outside the United States:
(i) The record:
(A) Is to be filed with or relates to a matter before a public official or court, governmental entity, or other entity subject to the jurisdiction of the United States; or
(B) Involves property located in the territorial jurisdiction of the United States or involves a transaction substantially connected with the United States; and
(ii) The act of making the statement or signing the record is not prohibited by the foreign state in which the remotely located individual is located.
(4) An electronic records notary public located in this state may use communication technology under subsection (3) of this section to take an acknowledgment of a signature on a tangible record physically present before the electronic records notary public if the tangible record is displayed to and identified by the remotely located individual during the audiovisual recording under subsection (3)(c) of this section.
(5) The requirement under subsection (3)(b) of this section for the performance of a notarial act with respect to a tangible record not physically present before the electronic records notary public is satisfied if:
(a) The remotely located individual:
(i) During the audiovisual recording under subsection (3)(c) of this section, signs:
(A) The tangible record; and
(B) A declaration, in substantially the following form, that is part of or securely attached to the tangible record:
I declare under penalty of perjury that the tangible record of which this declaration is a part or to which it is attached is the same tangible record on which (name of electronic records notary public), an electronic records notary public, performed a notarial act and before whom I appeared by means of communication technology on (date).
. . .
Signature of remotely located individual
. . .
Printed name of remotely located individual; and
(ii) Sends the tangible record and declaration to the electronic records notary public not later than three days after the notarial act was performed; and
(b) The electronic records notary public:
(i) In the audiovisual recording under subsection (3)(c) of this section, records the individual signing the tangible record and declaration; and
(ii) After receipt of the tangible record and declaration from the individual, executes a certificate of notarial act under RCW 42.45.130, which must include a statement in substantially the following form:
I (name of electronic records notary public) witnessed, by means of communication technology, (name of remotely located individual) sign the attached tangible record and declaration on (date).
(6) A notarial act performed in compliance with subsection (5) of this section complies with RCW 42.45.130(1)(a) and is effective on the date the remotely located individual signed the declaration under subsection (5)(a)(i)(B) of this section.
(7) An electronic records notary public located in this state may use communication technology under subsection (3) of this section to administer an oath or affirmation to a remotely located individual if, except as otherwise provided by other law of this state, the electronic records notary public:
(a) Identifies the individual under subsection (3)(a) of this section;
(b) Creates or causes the creation under subsection (3)(c) of this section of an audiovisual recording of the individual taking the oath or affirmation; and
(c) Retains or causes the retention under subsection (10) of this section of the recording.
(8) If a notarial act is performed under this section, the certificate of notarial act required by RCW 42.45.130 and the short form certificate provided in RCW 42.45.140 must indicate that the notarial act was performed using communication technology.
(9) A short form certificate provided in RCW 42.45.140 for a notarial act subject to this section is sufficient if it:
(a) Complies with rules adopted under subsection (12)(a) of this section; or
(b) Is in the form provided by RCW 42.45.140 and contains a statement substantially as follows: "This notarial act involved the use of communication technology."
(10) An electronic records notary public, a guardian, conservator, or agent of an electronic records notary public, or a personal representative of a deceased electronic records notary public shall retain the audiovisual recording created under subsection (3)(c) of this section or cause the recording to be retained by a repository designated by or on behalf of the person required to retain the recording. Unless a different period is required by rule adopted under subsection (12)(d) of this section, the recording must be retained for a period of at least ten years after the recording is made.
(11) Before an electronic records notary public performs the electronic records notary public's initial notarial act under this section, the electronic records notary public must notify the director that the electronic records notary public will be performing notarial acts and identify the technologies the electronic records notary public intends to use. If the director has established standards under subsection (12) of this section and RCW 42.45.250 for approval of communication technology or identity proofing, the communication technology and identity proofing must conform to the standards.
(12) In addition to adopting rules under RCW 42.45.250, the director may adopt rules under this section regarding performance of a notarial act. The rules may:
(a) Prescribe the means of performing a notarial act involving a remotely located individual using communication technology;
(b) Establish standards for communication technology and identity proofing;
(c) Establish requirements or procedures to approve providers of communication technology and the process of identity proofing;
(d) Establish standards and a period for the retention of an audiovisual recording created under subsection (3)(c) of this section; and
(e) Prescribe methods for an electronic records notary public to confirm under subsections (4) and (5) of this section the identity of a tangible record.
(13) Before adopting, amending, or repealing a rule governing performance of a notarial act with respect to a remotely located individual, the director must consider:
(a) The most recent standards regarding the performance of a notarial act with respect to a remotely located individual adopted by national standard-setting organizations and the recommendations of the national association of secretaries of state;
(b) Standards, practices, and customs of other jurisdictions that have laws substantially similar to this section; and
(c) The views of governmental officials and entities and other interested persons.
(14) By allowing its communication technology or identity proofing to facilitate a notarial act for a remotely located individual or by providing storage of the audiovisual recording under subsection (3)(c) of this section, the provider of the communication technology, identity proofing, or storage appoints the director as the provider's agent for service of process in any civil action in this state related to the notarial act.
[ 2026 c 21 s 1; 2019 c 154 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2026 c 21: "This act takes effect January 1, 2027." [ 2026 c 21 s 2.]
Effective date—2019 c 154: "This act takes effect October 1, 2020." [ 2019 c 154 s 10.]

catchline: Electronic records notary public. (Effective until January 1, 2027.)


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 42.45.900

text:
This chapter may be known and cited as the 2018 revised uniform law on notarial acts.
[ 2019 c 154 s 6; 2017 c 281 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2019 c 154: See note following RCW 42.45.280.

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Short title.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 42.45.901

text:
This chapter applies to a notarial act performed on or after July 1, 2018.
[ 2017 c 281 s 3.]

catchline: Application.


title: RCW 42.45.902

text:
This chapter does not affect the validity or effect of a notarial act performed before July 1, 2018.
[ 2017 c 281 s 29.]

catchline: Savings.


title: RCW 42.45.903

text:
In applying and construing this uniform act, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it.
[ 2017 c 281 s 30.]

catchline: Application—Construction.


title: RCW 42.45.904

text:
This chapter modifies, limits, and supersedes the electronic signatures in global and national commerce act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 7001 et seq., but does not modify, limit, or supersede section 101(c) of that act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 7001(c), or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in section 103(b) of that act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 7003(b).
[ 2017 c 281 s 31.]

catchline: Relation to electronic signatures in global and national commerce act.


title: RCW 42.45.905

text:
This act takes effect July 1, 2018.
[ 2017 c 281 s 44.]

catchline: Effective date—2017 c 281.


title: RCW 42.48.010

text:
For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:
(1) "Individually identifiable" means that a record contains information which reveals or can likely be associated with the identity of the person or persons to whom the record pertains.
(2) "Legally authorized representative" means a person legally authorized to give consent for the disclosure of personal records on behalf of a minor or a legally incompetent adult.
(3) "Personal record" means any information obtained or maintained by a state agency which refers to a person and which is declared exempt from public disclosure, confidential, or privileged under state or federal law.
(4) "Research" means a planned and systematic sociological, psychological, epidemiological, biomedical, or other scientific investigation carried out by a state agency, by a scientific research professional associated with a bona fide scientific research organization, or by a graduate student currently enrolled in an advanced academic degree curriculum, with an objective to contribute to scientific knowledge, the solution of social and health problems, or the evaluation of public benefit and service programs. This definition excludes methods of record analysis and data collection that are subjective, do not permit replication, and are not designed to yield reliable and valid results.
(5) "Research record" means an item or grouping of information obtained for the purpose of research from or about a person or extracted for the purpose of research from a personal record.
(6) "State agency" means: (a) The department of social and health services; (b) the department of corrections; (c) the department of health; or (d) the department of children, youth, and families.
[ 2019 c 88 s 1; 2018 c 58 s 20; 2007 c 17 s 6; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 207; 1985 c 334 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2018 c 58: See note following RCW 28A.655.080.
Effective date—Severability—1989 1st ex.s. c 9: See RCW 43.70.910 and 43.70.920.

