title: RCW 43.06C.005

text:
The legislature intends to create an independent and impartial office of the corrections ombuds to assist in strengthening procedures and practices that lessen the possibility of actions occurring within the department of corrections that may adversely impact the health, safety, welfare, and rehabilitation of offenders, and that will effectively reduce the exposure of the department to litigation.
[ 2018 c 270 s 1.]
Notes:
Sunset Act application: See note following chapter digest.

catchline: Intent.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 43.06C.010

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Abuse" means any act or failure to act by a department employee, subcontractor, or volunteer which was performed, or which was failed to be performed, knowingly, recklessly, or intentionally, and which caused, or may have caused, injury or death to an inmate.
(2) "Corrections ombuds" or "ombuds" means the corrections ombuds, staff of the corrections ombuds, and volunteers with the office of the corrections ombuds.
(3) "Department" means the department of corrections.
(4) "Inmate" means a person committed to the physical custody of the department, including persons residing in a correctional institution or facility and persons received from another state, another state agency, a county, or the federal government.
(5) "Neglect" means a negligent act or omission by any department employee, subcontractor, or volunteer which caused, or may have caused, injury or death to an inmate.
(6) "Office" means the office of the corrections ombuds.
(7) "Secretary" means the secretary of the department of corrections.
(8) "Statewide family council" means the family council maintained by the department that is comprised of representatives from local family councils.
[ 2018 c 270 s 3.]
Notes:
Sunset Act application: See note following chapter digest.

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Definitions.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 43.06C.020

text:
Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, there is hereby created an office of corrections ombuds within the office of the governor for the purpose of providing information to inmates and their families; promoting public awareness and understanding of the rights and responsibilities of inmates; identifying system issues and responses for the governor and the legislature to act upon; and ensuring compliance with relevant statutes, rules, and policies pertaining to corrections facilities, services, and treatment of inmates under the jurisdiction of the department.
The ombuds reports directly to the governor and exercises his or her powers and duties independently of the secretary.
[ 2018 c 270 s 2.]
Notes:
Sunset Act application: See note following chapter digest.

catchline: Office created—Purpose.


title: RCW 43.06C.030

text:
(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the governor shall appoint an ombuds who must be a person of recognized judgment, independence, objectivity, and integrity, and be qualified by training or experience in corrections law and policy. Prior to the appointment, the governor shall consult with, and may receive recommendations from, the appropriate committees of the legislature, delegates of the statewide family council as selected by the members of the council, and other relevant stakeholders, regarding the selection of the ombuds.
(2) The person appointed ombuds holds office for a term of three years and continues to hold office until reappointed or until his or her successor is appointed. The governor may remove the ombuds only for neglect of duty, misconduct, or the inability to perform duties. Any vacancy must be filled by similar appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term.
(3) The ombuds may employ technical experts and other employees to complete the purposes of this chapter.
[ 2018 c 270 s 4.]
Notes:
Sunset Act application: See note following chapter digest.

catchline: Appointment of ombuds—Term—Other employees.


title: RCW 43.06C.040

text:
(1) The ombuds shall:
(a) Establish priorities for use of the limited resources available to the ombuds;
(b) Maintain a statewide toll-free telephone number, a collect telephone number, a website, and a mailing address for the receipt of complaints and inquiries;
(c) Provide information, as appropriate, to inmates, family members, representatives of inmates, department employees, and others regarding the rights of inmates;
(d) Provide technical assistance to support inmate participation in self-advocacy;
(e) Monitor department compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, and policies as related to the health, safety, welfare, and rehabilitation of inmates;
(f) Monitor and participate in legislative and policy developments affecting correctional facilities;
(g) Establish a statewide uniform reporting system to collect and analyze data related to complaints received by the ombuds regarding the department;
(h) Establish procedures to receive, investigate, and resolve complaints;
(i) Establish procedures to gather stakeholder input into the ombuds' activities and priorities, which must include at a minimum quarterly public meetings;
(j) Submit annually to the governor's office, the legislature, and the statewide family council, by November 1st of each year, a report that includes, at a minimum, the following information:
(i) The budget and expenditures of the ombuds;
(ii) The number of complaints received and resolved by the ombuds;
(iii) A description of significant systemic or individual investigations or outcomes achieved by the ombuds during the prior year;
(iv) Any outstanding or unresolved concerns or recommendations of the ombuds; and
(v) Input and comments from stakeholders, including the statewide family council, regarding the ombuds' activities during the prior year; and
(k) Adopt and comply with rules, policies, and procedures necessary to implement this chapter.
(2)(a) The ombuds may initiate and attempt to resolve an investigation upon his or her own initiative, or upon receipt of a complaint from an inmate, a family member, a representative of an inmate, a department employee, or others, regarding any of the following that may adversely affect the health, safety, welfare, and rights of inmates:
(i) Abuse or neglect;
(ii) Department decisions or administrative actions;
(iii) Inactions or omissions;
(iv) Policies, rules, or procedures; or
(v) Alleged violations of law by the department that may adversely affect the health, safety, welfare, and rights of inmates.
(b) Prior to filing a complaint with the ombuds, a person shall have reasonably pursued resolution of the complaint through the internal grievance, administrative, or appellate procedures with the department. However, in no event may an inmate be prevented from filing a complaint more than ninety business days after filing an internal grievance, regardless of whether the department has completed the grievance process. This subsection (2)(b) does not apply to complaints related to threats of bodily harm including, but not limited to, sexual or physical assaults or the denial of necessary medical treatment.
(c) The ombuds may decline to investigate any complaint as provided by the rules adopted under this chapter.
(d) If the ombuds does not investigate a complaint, the ombuds shall notify the complainant of the decision not to investigate and the reasons for the decision.
(e) The ombuds may not investigate any complaints relating to an inmate's underlying criminal conviction.
(f) The ombuds may not investigate a complaint from a department employee that relates to the employee's employment relationship with the department or the administration of the department, unless the complaint is related to the health, safety, welfare, and rehabilitation of inmates.
(g) The ombuds must attempt to resolve any complaint at the lowest possible level.
(h) The ombuds may refer complainants and others to appropriate resources, agencies, or departments.
(i) The ombuds may not levy any fees for the submission or investigation of complaints.
(j) The ombuds must remain neutral and impartial and may not act as an advocate for the complainant or for the department.
(k) At the conclusion of an investigation of a complaint, the ombuds must render a public decision on the merits of each complaint, except that the documents supporting the decision are subject to the confidentiality provisions of RCW 43.06C.060. The ombuds must communicate the decision to the inmate, if any, and to the department. The ombuds must state its recommendations and reasoning if, in the ombuds' opinion, the department or any employee thereof should:
(i) Consider the matter further;
(ii) Modify or cancel any action;
(iii) Alter a rule, practice, or ruling;
(iv) Explain in detail the administrative action in question; or
(v) Rectify an omission.
(l) If the ombuds so requests, the department must, within the time specified, inform the ombuds about any action taken on the recommendations or the reasons for not complying with the recommendations.
(m) If the ombuds believes, based on the investigation, that there has been or continues to be a significant inmate health, safety, welfare, or rehabilitation issue, the ombuds must report the finding to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature.
(n) Before announcing a conclusion or recommendation that expressly, or by implication, criticizes a person or the department, the ombuds shall consult with that person or the department. The ombuds may request to be notified by the department, within a specified time, of any action taken on any recommendation presented. The ombuds must notify the inmate, if any, of the actions taken by the department in response to the ombuds' recommendations.
(3) This chapter does not require inmates to file a complaint with the ombuds in order to exhaust available administrative remedies for purposes of the prison litigation reform act of 1995, P.L. 104-134.
[ 2018 c 270 s 5.]
Notes:
Sunset Act application: See note following chapter digest.

catchline: Duties—Investigations—Complaints.