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 42.48.020

text:
(1) A state agency may authorize or provide access to or provide copies of an individually identifiable personal record for research purposes if informed written consent for the disclosure has been given to the appropriate department secretary, or the president of the institution, as applicable, or his or her designee, by the person to whom the record pertains or, in the case of minors and legally incompetent adults, the person's legally authorized representative.
(2) A state agency may authorize or provide access to or provide copies of an individually identifiable personal record for research purposes without the informed consent of the person to whom the record pertains or the person's legally authorized representative, only if:
(a) The state agency adopts research review and approval rules including, but not limited to, the requirement that the appropriate department secretary, or the president of the institution, as applicable, appoint a standing human research review board competent to review research proposals as to ethical and scientific soundness; and the review board determines that the disclosure request has scientific merit and is of importance in terms of the agency's program concerns, that the research purposes cannot be reasonably accomplished without disclosure of the information in individually identifiable form and without waiver of the informed consent of the person to whom the record pertains or the person's legally authorized representative, that disclosure risks have been minimized, and that remaining risks are outweighed by anticipated health, safety, or scientific benefits; and
(b) The disclosure does not violate federal law or regulations; and
(c) The state agency negotiates with the research professional receiving the records or record information a written and legally binding confidentiality agreement prior to disclosure. The agreement shall:
(i) Establish specific safeguards to assure the continued confidentiality and security of individually identifiable records or record information;
(ii) Ensure that the research professional will report or publish research findings and conclusions in a manner that does not permit identification of the person whose record was used for the research. Final research reports or publications shall not include photographs or other visual representations contained in personal records;
(iii) Establish that the research professional will destroy the individual identifiers associated with the records or record information as soon as the purposes of the research project have been accomplished and notify the agency to this effect in writing;
(iv) Prohibit any subsequent disclosure of the records or record information in individually identifiable form except as provided in RCW 42.48.040; and
(v) Provide for the signature of the research professional, of any of the research professional's team members who require access to the information in identified form, and of the agency official authorized to approve disclosure of identifiable records or record information for research purposes.
[ 1985 c 334 s 2.]

catchline: Access to personal records.


title: RCW 42.48.030

text:
In addition to the copying charges provided in RCW 42.56.120, a state agency may impose a reasonable charge for costs incurred in providing assistance in the following research activities involving personal records:
(1) Manual or computer screening of personal records for scientific sampling purposes according to specifications provided by the research professional;
(2) Manual or computer extraction of information from a universe or sample of personal records according to specifications provided by the research professional;
(3) Statistical manipulation or analysis of personal record information, whether manually or by computer, according to specifications provided by the research professional.
The charges imposed by the agency may not exceed the amount necessary to reimburse the agency for its actual costs in providing requested research assistance.
[ 2005 c 274 s 291; 1985 c 334 s 3.]

catchline: Charge for costs of assistance.


title: RCW 42.48.040

text:
No research professional who has established an individually identifiable research record from personal record information pursuant to RCW 42.48.020(2), or who has established a research record from data or information voluntarily provided by an agency client or employee under a written confidentiality assurance for the explicit purpose of research, may disclose such a record in individually identifiable form unless:
(1) The person to whom the research record pertains or the person's legally authorized representative has given prior informed written consent for the disclosure; or
(2) The research professional reasonably believes that disclosure will prevent or minimize injury to a person and the disclosure is limited to information necessary to protect the person who has been or may be injured, and the research professional reports the disclosure only to the person involved or the person's guardian, the person's physician, and the agency; or
(3)(a) The research record is disclosed in individually identifiable form for the purposes of auditing or evaluating a research program; and
(b) The audit or evaluation is authorized or required by federal or state law or regulation or is based upon an explicit provision in a research contract, grant, or other written research agreement; and
(c) No subsequent disclosure of the research record in individually identifiable form will be made by the auditor or evaluator except as provided in this section; or
(4) The research record is furnished in compliance with a search warrant or court order: PROVIDED, That:
(a) The court issues the search warrant or judicial subpoena concerning the research record solely for the purpose of facilitating inquiry into an alleged violation of law by the research professional using the record for a research purpose or by the agency; and
(b) Any research record obtained pursuant to (a) of this subsection and any information directly or indirectly derived from the research record shall remain confidential to the extent possible and shall not be used as evidence in an administrative, judicial, or legislative proceeding except against the research professional using the record for a research purpose or against the state agency.
[ 1985 c 334 s 4.]

catchline: Disclosure by research professional.


title: RCW 42.48.050

text:
Unauthorized disclosure, whether wilful or negligent, by a research professional who has obtained an individually identifiable personal record or record information from a state agency pursuant to RCW 42.48.020(2) is a gross misdemeanor. In addition, violation of any provision of this chapter by the research professional or the state agency may subject the research professional or the agency to a civil penalty of not more than ten thousand dollars for each such violation.
[ 1985 c 334 s 5.]

catchline: Unauthorized disclosure—Penalties.


title: RCW 42.48.060

text:
Nothing in this chapter is applicable to, or in any way affects, the powers and duties of the state auditor or the joint legislative audit and review committee.
[ 1996 c 288 s 34; 1985 c 334 s 6.]

catchline: Exclusions from chapter.


title: RCW 42.52.010

text:
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.
(1) "Agency" means any state board, commission, bureau, committee, department, institution, division, or tribunal in the legislative, executive, or judicial branch of state government. "Agency" includes all elective offices, the state legislature, those institutions of higher education created and supported by the state government, and those courts that are parts of state government. "Agency" does not include a comprehensive cancer center participating in a collaborative arrangement as defined in RCW 28B.10.930 that is operated in conformance with RCW 28B.10.930.
(2) "Appearance" means the act of performing or participating in an event.
(3) "Assist" means to act, or offer or agree to act, in such a way as to help, aid, advise, furnish information to, or otherwise provide assistance to another person, believing that the action is of help, aid, advice, or assistance to the person and with intent so to assist such person.
(4) "Beneficial interest" means a financial interest in a contract, sale, lease, purchase, or grant to which an individual subject to the act is not a party, but is an owner of an entity that is a party. An ownership interest of less than 10 percent of an entity is not a beneficial interest. However, an ownership interest in a mutual fund or similar investment pooling fund in which the owner has no management powers does not constitute a beneficial interest in the entities in which the fund or pool invests.
[(5)] "Charitable association, institution, or organization" means any entity that provides services beneficial to the public to an open class of people.
(6) "Civic organization" means a nonprofit group relating to the duties or activities of people in relation to their town, city, or local area.
(7) "Community organization" means an organization aimed at making desired improvements to a community's social health, well-being, and overall functioning.
(8) "Compensation" means anything of economic value, however designated, that is paid, loaned, granted, or transferred, or to be paid, loaned, granted, or transferred for, or in consideration of, personal services to any person.
(9) "Confidential information" means (a) specific information, rather than generalized knowledge, that is not available to the general public on request or (b) information made confidential by law.
(10) "Contract" or "grant" means an agreement between two or more persons that creates an obligation to do or not to do a particular thing. "Contract" or "grant" includes, but is not limited to, an employment contract, a lease, a license, a purchase agreement, or a sales agreement.
(11) "Emergency" means a serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action.
(12) "Ethics boards" means the commission on judicial conduct, the legislative ethics board, and the executive ethics board.
(13) "Extraordinary award" means a national, state, or local award with very few recipients that is sufficiently infrequent to be noteworthy to a reasonable person.
(14) "Family" has the same meaning as "immediate family" in RCW 29B.10.280.
(15) "Federal holiday" means the legal public holidays provided in 5 U.S.C. Sec. 6103(a), as it existed on January 1, 2026.
(16) "Head of agency" means the chief executive officer of an agency. In the case of an agency headed by a commission, board, committee, or other body consisting of more than one natural person, agency head means the person or board authorized to appoint agency employees and regulate their conduct.
(17) "Honorarium" means money or thing of value offered to a state officer or state employee for a speech, appearance, article, or similar item or activity in connection with the state officer's or state employee's official role.
(18) "Institution of higher education" has the same meaning as in RCW 28B.10.016.
(19) "Lobbying the legislature" means attempting to influence the passage or defeat of any legislation by the legislature of the state of Washington.
(20) "Official duty" means those duties within the specific scope of employment of the state officer or state employee as defined by the officer's or employee's agency or by statute or the state Constitution.
(21) "Official position" means holding an office or having authority.
(22) "Participate" means to participate in state action or a proceeding personally and substantially as a state officer or state employee, through approval, disapproval, decision, recommendation, the rendering of advice, investigation, or otherwise but does not include preparation, consideration, or enactment of legislation or the performance of legislative duties.
(23) "Person" means any individual, partnership, association, corporation, firm, institution, or other entity, whether or not operated for profit.
(24) "Regulatory agency" means any state board, commission, department, or officer, except those in the legislative or judicial branches, authorized by law to conduct adjudicative proceedings, issue permits or licenses, or to control or affect interests of identified persons.
(25) "Responsibility" in connection with a transaction involving the state, means the direct administrative or operating authority, whether intermediate or final, and either exercisable alone or through subordinates, effectively to approve, disapprove, or otherwise direct state action in respect of such transaction.
(26) "State action" means any action on the part of an agency, including, but not limited to:
(a) A decision, determination, finding, ruling, or order; and
(b) A grant, payment, award, license, contract, transaction, sanction, or approval, or the denial thereof, or failure to act with respect to a decision, determination, finding, ruling, or order.
(27) "State employee" means an individual who is employed by an agency in any branch of state government. For purposes of this chapter, employees of the superior courts are not state officers or state employees.
(28) "State officer" means every person holding a position of public trust in or under an executive, legislative, or judicial office of the state. "State officer" includes judges of the superior court, judges of the court of appeals, justices of the supreme court, members of the legislature together with the secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives, holders of elective offices in the executive branch of state government, chief executive officers of state agencies, members of boards, commissions, or committees with authority over one or more state agencies or institutions, and employees of the state who are engaged in supervisory, policy-making, or policy-enforcing work. For the purposes of this chapter, "state officer" also includes any person exercising or undertaking to exercise the powers or functions of a state officer.
(29) "Thing of economic value," in addition to its ordinary meaning, includes:
(a) A loan, property interest, interest in a contract or other chose in action, and employment or another arrangement involving a right to compensation;
(b) An option, irrespective of the conditions to the exercise of the option; and
(c) A promise or undertaking for the present or future delivery or procurement.
(30)(a) "Transaction involving the state" means a proceeding, application, submission, request for a ruling or other determination, contract, claim, case, or other similar matter that the state officer, state employee, or former state officer or state employee in question believes, or has reason to believe:
(i) Is, or will be, the subject of state action; or
(ii) Is one to which the state is or will be a party; or
(iii) Is one in which the state has a direct and substantial proprietary interest.
(b) "Transaction involving the state" does not include the following: Preparation, consideration, or enactment of legislation, including appropriation of moneys in a budget, or the performance of legislative duties by an officer or employee; or a claim, case, lawsuit, or similar matter if the officer or employee did not participate in the underlying transaction involving the state that is the basis for the claim, case, or lawsuit.
(31) "University" includes "state universities" and "regional universities" as defined in RCW 28B.10.016 and also includes any research or technology institute affiliated with a university.
(32) "University research employee" means a state officer or state employee employed by a university, but only to the extent the state officer or state employee is engaged in research, technology transfer, approved consulting activities related to research and technology transfer, or other incidental activities.
[ 2025 c 377 s 2; (2025 c 377 s 1 expired January 1, 2026); 2024 c 164 s 513. Prior: 2022 c 173 s 1; 2022 c 71 s 15; prior: 2011 c 60 s 28; 2005 c 106 s 1; 1998 c 7 s 1; 1996 c 213 s 1; 1994 c 154 s 101.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 377 ss 2, 10, 14, 22, 24, 26, and 28: "Sections 2, 10, 14, 22, 24, 26, and 28 of this act take effect January 1, 2026." [ 2025 c 377 s 31.]
Expiration date—2025 c 377 ss 1, 9, 13, 21, 23, 25, and 27: "Sections 1, 9, 13, 21, 23, 25, and 27 of this act expire January 1, 2026." [ 2025 c 377 s 30.]
Intent—Construction—Rules remain valid—Effective date—2024 c 164: See notes following RCW 29B.10.010.
Findings—Intent—2022 c 71: See note following RCW 28B.10.930.
Effective date—2011 c 60: See note following RCW 29B.20.030.


title: RCW 42.52.020

text:
(1) No state officer or state employee may have an interest, financial or otherwise, direct or indirect, or engage in a business or transaction or professional activity, or incur an obligation of any nature, that is in conflict with the proper discharge of the state officer's or state employee's official duties.
(2) This section does not apply to activities conducted by legislative employees authorized under RCW 44.90.110.
[ 2024 c 333 s 20; 1996 c 213 s 2; 1994 c 154 s 102.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 333: See note following RCW 44.90.025.

catchline: Activities incompatible with public duties.


title: RCW 42.52.030

text:
(1) No state officer or state employee, except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, may have a beneficial interest in a contract, sale, lease, purchase, or grant that may be made by, through, or is under the supervision of the officer or employee, in whole or in part, or accept any compensation, gratuity, or reward from any other person who has a beneficial interest in the contract, sale, lease, purchase, or grant.
(2) No state officer or state employee may participate in a transaction involving the state in his or her official capacity with a person of which the officer or employee is an officer, agent, employee, or member, or in which the officer or employee owns a beneficial interest, except that an officer or employee of an institution of higher education may serve as an officer, agent, employee, or member, or on the board of directors, board of trustees, advisory board, or committee or review panel for any nonprofit institute, foundation, or fund-raising entity; and may serve as a member of an advisory board, committee, or review panel for a governmental or other nonprofit entity.
[ 2025 c 377 s 3; 2005 c 106 s 2; 1996 c 213 s 3; 1994 c 154 s 103.]

catchline: Beneficial interests in transactions.


title: RCW 42.52.040

text:
(1) Except in the course of official duties or incident to official duties, no state officer or state employee may assist another person, directly or indirectly, whether or not for compensation, in a transaction involving the state:
(a) In which the state officer or state employee has at any time participated; or
(b) If the transaction involving the state is or has been under the official responsibility of the state officer or state employee within a period of two years preceding such assistance.
(2) No state officer or state employee may share in compensation received by another for assistance that the officer or employee is prohibited from providing under subsection (1) or (3) of this section.
(3) A business entity of which a state officer or state employee is a partner, managing officer, or employee shall not assist another person in a transaction involving the state if the state officer or state employee is prohibited from doing so by subsection (1) of this section.
(4) This chapter does not prevent a state officer or state employee from assisting, in a transaction involving the state:
(a) The state officer's or state employee's parent, spouse or domestic partner, or child, or a child thereof for whom the officer or employee is serving as guardian, executor, administrator, trustee, or other personal fiduciary, if the state officer or state employee did not participate in the transaction; or
(b) Another state employee involved in disciplinary or other personnel administration proceedings.
[ 2008 c 6 s 203; 1994 c 154 s 104.]
Notes:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.

catchline: Assisting in transactions.


title: RCW 42.52.050

text:
(1) No state officer or state employee may accept employment or engage in any business or professional activity that the officer or employee might reasonably expect would require or induce him or her to make an unauthorized disclosure of confidential information acquired by the official or employee by reason of the official's or employee's official position.
(2) No state officer or state employee may make a disclosure of confidential information gained by reason of the officer's or employee's official position or otherwise use the information for his or her personal gain or benefit or the gain or benefit of another, unless the disclosure has been authorized by statute or by the terms of a contract involving (a) the state officer's or state employee's agency and (b) the person or persons who have authority to waive the confidentiality of the information.
(3) No state officer or state employee may disclose confidential information to any person not entitled or authorized to receive the information.
(4) No state officer or state employee may intentionally conceal a record if the officer or employee knew the record was required to be released under chapter 42.56 RCW, was under a personal obligation to release the record, and failed to do so. This subsection does not apply where the decision to withhold the record was made in good faith.
[ 2005 c 274 s 292; 1996 c 213 s 4; 1994 c 154 s 105.]

catchline: Confidential information—Improperly concealed records.


title: RCW 42.52.060

text:
This chapter does not prevent a state officer or state employee from giving testimony under oath or from making statements required to be made under penalty of perjury or contempt.
[ 1994 c 154 s 106.]

catchline: Testimony of state officers and state employees.


title: RCW 42.52.070

text:
(1) Except as required to perform duties within the scope of employment, no state officer or state employee may use his or her position to secure special privileges or exemptions for himself or herself, or his or her spouse, child, parents, or other persons.
(2) For purposes of this section, and only as applied to legislators and employees under the jurisdiction of the legislative ethics board, activities within the scope of employment include but are not limited to duties enumerated in law and activities that have a tangible legislative nexus as described in RCW 42.52.175.
(3) For purposes of this section, and only as applied to legislators and employees of the legislative branch, "special privileges" includes, but is not limited to, engaging in behavior that constitutes harassment. As used in this section:
(a) "Harassment" means engaging in physical, verbal, visual, or psychological conduct that:
(i) Has the purpose or effect of interfering with the person's work performance;
(ii) Creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment; or
(iii) Constitutes sexual harassment.
(b) "Sexual harassment" means unwelcome or unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual or romantic favors, sexually motivated bullying, or other verbal, visual, physical, or psychological conduct or communication of a sexual or romantic nature, when:
(i) Submission to the conduct or communication is either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of current or future employment;
(ii) Submission to or rejection of the conduct or communication is used as the basis of an employment decision affecting the person; or
(iii) The conduct or communication unreasonably interferes with the person's job performance or creates a work environment that is hostile, intimidating, or offensive.
[ 2025 c 377 s 4; 2022 c 37 s 1; 2019 c 383 s 1; 1994 c 154 s 107.]