title: RCW 43.06C.050

text:
(1) The ombuds must have reasonable access to correctional facilities at all times necessary to conduct a full investigation of an incident of abuse or neglect. This authority includes the opportunity to interview any inmate, department employee, or other person, including the person thought to be the victim of such abuse, who might be reasonably believed by the facility to have knowledge of the incident under investigation. Such access must be afforded, upon request by the ombuds, when:
(a) An incident is reported or a complaint is made to the office;
(b) The ombuds determines there is probable cause to believe that an incident has or may have occurred; or
(c) The ombuds determines that there is or may be imminent danger of serious abuse or neglect of an inmate.
(2) The ombuds must have reasonable access to department facilities, including all areas which are used by inmates, all areas which are accessible to inmates, and to programs for inmates at reasonable times, which at a minimum must include normal working hours and visiting hours. This access is for the purpose of:
(a) Providing information about individual rights and the services available from the office, including the name, address, and telephone number of the office;
(b) Monitoring compliance with respect to the rights and safety of inmates; and
(c) Inspecting, viewing, photographing, and video recording all areas of the facility which are used by inmates or are accessible to inmates.
(3) Access to inmates includes the opportunity to meet and communicate privately and confidentially with individuals regularly, both formally and informally, by telephone, mail, and in person.
(4) The ombuds has the right to access, inspect, and copy all relevant information, records, or documents in the possession or control of the department that the ombuds considers necessary in an investigation of a complaint filed under this chapter, and the department must assist the ombuds in obtaining the necessary releases for those documents which are specifically restricted or privileged for use by the ombuds.
(5) Following notification from the ombuds with a written demand for access to agency records, the delegated department staff must provide the ombuds with access to the requested documentation not later than twenty business days after the ombuds' written request for the records. Where the records requested by the ombuds pertain to an inmate death, threats of bodily harm including, but not limited to, sexual or physical assaults, or the denial of necessary medical treatment, the records shall be provided within five days unless the ombuds consents to an extension of that time frame.
(6) Upon notice and a request by the ombuds, a state or local government agency or entity that has records that are relevant to a complaint or an investigation conducted by the ombuds must provide the ombuds with access to such records.
(7) The ombuds must work with the department to minimize disruption to the operations of the department due to ombuds activities and must comply with the department's security clearance processes, provided those processes do not impede the activities outlined in this section.
[ 2018 c 270 s 6.]
Notes:
Sunset Act application: See note following chapter digest.

catchline: Access to facilities, inmates, records.


title: RCW 43.06C.060

text:
(1) Correspondence and communication with the office is confidential and must be protected as privileged correspondence in the same manner as legal correspondence or communication.
(2) The office shall establish confidentiality rules and procedures for all information maintained by the office.
(3) The ombuds shall treat all matters under investigation, including the identities of recipients of ombuds services, complainants, and individuals from whom information is acquired, as confidential, except as far as disclosures may be necessary to enable the ombuds to perform the duties of the office and to support any recommendations resulting from an investigation. Upon receipt of information that by law is confidential or privileged, the ombuds shall maintain the confidentiality of such information and shall not further disclose or disseminate the information except as provided by applicable state or federal law or as authorized by subsection (4) of this section. All records exchanged and communications between the office of the corrections ombuds and the department to include the investigative record are confidential and are exempt from public disclosure under chapter 42.56 RCW.
(4) To the extent the ombuds reasonably believes necessary, the ombuds:
(a) Must reveal information obtained in the course of providing ombuds services to prevent reasonably certain death or substantial bodily harm; and
(b) May reveal information obtained in the course of providing ombuds services to prevent the commission of a crime.
(5) If the ombuds believes it is necessary to reveal investigative records for any of the reasons outlined in *section 4 of this act, the ombuds shall provide a copy of what they intend to disclose to the department for review and application of legal exemptions prior to releasing to any other persons. If the ombuds receives personally identifying information about individual corrections staff during the course of an investigation that the ombuds determines is unrelated or unnecessary to the subject of the investigation or recommendation for action, the ombuds will not further disclose such information. If the ombuds determines that such disclosure is necessary to an investigation or recommendation, the ombuds will contact the staff member as well as the bargaining unit representative before any disclosure.
[ 2018 c 270 s 7.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: The reference to "section 4 of this act" appears to be erroneous. "Subsection (4) of this section" was apparently intended.
Sunset Act application: See note following chapter digest.

catchline: Confidentiality of correspondence, communications, investigations.


title: RCW 43.06C.070

text:
(1) A civil action may not be brought against any employee of the office for good faith performance of responsibilities under this chapter.
(2) No discriminatory, disciplinary, or retaliatory action may be taken against a department employee, subcontractor, or volunteer, an inmate, or a family member or representative of an inmate for any communication made, or information given or disclosed, to aid the office in carrying out its responsibilities, unless the communication or information is made, given, or disclosed maliciously or without good faith.
(3) This section is not intended to infringe on the rights of an employer to supervise, discipline, or terminate an employee for other reasons.
[ 2018 c 270 s 8.]
Notes:
Sunset Act application: See note following chapter digest.

catchline: Civil immunity—Retaliatory actions.