catchline: Special privileges and exemptions—Application of section to legislature.


title: RCW 42.52.080

text:
(1) No former state officer or state employee may, within a period of one year from the date of termination of state employment, accept employment or receive compensation from an employer if:
(a) The officer or employee, during the two years immediately preceding termination of state employment, was engaged in the negotiation or administration on behalf of the state or agency of one or more contracts with that employer and was in a position to make discretionary decisions affecting the outcome of such negotiation or the nature of such administration;
(b) Such a contract or contracts have a total value of more than ten thousand dollars; and
(c) The duties of the employment with the employer or the activities for which the compensation would be received include fulfilling or implementing, in whole or in part, the provisions of such a contract or contracts or include the supervision or control of actions taken to fulfill or implement, in whole or in part, the provisions of such a contract or contracts. This subsection shall not be construed to prohibit a state officer or state employee from accepting employment with a state employee organization.
(2) No person who has served as a state officer or state employee may, within a period of two years following the termination of state employment, have a beneficial interest in a contract or grant that was expressly authorized or funded by specific legislative or executive action in which the former state officer or state employee participated.
(3) No former state officer or state employee may accept an offer of employment or receive compensation from an employer if the officer or employee knows or has reason to believe that the offer of employment or compensation was intended, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, to influence the officer or employee or as compensation or reward for the performance or nonperformance of a duty by the officer or employee during the course of state employment.
(4) No former state officer or state employee may accept an offer of employment or receive compensation from an employer if the circumstances would lead a reasonable person to believe the offer has been made, or compensation given, for the purpose of influencing the performance or nonperformance of duties by the officer or employee during the course of state employment.
(5) No former state officer or state employee may at any time subsequent to his or her state employment assist another person, whether or not for compensation, in any transaction involving the state in which the former state officer or state employee at any time participated during state employment. This subsection shall not be construed to prohibit any employee or officer of a state employee organization from rendering assistance to state officers or state employees in the course of employee organization business.
(6) As used in this section, "employer" means a person as defined in RCW 42.52.010 or any other entity or business that the person owns or in which the person has a controlling interest. For purposes of subsection (1) of this section, the term "employer" does not include a successor organization to the rural development council under chapter 43.31 RCW.
[ 2025 c 377 s 5; 1999 c 299 s 3; 1994 c 154 s 108.]

catchline: Employment after public service.


title: RCW 42.52.090

text:
This chapter shall not be construed to prevent a former state officer or state employee from rendering assistance to others if the assistance is provided without compensation in any form and is limited to one or more of the following:
(1) Providing the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of state agencies or state employees;
(2) Providing free transportation to another for the purpose of conducting business with a state agency;
(3) Assisting an individual or nonprofit corporation in obtaining or completing application forms or other forms required by a state agency for the conduct of a state business; or
(4) Providing assistance to the poor and infirm.
[ 2025 c 377 s 6; 1994 c 154 s 109.]

catchline: Limited assistance by former state officers and employees.


title: RCW 42.52.100

text:
(1) The head of an agency, upon finding that any former state officer or state employee of such agency or any other person has violated any provision of this chapter or rules adopted under it, may, in addition to any other powers the head of such agency may have, bar or impose reasonable conditions upon:
(a) The appearance before such agency of such former state officer or state employee or other person; and
(b) The conduct of, or negotiation or competition for, business with such agency by such former state officer or state employee or other person, such period of time as may reasonably be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the purposes of this chapter.
(2) Findings of violations referred to in subsection (1)(b) of this section shall be made on record after notice and hearing, conducted in accordance with the Washington Administrative Procedure Act, chapter 34.05 RCW. Such findings and orders are subject to judicial review.
(3) This section does not apply to the legislative or judicial branches of government.
[ 1994 c 154 s 110; 1969 ex.s. c 234 s 27. Formerly RCW 42.18.270.]

catchline: Conditions on appearance before state agencies or doing business with the state—Hearing—Judicial review.


title: RCW 42.52.110

text:
No state officer or state employee may, directly or indirectly, ask for or give or receive or agree to receive any compensation, gift, reward, or gratuity from a source for performing or omitting or deferring the performance of any official duty, unless otherwise authorized by law except: (1) The state of Washington; or (2) in the case of officers or employees of institutions of higher education, a governmental entity, an agency or instrumentality of a governmental entity, or a nonprofit corporation organized for the benefit and support of the state employee's agency or other state agencies pursuant to an agreement with the state employee's agency.
[ 2025 c 377 s 7; 1996 c 213 s 5; 1994 c 154 s 111.]

catchline: Compensation for official duties or nonperformance.


title: RCW 42.52.120

text:
(1) No state officer or state employee may receive any thing of economic value under any contract or grant outside of his or her official duties. The prohibition in this subsection does not apply where the state officer or state employee has met each of the following conditions:
(a) The contract or grant is bona fide and actually performed;
(b) The performance or administration of the contract or grant is not within the course of the officer's or employee's official duties, or is not under the officer's or employee's official supervision;
(c) The performance of the contract or grant is not prohibited by RCW 42.52.040 or by applicable laws or rules governing outside employment for the officer or employee;
(d) The contract or grant is neither performed for nor compensated by any person from whom such officer or employee would be prohibited by RCW 42.52.150(6) from receiving a gift;
(e) The contract or grant is not one expressly created or authorized by the officer or employee in his or her official capacity;
(f) The contract or grant would not require unauthorized disclosure of confidential information.
(2) In addition to satisfying the requirements of subsection (1) of this section, a state officer or state employee may have a beneficial interest in a grant or contract or a series of substantially identical contracts or grants with a state agency only if:
(a) The contract or grant is awarded or issued as a result of an open and competitive bidding process in which more than one bid or grant application was received; or
(b) The contract or grant is awarded or issued as a result of an open and competitive bidding or selection process in which the officer's or employee's bid or proposal was the only bid or proposal received and the officer or employee has been advised by the appropriate ethics board, before execution of the contract or grant, that the contract or grant would not be in conflict with the proper discharge of the officer's or employee's official duties; or
(c) The process for awarding the contract or issuing the grant is not open and competitive, but the officer or employee has been advised by the appropriate ethics board after the contract or grant has been awarded that the contract or grant would not be in conflict with the proper discharge of the officer's or employee's official duties.
(3) A state officer or state employee awarded a contract or issued a grant in compliance with subsection (2) of this section shall file the contract or grant with the appropriate ethics board within thirty days after the date of execution; however, if proprietary formulae, designs, drawings, or research are included in the contract or grant, the proprietary formulae, designs, drawings, or research may be deleted from the contract or grant filed with the appropriate ethics board.
(4) This section does not prevent a state officer or state employee from receiving compensation contributed from the treasury of the United States, another state, county, or municipality if the compensation is received pursuant to arrangements entered into between such state, county, municipality, or the United States and the officer's or employee's agency. This section does not prohibit a state officer or state employee from serving or performing any duties under an employment contract with a governmental entity.
(5) As used in this section, "officer" and "employee" do not include officers and employees who, in accordance with the terms of their employment or appointment, are serving without compensation from the state of Washington or are receiving from the state only reimbursement of expenses incurred or a predetermined allowance for such expenses.
[ 2025 c 377 s 8; 1997 c 318 s 1; 1996 c 213 s 6; 1994 c 154 s 112.]

catchline: Compensation for outside activities.


title: RCW 42.52.130

text:
(1) No state officer or state employee may receive honoraria unless specifically authorized by the agency where they serve as state officer or state employee.
(2) An agency may not permit honoraria under the following circumstances:
(a) The person offering the honorarium is seeking or is reasonably expected to seek contractual relations with or a grant from the employer of the state officer or state employee, and the officer or employee is in a position to participate in the terms or the award of the contract or grant;
(b) The person offering the honorarium is regulated by the employer of the state officer or state employee and the officer or employee is in a position to participate in the regulation; or
(c) The person offering the honorarium (i) is seeking or opposing or is reasonably likely to seek or oppose enactment of legislation or adoption of administrative rules or actions, or policy changes by the state officer's or state employee's agency; and (ii) the officer or employee may participate in the enactment or adoption.
[ 1994 c 154 s 113.]