title: RCW 43.06C.080

text:
(1) The ombuds or the ombuds' designee shall serve as a member of the unexpected fatality review team convened under chapter 72.09 RCW.
(2) The department shall:
(a) Permit the ombuds or the ombuds' designee physical access to state institutions serving incarcerated individuals and state-licensed facilities or residences for the purposes of carrying out its duties under this chapter; and
(b) Upon the ombuds' request, grant the ombuds or the ombuds' designee the right to access, inspect, and copy all relevant information, records, or documents in the possession or control of the department that the ombuds considers necessary in an investigation.
(3) The office shall issue an annual report to the legislature on the status of the implementation of unexpected fatality review recommendations.
[ 2021 c 139 s 2.]

catchline: Unexpected fatality review team—Duties.


title: RCW 43.06C.700

text:
(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the ombuds shall convene an oversight committee for the purposes of expanding access to construction-related training programs in state correctional facilities, with a focus on state recognized apprenticeship preparation programs, and strengthening pathways for incarcerated persons to advance from those programs to state registered apprenticeship programs upon reentering the community. The ombuds may enter into contracts for services as may be necessary to comply with the requirements of this section.
(2)(a) The ombuds shall appoint members of the oversight committee, including representatives of the following:
(i) The department, including staff involved with construction-related training programs and reentry planning, and community corrections officers;
(ii) Correctional industries;
(iii) The apprenticeship division of the department of labor and industries;
(iv) The state board for community and technical colleges, including representatives from the basic education division and student support programs;
(v) The Washington state building and construction trades council;
(vi) Registered apprenticeship programs in the construction trades, and providers of apprenticeship preparation programs;
(vii) College corrections navigators and apprenticeship navigators;
(viii) The juvenile rehabilitation division and community services office of the department of children, youth, and families;
(ix) The ombuds;
(x) The Washington statewide reentry council; and
(xi) Other agencies, boards, or entities that the ombuds has identified as having a significant interest in the work of the oversight committee.
(b) The ombuds shall also appoint two persons with lived experience to serve as members of the oversight committee.
(c) Except as provided under RCW 43.03.220, the members of the oversight committee must serve without compensation, but are entitled to be reimbursed for travel expenses as provided in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.
(3) The oversight committee shall:
(a) Develop, maintain, and publish an inventory of all construction-related training programs in correctional facilities including, but not limited to, the following information for each program:
(i) Location, capacity, criteria for admission, and current enrollment;
(ii) State recognized apprenticeship preparation status or viability;
(iii) Any related partnership with a state registered apprenticeship program;
(iv) The type of trade and if it is multicraft or single craft curriculum; and
(v) The entity funding the instruction, consumables, equipment, and facilities;
(b) Collect, maintain, and publish information and data on construction-related training programs for the previous four calendar years, including the following for each program:
(i) Numbers served, number of participants completing the program, and relevant demographics of participants;
(ii) Length of time between program completion and release from incarceration; and
(iii) Postrelease outcomes, including employment status, apprenticeship status, and recidivism rate, when such outcome data is available;
(c) Assess the following:
(i) The viability or progress of transitioning current construction-related training programs to meet state recognized apprenticeship preparation requirements;
(ii) The viability or progress of transitioning the curriculum for construction-related apprenticeship preparation programs to cover multiple construction crafts;
(iii) Any unmet support needed by construction-related training programs for instruction, including consumables and equipment, among other needs;
(iv) The viability or progress of implementing new state recognized apprenticeship preparation programs in correctional facilities; and
(v) Practices for conducting transitional planning and support for participants who complete construction-related training programs, including: Preenrollment into support services prior to release; inclusion of state registered apprenticeship program staff in the incarcerated persons' community reentry planning; and access to behavioral health services prior to transition; and
(d) Identify areas of concern and also make recommendations for appropriate and necessary changes to policies and practices to the department, state board for community and technical colleges, department of labor and industries, state registered apprenticeship programs, and other appropriate entities.
(4) The oversight committee shall submit a report to the legislature by October 1, 2025, with initial findings and recommendations for expanding access to construction-related state recognized apprenticeship preparation programs in state correctional facilities, and strengthening pathways for incarcerated persons to advance from those programs to state registered apprenticeship programs upon reentering the community. By October 1, 2026, and by October 1st of each even-numbered year thereafter, the oversight committee shall submit a report to the legislature summarizing its work from the last two-year period and providing any relevant findings and recommendations. The ombuds shall publish on its website on an ongoing basis information designed to improve access to and outcomes of programs, based on input and guidance provided by the oversight committee.
(5)(a) Beginning on June 6, 2024, the department shall collect data on the employment outcomes of incarcerated persons reentering the community after having participated in a construction-related training program in a correctional facility, including whether those persons participated in and completed any state registered apprenticeship programs. The department, in consultation with the oversight committee and relevant state agencies, shall make efforts to track and collect data on employment outcomes for at least three years following a person's release from a state correctional facility. Upon request, the department shall report any data collected under this subsection to the oversight committee and the ombuds.
(b) By December 1, 2026, and by December 1st of each even-numbered year thereafter, the department of corrections shall submit a report to the appropriate committees of the legislature including the following information from the last two-year period: (i) the status of implementing any changes recommended by the oversight committee; (ii) the reasoning for not implementing any changes recommended by the oversight committee; and (iii) a summary of funding expended on construction-related training programs identified by the oversight committee, and a summary of any additional funding needed to support those programs.
(6) For the purpose of supporting the work of the oversight committee, the ombuds may consider relevant aspects of its work and communications, including any personally identifiable information of incarcerated persons, to constitute an investigation, subject to the confidentiality protections under RCW 43.06C.060. Oversight committee members shall maintain the confidentiality of any such records and information so identified by the ombuds. This subsection does not prohibit the oversight committee from publishing aggregate data or other information collected under subsection (3) of this section, provided that such data or information does not contain personally identifiable information.
[ 2024 c 355 s 2.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—Direction to office of corrections ombuds—2024 c 355: "The legislature finds that supporting and preparing incarcerated persons to successfully reenter the community is critical to recognizing the dignity of all incarcerated persons, while also reducing recidivism and expanding the state's trained and skilled workforce. To that end, the legislature intends to improve the quality and availability of construction-related training programs in state correctional facilities in order to strengthen pathways for incarcerated persons to advance from those programs to state registered apprenticeship programs upon reentering the community. These improvements will expand access to living wage jobs for formerly incarcerated persons, increase the construction workforce, and support federal and state investments in transportation infrastructure and clean energy. Therefore, the legislature hereby directs the office of the corrections ombuds to convene an oversight committee for the purpose of facilitating critical changes to state correctional programming. The oversight committee will evaluate, strengthen, and expand construction-related training programs, with a focus on state recognized apprenticeship preparation programs, and transition planning with the goal of improving pathways to the enrollment of formerly incarcerated persons in state registered apprenticeship programs." [ 2024 c 355 s 1.]