catchline: Honoraria.


title: RCW 42.52.150

text:
(1)(a) Unless the context requires otherwise, the definition of "gift" in this subsection applies throughout this chapter.
(b) "Gift" means anything of economic value for which no consideration is given.
(c) "Gift" does not include the following:
(i) Items from family members or friends where it is clear beyond a reasonable doubt that the gift was not made as part of any design to gain or maintain influence in the agency of which the recipient is an officer or employee;
(ii) Items related to the outside business of the recipient that are customary and not related to the recipient's performance of official duties;
(iii) Items exchanged among officials and employees at a social event hosted or sponsored by a state officer or state employee for coworkers;
(iv) Payments by a governmental or nongovernmental entity of reasonable expenses incurred in connection with a speech, presentation, appearance, or trade mission made in an official capacity. As used in this subsection, "reasonable expenses" are limited to travel, lodging, and subsistence expenses incurred the day before through the day after the event;
(v) Items a state officer or state employee is authorized by law to accept;
(vi) Payment of enrollment and course fees and reasonable travel expenses attributable to attending seminars and educational programs sponsored by a bona fide governmental or nonprofit professional, educational, trade, or charitable association or institution. As used in this subsection, "reasonable expenses" are limited to travel, lodging, and subsistence expenses incurred the day before through the day after the event;
(vii) Items returned by the recipient to the donor within 30 days of receipt or donated to a charitable organization within 30 days of receipt;
(viii) Campaign contributions reported under Title 29B RCW;
(ix) Discounts available to an individual as a member of an employee group, occupation, or similar broad-based group;
(x) Awards, prizes, scholarships, or other items provided in recognition of academic or scientific achievement; and
(xi) Gift cards received by legislative employees in an amount of $25 or less.
(2) No state officer or state employee may receive, accept, take, seek, or solicit, directly or indirectly, any thing of economic value as a gift, gratuity, or favor from a person if it could be reasonably expected that the gift, gratuity, or favor would influence the vote, action, or judgment of the officer or employee, or be considered as part of a reward for action or inaction.
(3) No state officer or state employee may accept gifts, other than those specified in subsections (4) and (7) of this section, with an aggregate value in excess of $100 from a single source in a calendar year or a single gift from multiple sources with a value in excess of $100. For purposes of this section, "single source" means any person, as defined in RCW 42.52.010, whether acting directly or through any agent or other intermediary, and "single gift" includes any event, item, or group of items used in conjunction with each other or any trip including transportation, lodging, and attendant costs, not excluded from the definition of gift under subsection (1)(c) of this section. The value of gifts given to an officer's or employee's family member or guest shall be attributed to the official or employee for the purpose of determining whether the limit has been exceeded, unless an independent business, family, or social relationship exists between the donor and the family member or guest.
(4) Except as provided in subsection (6) of this section, the following items are presumed not to influence under subsection (3) of this section, and may be accepted without regard to the limit established by subsection (3) of this section:
(a) Unsolicited flowers, plants, and floral arrangements;
(b) Unsolicited advertising or promotional items of nominal value, such as pens and note pads;
(c) Unsolicited tokens or awards of appreciation in the form of a plaque, trophy, desk item, wall memento, or similar item;
(d) Unsolicited items received by a state officer or state employee for the purpose of evaluation or review, if the officer or employee has no personal beneficial interest in the eventual use or acquisition of the item by the officer's or employee's agency;
(e) Informational material, publications, or subscriptions related to the recipient's performance of official duties;
(f) Food and beverages consumed at hosted receptions where attendance is related to the state officer's or state employee's official duties;
(g) Gifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, and devises of real or personal property, or both, in trust or otherwise accepted and solicited for deposit in the legislative international trade account created in RCW 43.15.050;
(h) Gifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, and devises of real or personal property, or both, solicited on behalf of a national or regional legislative association as defined in RCW 42.52.822(2), the 2006 official conference of the national lieutenant governors' association, the annual conference of the national association of state treasurers, or a host committee, for the purpose of hosting an official conference under the circumstances specified in RCW 42.52.820, section 2, chapter 5, Laws of 2006, RCW 42.52.821, or RCW 42.52.822. Anything solicited or accepted may only be received by the national association or host committee and may not be commingled with any funds or accounts that are the property of any person;
(i) Admission to, and the cost of food and beverages consumed at, events sponsored by or in conjunction with a civic, charitable, governmental, or community organization;
(j) Unsolicited gifts from dignitaries from another state or a foreign country that are intended to be personal in nature;
(k) Gifts, grants, donations, sponsorships, or contributions from any agency or federal or local government agency or program or private source for the purposes of chapter 28B.156 RCW; and
(l) Unsolicited gifts received by legislative employees from a legislator.
(5) The presumption in subsection (4) of this section is rebuttable and may be overcome based on the circumstances surrounding the giving and acceptance of the item.
(6) Notwithstanding subsections (4) and (7) of this section, a state officer or state employee of a regulatory agency or of an agency that seeks to acquire goods or services who participates in those regulatory or contractual matters may receive, accept, take, or seek, directly or indirectly, only the following items from a person regulated by the agency or from a person who seeks to provide goods or services to the agency:
(a) Unsolicited advertising or promotional items of nominal value, such as pens and note pads;
(b) Unsolicited tokens or awards of appreciation in the form of a plaque, trophy, desk item, wall memento, or similar item;
(c) Unsolicited items received by a state officer or state employee for the purpose of evaluation or review, if the officer or employee has no personal interest in the eventual use or acquisition of the item by the officer's or employee's agency;
(d) Informational material, publications, or subscriptions related to the recipient's performance of official duties;
(e) Food and beverages consumed at hosted receptions where attendance is related to the state officer's or state employee's official duties;
(f) Admission to, and the cost of food and beverages consumed at, events sponsored by or in conjunction with a civic, charitable, governmental, or community organization; and
(g) Those items excluded from the definition of gift in subsection (1)(c) of this section except:
(i) Payments by a governmental or nongovernmental entity of reasonable expenses incurred in connection with a speech, presentation, appearance, or trade mission made in an official capacity;
(ii) Payments for seminars and educational programs sponsored by a bona fide governmental or nonprofit professional, educational, trade, or charitable association or institution; and
(iii) Flowers, plants, and floral arrangements.
(7) A state officer or state employee may accept gifts in the form of food and beverage on infrequent occasions in the ordinary course of meals where attendance by the officer or employee is related to the performance of official duties. Gifts in the form of food and beverage that exceed $100 on a single occasion shall be reported as provided in Title 29B RCW.
[ 2025 c 377 s 10; (2025 c 377 s 9 expired January 1, 2026); 2024 c 164 s 514; 2023 c 91 s 2. Prior: 2015 3rd sp.s. c 20 s 7; 2015 c 45 s 2; 2011 c 60 s 29; 2006 c 5 s 3; 2003 1st sp.s. c 23 s 2; prior: 2003 c 265 s 3; 2003 c 153 s 6; 1998 c 7 s 2; 1994 c 154 s 115.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 377 ss 2, 10, 14, 22, 24, 26, and 28: See note following RCW 42.52.010.
Expiration date—2025 c 377 ss 1, 9, 13, 21, 23, 25, and 27: See note following RCW 42.52.010.
Intent—Construction—Rules remain valid—Effective date—2024 c 164: See notes following RCW 29B.10.010.
Finding—Intent—Short title—2015 3rd sp.s. c 20: See RCW 28B.156.005 and 28B.156.900.
Effective date—2011 c 60: See note following RCW 29B.20.030.
Findings—2006 c 5: "The legislature finds that due to the massive devastation inflicted on the city of New Orleans by hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005, the city of New Orleans will not be able to meet its obligation to host the national lieutenant governors' association's annual conference scheduled for July 17 through July 19, 2006. As a result of this unfortunate situation, the members of the national lieutenant governors' association officially pressed to have Washington state host the next annual conference in Seattle, Washington, and lieutenant governor Brad Owen has agreed to do so. The legislature further finds, in recognition of the unprecedented situation created by this natural disaster, the high national visibility of this important event, and due to the limited amount of time remaining for planning and fund-raising, it is necessary to initiate fund-raising activities for this national conference as soon as possible." [ 2006 c 5 s 1.]
Effective date—2006 c 5: "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 [February 7, 2006]." [ 2006 c 5 s 4.]
Findings—2003 c 153: See note following RCW 43.330.090.