catchline: Oversight committee on construction-related training programs.


title: RCW 43.06D.010

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Agency" means every state executive office, agency, department, or commission.
(2) "Director" means the director of the Washington state office of equity.
(3) "Disaggregated data" means data that has been broken down by appropriate subcategories.
(4) "Equity lens" means providing consideration to the characteristics listed in RCW 49.60.030, as well as immigration status and language access, to evaluate the equitable impacts of an agency's policy or program.
(5) "Office" means the Washington state office of equity.
[ 2020 c 332 s 2.]


title: RCW 43.06D.020

text:
(1) The Washington state office of equity is established within the office of the governor for the purpose of promoting access to equitable opportunities and resources that reduce disparities, and improve outcomes statewide across state government.
(2) The office envisions everyone in Washington having full access to the opportunities and resources they need to flourish and achieve their full potential.
(3) The work of the office must:
(a) Be guided by the following principles of equity:
(i) Equity requires developing, strengthening, and supporting policies and procedures that distribute and prioritize resources to those who have been historically and currently marginalized, including tribes;
(ii) Equity requires the elimination of systemic barriers that have been deeply entrenched in systems of inequality and oppression; and
(iii) Equity achieves procedural and outcome fairness, promoting dignity, honor, and respect for all people;
(b) Complement and not supplant the work of the statutory commissions.
[ 2020 c 332 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—2020 c 332 s 3: "Section 3 of this act takes effect July 1, 2020." [ 2020 c 332 s 11.]

catchline: Office established—Purpose.


title: RCW 43.06D.030

text:
(1) The office is administered by a director, who is appointed by the governor with advice and consent of the senate. The director shall report to the governor. The director must receive a salary as fixed by the governor in accordance with RCW 43.03.040.
(2) The director shall:
(a) Employ and supervise staff as necessary to carry out the purpose of this chapter and the duties of the office; and
(b) Oversee the administration, programs, and policies of the office in accordance with the principles in RCW 43.06D.020.
[ 2020 c 332 s 4.]

catchline: Appointment of director—Duties—Other employees.