catchline: Limitations on gifts.


title: RCW 42.52.160

text:
(1) No state officer or state employee may employ or use any person, money, or property under the officer's or employee's official control or direction, or in his or her official custody, for the private benefit or gain of the officer, employee, or another.
(2) This section does not prohibit the use of public resources to benefit others as part of a state officer's or state employee's official duties. It is not a violation of this section for a legislator or employees under the jurisdiction of the legislative ethics board to engage in activities listed under RCW 42.52.822 or 42.52.175.
(3) This section does not prohibit de minimis use of state facilities to provide employees with information about (a) medical, surgical, and hospital care; (b) life insurance or accident and health disability insurance; or (c) individual retirement accounts, by any person, firm, or corporation administering such program as part of authorized payroll deductions pursuant to RCW 41.04.020.
(4) The appropriate ethics boards may adopt rules providing exceptions to this section for occasional use of the state officer or state employee, of de minimis cost and value, if the activity does not result in interference with the proper performance of official duties.
(5) This section does not apply to activities conducted by legislative employees authorized under RCW 44.90.110.
[ 2025 c 377 s 11; 2024 c 333 s 21; 2023 c 91 s 3; 2022 c 37 s 2; 2014 c 28 s 1; 1996 c 213 s 7; 1994 c 154 s 116; 1987 c 426 s 3. Formerly RCW 42.18.217.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 333: See note following RCW 44.90.025.

catchline: Use of persons, money, or property for private gain.


title: RCW 42.52.170

text:
No person shall give, pay, loan, transfer, or deliver, directly or indirectly, to any other person any thing of economic value believing or having reason to believe that there exist circumstances making the receipt thereof a violation of RCW 42.52.040, 42.52.110, 42.52.120, * 42.52.140, or 42.52.150.
[ 1994 c 154 s 117; 1987 c 426 s 5; 1969 ex.s. c 234 s 23. Formerly RCW 42.18.230.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 42.52.140 was repealed by 2025 c 377 s 29.

catchline: Giving, paying, loaning, etc., any thing of economic value to state employee.


title: RCW 42.52.175

text:
(1) This section applies to legislators and employees under the jurisdiction of the legislative ethics board.
(2) Legislative nexus means activities by legislators and staff having a reasonably objective connection to the legislator's or staff's official duties or to the policy or programmatic prerogatives of the legislature, or the legislative institution. In cases where legislative nexus is required for the use of state resources, activities with a per se tangible legislative nexus also include the following:
(a) Communications directly pertaining to any legislative proposal which has been introduced in either chamber of the legislature; and
(b) Posting information to an official legislative website or social media account about:
(i) Emergencies;
(ii) Federal holidays, state holidays recognized under RCW 1.16.050, religious holidays, and generally recognized days or months of note;
(iii) Information originally provided or published by other government entities which provide information about government resources;
(iv) Achievements, honors, or awards of extraordinary distinction received by a constituent who has granted permission to post about the achievement, honor, or award;
(v) A legislator if the information posted has a direct and tangible relationship to a legislative proposal or policy introduced in the legislature; and
(vi) Commemorations or celebrations of Washington state historical events, holidays, or persons who are not current legislators.
[ 2025 c 377 s 12.]

catchline: Legislative nexus.


title: RCW 42.52.180

text:
(1) No state officer or state employee may use or authorize the use of facilities of an agency, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of assisting a campaign for election of a person to an office or for the promotion of or opposition to a ballot proposition. Knowing acquiescence by a person with authority to direct, control, or influence the actions of the state officer or state employee using public resources in violation of this section constitutes a violation of this section. Facilities of an agency include, but are not limited to, use of stationery, postage, machines, and equipment, use of state employees of the agency during working hours, vehicles, office space, publications of the agency, and clientele lists of persons served by the agency.
(2) Subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to the following activities:
(a) Action taken at an open public meeting by members of an elected legislative body to express a collective decision, or to actually vote upon a motion, proposal, resolution, order, or ordinance, or to support or oppose a ballot proposition as long as (i) required notice of the meeting includes the title and number of the ballot proposition, and (ii) members of the legislative body or members of the public are afforded an approximately equal opportunity for the expression of an opposing view;
(b) A statement by an elected official in support of or in opposition to any ballot proposition at an open press conference or in response to a specific inquiry. For the purposes of this subsection, it is not a violation of this section for an elected official to respond to an inquiry regarding a ballot proposition, to make incidental remarks concerning a ballot proposition in an official communication, or otherwise comment on a ballot proposition without an actual, measurable expenditure of public funds. The ethics boards shall adopt by rule a definition of measurable expenditure;
(c)(i) The maintenance of official legislative websites throughout the year, regardless of pending elections. The websites may contain any discretionary material which was also specifically prepared for the legislator in the course of his or her official duties as a legislator, including newsletters and press releases.
(ii) The official legislative websites of legislators seeking reelection or election to any office shall not be altered, other than during a special legislative session or to change office contact information, beginning on the first day of the declaration of candidacy filing period specified in RCW 29A.24.050 through the date of certification by the secretary of state of the general election of the election year. As used in this subsection, "legislator" means a legislator who is a "candidate," as defined in RCW 29B.10.090, for any public office. "Legislator" does not include a member of the legislature who has announced their retirement from elected public office and who does not file a declaration of candidacy by the end of the candidacy filing period specified in RCW 29A.24.050.
(iii) The website shall not be used for campaign purposes;
(d) Activities that are part of the normal and regular conduct of the office or agency;
(e) De minimis use of public facilities by statewide elected officials and legislators incidental to the preparation or delivery of permissible communications, including written and verbal communications initiated by them of their views on ballot propositions that foreseeably may affect a matter that falls within their constitutional or statutory responsibilities; and
(f) Activities with a legislative nexus as described under RCW 42.52.175. For the official legislative website of a legislator, this subsection is subject to subsection (2)(c)(ii) of this section. Official legislative websites that are not the official legislative website of a legislator are not subject to subsection (2)(c)(ii) of this section but may not directly or indirectly reference a ballot measure or legislator running for elected office, during the period described in subsection (2)(c)(ii) of this section.
(3) As to state officers and employees, this section operates to the exclusion of RCW 29B.45.010.
(4) As used in this section, "official legislative website" includes, but is not limited to, a legislator's official legislative social media accounts.
[ 2025 c 377 s 14; (2025 c 377 s 13 expired January 1, 2026); 2024 c 164 s 515; 2022 c 37 s 3; 2017 c 7 s 2; 2011 c 60 s 30; 2010 c 185 s 1; 1995 c 397 s 30; 1994 c 154 s 118.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 377 ss 2, 10, 14, 22, 24, 26, and 28: See note following RCW 42.52.010.
Expiration date—2025 c 377 ss 1, 9, 13, 21, 23, 25, and 27: See note following RCW 42.52.010.
Intent—Construction—Rules remain valid—Effective date—2024 c 164: See notes following RCW 29B.10.010.
Finding—Intent—2017 c 7: "The legislature finds that the prohibition on the use of public resources for campaign purposes serves an important purpose, but that the period prohibiting state legislators from communicating with constituents at public expense is unnecessary once the election, and the campaign itself, has ended. Furthermore, the delay in constituent outreach after the election only hinders a legislator's ability to quickly and effectively respond to requests and keep the public informed about current state issues, and the various deadlines relating to mailed, emailed, and website communications are confusing and need to be harmonized. For these reasons, the legislature intends to change mailed, emailed, and website communication deadlines to the same time periods, in order to allow legislators to actively engage with the public on official legislative business in a timely and effective manner." [ 2017 c 7 s 1.]
Effective date—2017 c 7: "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, 2017]." [ 2017 c 7 s 4.]
Effective date—2011 c 60: See note following RCW 29B.20.030.
Effective date—1995 c 397: See note following RCW 29B.40.020.

catchline: Use of public resources for political campaigns.


title: RCW 42.52.185

text:
(1) During the period beginning on the first day of the declaration of candidacy filing period specified in RCW 29A.24.050 in the year of a general election for a state legislator's election to office and continuing through the date of certification of the general election, the legislator may not mail, either by regular mail or email, to a constituent at public expense a letter, newsletter, brochure, or other piece of literature, except for routine legislative correspondence, such as scheduling, and the legislator may, by mail or email, send an individual letter to (a) an individual constituent who has contacted the legislator regarding the subject matter of the letter during the legislator's current term of office; (b) an individual constituent who holds a governmental office with jurisdiction over the subject matter of the letter; or (c) an individual constituent who has received an award or honor of extraordinary distinction of a type that is sufficiently infrequent to be noteworthy to a reasonable person including, but not limited to: (i) An international or national award such as the Nobel prize or the Pulitzer prize; (ii) a state award such as Washington scholar; (iii) an Eagle Scout award; and (iv) a Medal of Honor.
(2) A violation of this section constitutes use of the facilities of a public office for the purpose of assisting a campaign under RCW 42.52.180.
(3) The house of representatives and senate shall specifically limit expenditures per member for the total cost of mailings. Those costs include, but are not limited to, production costs, printing costs, and postage costs. The limits imposed under this subsection apply only to the total expenditures on mailings per member and not to any categorical cost within the total.
(4) For purposes of this section:
(a) "Legislator" means a legislator who is a "candidate," as defined in RCW 29B.10.090, for any public office. "Legislator" does not include a member of the legislature who has announced their retirement from elected public office and who does not file a declaration of candidacy by the end of the candidacy filing period specified in RCW 29A.24.050.
(b) Persons residing outside the legislative district represented by the legislator are not considered to be constituents, but students, military personnel, or others temporarily employed outside of the district who normally reside in the district are considered to be constituents.
[ 2024 c 164 s 516; 2022 c 37 s 4; 2017 c 7 s 3; 2011 c 60 s 31; 2008 c 39 s 2; 1997 c 320 s 1; 1995 c 397 s 5; 1993 c 2 s 25 (Initiative Measure No. 134, approved November 3, 1992). Formerly RCW 42.17.132.]
Notes:
Intent—Construction—Rules remain valid—Effective date—2024 c 164: See notes following RCW 29B.10.010.
Finding—Intent—Effective date—2017 c 7: See notes following RCW 42.52.180.
Effective date—2011 c 60: See note following RCW 29B.20.030.
Findings—Intent—2008 c 39: "The legislature finds that the legislature's ability to communicate with its constituency is of the utmost importance in having a healthy representative democracy. It is the intent of the legislature to provide important information to constituents on an ongoing basis in order to truly be a government of the people and for the people. The legislature finds that this communication will only increase citizen access to legislative issues." [ 2008 c 39 s 1.]
Effective date—1995 c 397: See note following RCW 29B.40.020.
Short title—1993 c 2: See note following RCW 29B.40.010.

catchline: Restrictions on mailings by legislators.


title: RCW 42.52.187

text:
It is not a violation of this chapter for a legislator to send by mail or email:
(1) A letter of recommendation on behalf of an individual constituent if the constituent has requested the letter;
(2) A congratulatory letter to an individual constituent who has received an award or honor of extraordinary distinction of a type that is sufficiently infrequent to be noteworthy to a reasonable person including, but not limited to: (a) An international or national award such as the Nobel prize or the Pulitzer prize; (b) a state award such as Washington scholar; (c) an Eagle Scout award; or (d) a Medal of Honor; or
(3) Except when under a mailing restriction as provided in RCW 42.52.185, a congratulatory letter to an individual constituent who has received an honor or award if the individual or a third party on the individual's behalf has requested the letter.
[ 2023 c 226 s 1.]

catchline: Letters of recommendation or congratulations by legislators.


title: RCW 42.52.190

text:
(1) Except for permissible investments as defined in this section, no state officer or state employee of any agency responsible for the investment of funds, who acts in a decision-making, advisory, or policy-influencing capacity with respect to investments, may have a direct or indirect interest in any property, security, equity, or debt instrument of a person, without prior written approval of the agency.
(2) Agencies responsible for the investment of funds shall adopt policies governing approval of investments and establishing criteria to be considered in the approval process. Criteria shall include the relationship between the proposed investment and investments held or under consideration by the state, the size and timing of the proposed investment, access by the state officer or state employee to nonpublic information relative to the proposed investment, and the availability of the investment in the public market. Agencies responsible for the investment of funds also shall adopt policies consistent with this chapter governing use by their officers and employees of financial information acquired by virtue of their state positions. A violation of such policies adopted to implement this subsection shall constitute a violation of this chapter.
(3) As used in this section, "permissible investments" means any mutual fund, deposit account, certificate of deposit, or money market fund maintained with a bank, broker, or other financial institution, a security publicly traded in an organized market if the interest in the security at acquisition is ten thousand dollars or less, or an interest in real estate, except if the real estate interest is in or with a party in whom the agency holds an investment.
[ 1994 c 154 s 119.]

catchline: Investments.


title: RCW 42.52.200

text:
(1) Each agency may adopt rules consistent with law, for use within the agency to protect against violations of this chapter.
(2) Each agency proposing to adopt rules under this section shall forward the rules to the appropriate ethics board before they may take effect. The board may submit comments to the agency regarding the proposed rules.
(3) This section applies to institutions of higher education only to the extent their activities are not subject to RCW 42.52.220.
[ 2022 c 173 s 2; 2005 c 106 s 3; 1994 c 154 s 120.]

catchline: Agency rules.


title: RCW 42.52.220

text:
(1) Consistent with the state policy to encourage basic and applied scientific research by the state's research universities as stated in RCW 28B.140.005, and consistent with the expectations of university faculty to produce, publish, and disseminate research and scholarship, each university and the state board for community and technical colleges may develop, adopt, and implement one or more written administrative processes that shall apply in place of the obligations imposed on institutions of higher education, faculty, and university research employees under RCW 42.52.030, 42.52.040, 42.52.080, 42.52.110, 42.52.120, 42.52.130, 42.52.150, and 42.52.160. The institutions of higher education shall coordinate on the development of administrative processes to ensure the processes are comparable. Each policy shall apply upon approval by boards of trustees or regents for the state universities, regional universities, and The Evergreen State College, or by the state board for community and technical colleges. Each board of trustees or regents and the state board for community and technical colleges must provide the executive ethics board with a copy of each institution's policy upon approval. A faculty member or university research employee in compliance with the processes authorized in this section shall be deemed to be in compliance with RCW 42.52.030, 42.52.040, 42.52.080, 42.52.110, 42.52.120, 42.52.130, 42.52.150, and 42.52.160.
(2) The executive ethics board shall enforce activity subject to the written approval processes under this section, as provided in RCW 42.52.360.
[ 2025 c 377 s 15; 2022 c 173 s 3; 2005 c 106 s 4.]

catchline: Universities and state board for community and technical colleges—Administrative processes.


title: RCW 42.52.310

text:
(1) The legislative ethics board is created, composed of nine members, selected as follows:
(a) Two senators, one from each of the two largest caucuses, appointed by the president of the senate;
(b) Two members of the house of representatives, one from each of the two largest caucuses, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;
(c) Five citizen members:
(i) One citizen member chosen by the governor from a list of three individuals submitted by each of the four legislative caucuses; and
(ii) One citizen member selected by three of the four other citizen members of the legislative ethics board.
(2) Except for initial members and members completing partial terms, nonlegislative members shall serve a single five-year term.
(3) No more than three of the public members may be identified with the same political party.
(4) Terms of initial nonlegislative board members shall be staggered as follows: One member shall be appointed to a one-year term; one member shall be appointed to a two-year term; one member shall be appointed to a three-year term; one member shall be appointed to a four-year term; and one member shall be appointed for a five-year term.
(5) A vacancy on the board shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
(6) Legislative members shall serve two-year terms, from January 31st of an odd-numbered year until January 31st of the next odd-numbered year.
(7) Each member shall serve for the term of his or her appointment and until his or her successor is appointed.
(8) The citizen members shall annually select a chair from among themselves.
[ 1994 c 154 s 201.]

catchline: Legislative ethics board.


title: RCW 42.52.320

text:
(1) The legislative ethics board shall enforce this chapter and rules adopted under it with respect to members and employees of the legislature.
(2) The legislative ethics board shall:
(a) Develop educational materials and training with regard to legislative ethics for legislators and legislative employees;
(b) Issue advisory opinions;
(c) Adopt rules or policies governing the conduct of business by the board, and adopt rules defining working hours for purposes of RCW 42.52.180 and where otherwise authorized under chapter 154, Laws of 1994;
(d) Investigate, hear, and determine complaints by any person or on its own motion;
(e) Impose sanctions including reprimands and monetary penalties;
(f) Recommend suspension or removal to the appropriate legislative entity, or recommend prosecution to the appropriate authority; and
(g) Establish criteria regarding the levels of civil penalties appropriate for different types of violations of this chapter and rules adopted under it.
(3) The board may:
(a) Issue subpoenas for the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of documentary evidence relating to any matter under examination by the board or involved in any hearing;
(b) Administer oaths and affirmations;
(c) Examine witnesses; and
(d) Receive evidence.
[ 2025 c 377 s 16; 1994 c 154 s 202.]