title: RCW 43.06D.040

text:
(1) The office shall work to facilitate policy and systems change to promote equitable policies, practices, and outcomes through:
(a) Agency decision making. The office shall assist agencies in applying an equity lens in all aspects of agency decision making, including service delivery, program development, policy development, and budgeting. The office shall provide assistance by:
(i) Facilitating information sharing between agencies around diversity, equity, and inclusion issues;
(ii) Convening work groups as needed;
(iii) Developing and providing assessment tools for agencies to use in the development and evaluation of agency programs, services, policies, and budgets;
(iv) Training agency staff on how to effectively use the assessment tools developed under (a)(iii) of this subsection, including developing guidance for agencies on how to apply an equity lens to the agency's work when carrying out the agency's duties under this chapter;
(v) Developing a form that will serve as each agency's diversity, equity, and inclusion plan, required to be submitted by all agencies under *section 7 of this act, for each agency to report on its work in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The office must develop the format and content of the plan and determine the frequency of reporting. The office must post each agency plan on the dashboard referenced in (d) of this subsection;
(vi) Maintaining an inventory of agency work in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion; and
(vii) Compiling and creating resources for agencies to use as guidance when carrying out the requirements under *section 7 of this act.
(b) Community outreach and engagement. The office shall staff the community advisory board created under *section 6 of this act and may contract with commissions or other entities with expertise in order to identify policy and system barriers, including language access, to meaningful engagement with communities in all aspects of agency decision making.
(c) Training on maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and culturally sensitive workforce. The office shall collaborate with the office of financial management and the department of enterprise services to develop policies and provide technical assistance and training to agencies on maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and culturally sensitive workforce that delivers culturally sensitive services.
(d) Data maintenance and establishing performance metrics. The office shall:
(i) Collaborate with the office of financial management and agencies to:
(A) Establish standards for the collection, analysis, and reporting of disaggregated data as it pertains to tracking population level outcomes of communities, except as provided under (d)(i)(D) of this subsection;
(B) Create statewide and agency-specific process and outcome measures to show performance:
(I) Using outcome-based methodology to determine the effectiveness of agency programs and services on reducing disparities; and
(II) Taking into consideration community feedback from the **community advisory board on whether the performance measures established accurately measure the effectiveness of agency programs and services in the communities served;
(C) Create an online performance dashboard to publish state and agency performance measures and outcomes; and
(D) Identify additional subcategories in workforce data for disaggregation in order to track disparities in public employment; and
(ii) Coordinate with the office of privacy and data protection to address cybersecurity and data protection for all data collected by the office.
(e) Accountability. The office shall:
(i) Publish a report for each agency detailing whether the agency has met the performance measures established pursuant to (d)(i) of this subsection and the effectiveness of agency programs and services on reducing disparities. The report must include the agency's strengths and accomplishments, areas for continued improvement, and areas for corrective action. The office must post each report on the dashboard referenced in (d) of this subsection;
(ii) Establish a process for the office to report on agency performance in accordance with (e)(i) of this subsection and a process for agencies to respond to the report. The agency's response must include the agency's progress on performance, the agency's action plan to address areas for improvement and corrective action, and a timeline for the action plan; and
(iii) Establish procedures to hold agencies accountable, which may include conducting performance reviews related to agency compliance with office performance measures.
(2) By October 31, 2022, and every year thereafter, the office shall report to the governor and the legislature. The report must include a summary of the office's work, including strengths and accomplishments, an overview of agency compliance with office standards and performance measures, and an equity analysis of the makeup of the community advisory board established in *section 6 of this act to ensure that it accurately reflects historically and currently marginalized groups.
(3) The director and the office shall review the final recommendations submitted pursuant to section 221, chapter 415, Laws of 2019, by the task force established under section 221, chapter 415, Laws of 2019, and report back to the governor and the legislature with any additional recommendations necessary for the office to carry out the duties prescribed under this chapter.
[ 2020 c 332 s 5.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: *(1) Sections 6 and 7 of this act were vetoed.
**(2) The community advisory board was created in 2020 c 332 s 6, which was vetoed.

catchline: Duties—Reports.


title: RCW 43.06D.050

text:
The office may:
(1) Provide technical assistance to agencies;
(2) Conduct research projects, as needed, provided that no research project is proposed or authorizes funding without consideration of the business case for the project including a review of the total cost of the project, similar projects conducted in the state, and alternatives analyzed;
(3) Conduct policy analyses and provide a forum where ideas and issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion plans, policies, and standards can be reviewed;
(4) Develop policy positions and legislative proposals;
(5) Consider, on an ongoing basis, ways to promote investments in enterprise-level diversity, equity, and inclusion projects that will result in service improvements and cost efficiency;
(6) Fulfill external data requests, as resources allow; and
(7) Receive and solicit gifts, grants, and endowments from public or private sources that are made for the use or benefit of the office and to expend the same or any income therefrom according to their terms and this chapter. The director must report funds received from private sources to the office of financial management on a regular basis. Funds received from private sources may not be applied to reduce or substitute the office's budget as appropriated by the legislature, but must be applied and expended toward projects and functions authorized by this chapter that were not funded by the legislature.
[ 2020 c 332 s 8.]

catchline: Authority.


title: RCW 43.06D.060

text:
(1) Consistent with its purpose of promoting access to equitable opportunities and resources to reduce disparities, the Washington state office of equity shall provide oversight for the development and ongoing implementation of the Washington state patrol's diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic recruitment and retention plan.
(2) To accomplish this purpose, the office of equity shall work with the department of enterprise services, which will run and oversee a competitive procurement process to select and hire an independent, expert consultant to:
(a) Collect benchmark demographic data on the composition of the current Washington state patrol workforce, including applicants in the recruitment process, people in trooper academy classes, and new hires across positions in the agency including, and not limited to, applicants referred for interview; applicants referred for hire; applicant to hire ratios; applicants referred for psychological testing; applicant pass to fail ratios; and turnover rate. In addition, this task must include comparative demographic data for other law enforcement training classes within the state;
(b) Conduct a study of the labor force available for the commissioned and noncommissioned staff of the state patrol, with a focus on the availability of black, indigenous, Latino, Asian, and other groups currently underrepresented in the state patrol workforce;
(c) Using the results of the labor force availability study and Washington state patrol recruitment and retention demographic benchmark data, establish goals for the demographic composition of the state patrol workforce and a plan for reaching the goals;
(d) Develop agency-specific process and outcome measures of performance, taking into consideration community feedback on whether the performance measures established accurately measure the effectiveness of agency programs and services in the communities served;
(e) Recommend effective agency programs and services to reduce disparities across the agency;
(f) Evaluate and report on progress in the implementation of the diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic recruitment and retention plan developed for the Washington state patrol in 2021;
(g) In coordination with the Washington state patrol, annually update the diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic recruitment and retention plan to reflect activities completed, new strategies, and next steps;
(h) Report biannually to the governor and appropriate committees of the legislature on the composition of the current Washington state patrol workforce compared to established benchmarks and goals; and
(i) Otherwise assist the office of equity in monitoring and reporting the Washington state patrol's implementation of the diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic recruitment and retention plan.
(3) The office is directed to complete the following work in accordance with RCW 43.06D.040:
(a) Provide technical assistance to the Washington state patrol regarding best practices to effectively foster an equitable, just, diverse workforce;
(b) Publish the Washington state patrol's diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic recruitment and retention plan on its performance dashboard;
(c) Report the Washington state patrol's performance on the office's performance dashboard, providing for a process for the Washington state patrol to respond to the report;
(d) Establish accountability procedures for the Washington state patrol, which may include conducting performance reviews related to state patrol compliance with office performance measures consistent with RCW 43.06D.040;
(e) Report annually to the governor and appropriate committees of the legislature on the Washington state patrol's compliance with developing its diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic recruitment and retention plan in accordance with the office of equity standards and the state patrol's progress made toward performance measures in its diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic recruitment and retention plan.
(4) This section expires June 30, 2032.
[ 2022 c 146 s 2.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2022 c 146: "(1) The legislature finds that:
(a) In 2021, the total Washington state patrol workforce was 84 percent white and 67 percent male, the field force workforce was 86 percent white and 86 percent male, and the managerial staff was as high as 93 percent white;
(b) A strong diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic recruitment and retention plan is necessary to:
(i) Provide the state patrol with the benefits of a diverse workforce, improving service to the public, increasing employee productivity, and providing new perspectives and innovative approaches to achieving the agency's mission of enhancing the safety and security of all people and communities; and
(ii) Fill vacancies with those who are from historically and currently marginalized communities;
(c) Public employment opportunities at the Washington state patrol should provide all commissioned and noncommissioned staff full access to the opportunities, power, and resources each needs in the staff person's career; and
(d) The transition to a culture that fosters workforce diversity, equity, and inclusion requires steadfast commitment over the long term.
(2) Therefore, the legislature intends to:
(a) Challenge the state patrol to change and adapt its culture to attract and retain a diverse workforce representative of those who have been historically and currently marginalized and is representative of the labor force as a whole;
(b) Establish effective legislative and executive oversight mechanisms to increase workforce parity by eliminating disparities in the state patrol's workforce;
(c) Increase accountability and transparency relating to the state patrol's progress in achieving equity in its workforce; and
(d) Provide technical assistance and support for the state patrol's diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts over the long term." [ 2022 c 146 s 1.]