catchline: Authority of legislative ethics board.


title: RCW 42.52.330

text:
By constitutional design, the legislature consists of citizen-legislators who bring to bear on the legislative process their individual experience and expertise. The provisions of this chapter shall be interpreted in light of this constitutional principle.
[ 1994 c 154 s 203.]

catchline: Interpretation.


title: RCW 42.52.350

text:
(1) The executive ethics board is created, composed of five members, appointed by the governor as follows:
(a) One member shall be a classified service employee as defined in chapter 41.06 RCW;
(b) One member shall be a state officer or state employee in an exempt position;
(c) One member shall be a citizen selected from a list of three names submitted by the attorney general;
(d) One member shall be a citizen selected from a list of three names submitted by the state auditor; and
(e) One member shall be a citizen selected at large by the governor.
(2) Except for initial members and members completing partial terms, members shall serve a single five-year term.
(3) No more than three members may be identified with the same political party.
(4) Terms of initial board members shall be staggered as follows: One member shall be appointed to a one-year term; one member shall be appointed to a two-year term; one member shall be appointed to a three-year term; one member shall be appointed to a four-year term; and one member shall be appointed to a five-year term.
(5) A vacancy on the board shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
(6) Each member shall serve for the term of his or her appointment and until his or her successor is appointed.
(7) The members shall annually select a chair from among themselves.
(8) Staff shall be provided by the office of the attorney general.
[ 1994 c 154 s 205.]

catchline: Executive ethics board.


title: RCW 42.52.360

text:
(1) The executive ethics board shall enforce this chapter and rules adopted under it with respect to statewide elected officers and all other officers and employees in the executive branch, boards and commissions, and institutions of higher education.
(2) The executive ethics board shall enforce this chapter with regard to the activities of institution of higher education faculty and research employees as provided in this subsection.
(a) With respect to compliance with RCW 42.52.030, 42.52.110, 42.52.130, * 42.52.140, and 42.52.150, the administrative process for university research employees shall be consistent with and adhere to no less than the current standards in regulations of the United States public health service and the office of the secretary of the department of health and human services in Title 42 C.F.R. Part 50, Subpart F relating to promotion of objectivity in research.
(b) With respect to compliance with RCW 42.52.040, 42.52.080, and 42.52.120, the administrative process shall include a comprehensive system for the disclosure, review, and approval of outside work activities by institution of higher education faculty and research employees while assuring that such employees are fulfilling their employment obligations to the institution of higher education.
(c) With respect to compliance with RCW 42.52.160, the administrative process shall include reasonable determinations by the institution of higher education of:
(i) Acceptable private uses having de minimis costs to the institution of higher education and a method for establishing fair and reasonable reimbursement charges for private uses the costs of which are in excess of de minimis; and
(ii) Acceptable private uses having more than de minimis costs to the institution of higher education, but which are performed as part of the faculty or research employee's duties or job requirements.
(3) The executive ethics board shall:
(a) Develop educational materials and training;
(b) Adopt rules and policies governing the conduct of business by the board, and adopt rules defining working hours for purposes of RCW 42.52.180 and where otherwise authorized under chapter 154, Laws of 1994;
(c) Issue advisory opinions;
(d) Investigate, hear, and determine complaints by any person or on its own motion;
(e) Impose sanctions including reprimands and monetary penalties;
(f) Recommend to the appropriate authorities suspension, removal from position, prosecution, or other appropriate remedy; and
(g) Establish criteria regarding the levels of civil penalties appropriate for violations of this chapter and rules adopted under it.
(4) The board may:
(a) Issue subpoenas for the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of documentary evidence relating to any matter under examination by the board or involved in any hearing;
(b) Administer oaths and affirmations;
(c) Examine witnesses; and
(d) Receive evidence.
(5) The board shall not delegate to the board's executive director its authority to issue advisories, advisory letters, or opinions.
(6) Except as provided in RCW 42.52.220, the executive ethics board may review and approve agency policies as provided for in this chapter.
(7) This section does not apply to state officers and state employees of the judicial branch.
[ 2022 c 173 s 4; 2013 c 190 s 3; 2005 c 106 s 5; 1994 c 154 s 206.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 42.52.140 was repealed by 2025 c 377 s 29.
Finding—2013 c 190: See note following RCW 42.52.410.

catchline: Authority of executive ethics board.


title: RCW 42.52.365

text:
(1) Each executive branch agency shall designate an ethics advisor or advisors to assist the agency's employees in understanding their obligations under the ethics in public service act. Agencies shall inform the executive ethics board of their designated advisors. As funding permits and as determined by the executive ethics board and the agency head, the advisors shall receive regular ethics training.
(2) Executive branch officers and employees are encouraged to attend ethics training offered by the executive ethics board at least once every thirty-six months.
[ 2013 c 190 s 6.]
Notes:
Finding—2013 c 190: See note following RCW 42.52.410.

catchline: Executive branch agencies—Ethics advisors—Ethics training.


title: RCW 42.52.370

text:
The commission on judicial conduct shall enforce this chapter and rules adopted under it with respect to state officers and employees of the judicial branch and may do so according to procedures prescribed in Article IV, section 31 of the state Constitution. In addition to the sanctions authorized in Article IV, section 31 of the state Constitution, the commission may impose sanctions authorized by this chapter.
[ 1994 c 154 s 207.]

catchline: Authority of commission on judicial conduct.


title: RCW 42.52.380

text:
(1) No member of the executive ethics board may (a) hold or campaign for partisan elective office other than the position of precinct committeeperson, or any full-time nonpartisan office; (b) be an officer of any political party or political committee as defined in Title 29B RCW other than the position of precinct committeeperson; (c) permit his or her name to be used, or make contributions, in support of or in opposition to any state candidate or state ballot measure; or (d) lobby or control, direct, or assist a lobbyist except that such member may appear before any committee of the legislature on matters pertaining to this chapter.
(2) No citizen member of the legislative ethics board may (a) hold or campaign for partisan elective office other than the position of precinct committeeperson, or any full-time nonpartisan office; (b) be an officer of any political party or political committee as defined in Title 29B RCW, other than the position of precinct committeeperson; (c) permit his or her name to be used, or make contributions, in support of or in opposition to any legislative candidate, any legislative caucus campaign committee that supports or opposes legislative candidates, or any political action committee that supports or opposes legislative candidates; or (d) engage in lobbying in the legislative branch under circumstances not exempt, under RCW 29B.50.040, from lobbyist registration and reporting.
(3) No citizen member of the legislative ethics board may hold or campaign for a seat in the state house of representatives or the state senate within two years of serving on the board if the citizen member opposes an incumbent who has been the respondent in a complaint before the board.
[ 2024 c 164 s 517; 2011 c 60 s 32; 1997 c 11 s 1; 1994 c 154 s 208.]
Notes:
Intent—Construction—Rules remain valid—Effective date—2024 c 164: See notes following RCW 29B.10.010.
Effective date—2011 c 60: See note following RCW 29B.20.030.

catchline: Political activities of board members.


title: RCW 42.52.390

text:
Except as otherwise provided by law, the ethics boards may hold hearings, subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, administer oaths, take the testimony of a person under oath, and in connection therewith, to require the production for examination of any books or papers relating to any matter under investigation or in question before the ethics board. The ethics board may make rules as to the issuance of subpoenas by individual members, as to service of complaints, decisions, orders, recommendations, and other process or papers of the ethics board.
[ 1994 c 154 s 209.]

catchline: Hearing and subpoena authority.


title: RCW 42.52.400

text:
In case of refusal to obey a subpoena issued to a person, the superior court of a county within the jurisdiction of which the investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this chapter is carried on or within the jurisdiction of which the person refusing to obey is found or resides or transacts business, upon application by the appropriate ethics board shall have jurisdiction to issue to the person an order requiring the person to appear before the ethics board or its member to produce evidence if so ordered, or to give testimony touching the matter under investigation or in question. Failure to obey such order of the court may be punished by the court as contempt.
[ 1994 c 154 s 210.]

catchline: Enforcement of subpoena authority.