catchline: Washington state patrol diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic recruitment and retention plan—Oversight. (Expires June 30, 2032.)


title: RCW 43.06D.900

text:
The legislature finds that the population of Washington state has become increasingly diverse over the last several decades. The legislature also finds that as the demographics of our state change, historically and currently marginalized communities still do not have the same opportunities to meet parity as their nonmarginalized counterparts across nearly every measure including education, poverty, employment, health, and more. Inequities based on race, ethnicity, gender, and other characteristics continue to be deep, pervasive, and persistent, and they come at a great economic and social cost. When individuals face barriers to achieving their full potential, the impact is felt by the individual, their communities, businesses, governments, and the economy as a whole in the form of lost wages, avoidable public expenditures, and more. This includes social ramifications that emerging technology, such as artificial intelligence and facial recognition technology, may have on historically and currently marginalized communities. It is the intent of the legislature to review these emerging technologies either already in use by agencies or before their launch by agencies if not already in use and make recommendations regarding agency use to ensure that the technology is used in a manner that benefits society and does not have disparate negative impacts on historically and currently marginalized communities or violate their civil rights. It is further intended that the office should collaborate with other state efforts in this regard.
The legislature finds that a more inclusive Washington is possible if agencies identify and implement effective strategies to eliminate systemic inequities. The legislature recognizes that different forms of discrimination and oppression are related to each other, and these relationships need to be taken into account.
The legislature finds that over the years, significant strides have been made within agencies to address the disparate outcomes faced by historically and currently marginalized communities. While these efforts have yielded positive work, the legislature finds that the work happening in agencies is fragmented across state government. Additionally, smaller agencies may not have the resources necessary to identify and implement policies to address systemic inequities. Furthermore, the legislature finds that the commission on African American affairs, the commission on Asian Pacific American affairs, the commission on Hispanic affairs, the governor's office of Indian affairs, the LGBTQ commission, the women's commission, and the human rights commission each play an important and integral role by serving as a voice for their respective communities and linking state government to these communities. The office is distinct from the commissions because it will serve as the state's subject matter expert on diversity, equity, and inclusion to state agencies and will provide technical assistance and support to agencies while each agency implements its individual equity plan. The office is not duplicative of the commissions, rather it is the intent of the legislature that the office will work in collaboration with the commissions. It is not the legislature's intent to eliminate the commissions or to reduce funding to the commissions by creating the office. Instead, it is the intent of the legislature that the office and the commissions shall work in a complementary manner with each other, support each other's work, jurisdictions, and missions, and adequately fund the commissions and the office as they take on their new complementary roles.
The legislature finds that state government must identify and coordinate effective strategies that focus on eliminating systemic barriers for historically and currently marginalized groups. To support this objective, an office of equity will provide a unified vision around equity for all state agencies. The office will assist government agencies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of their decision making, including but not limited to services, programming, policy development, budgeting, and staffing. Doing so will foster a culture of accountability within state government that promotes opportunity for marginalized communities and will help normalize language and concepts around diversity, equity, and inclusion.
[ 2020 c 332 s 1.]

catchline: Findings—Intent—2020 c 332.


title: RCW 43.06D.901

text:
Nothing in chapter 332, Laws of 2020 creates any right or cause of action, nor may it be relied upon to compel the establishment of any program or special entitlement.
[ 2020 c 332 s 9.]

catchline: Construction—2020 c 332.


title: RCW 43.07.010

text:
The secretary of state must execute an official bond to the state in the sum of ten thousand dollars, conditioned for the faithful performance of the duties of his or her office, and shall receive no pay until such bond, approved by the governor, is filed with the state auditor.
[ 2009 c 549 s 5024; 1965 c 8 s 43.07.010. Prior: 1890 p 633 s 10; RRS s 10994.]

catchline: Official bond.


title: RCW 43.07.020

text:
The secretary of state may have one assistant secretary of state, one deputy secretary of state, and one chief of staff each of whom shall have signing authority and be appointed by the secretary in writing, and continue serving at the pleasure of the secretary. The assistant secretary of state, deputy secretary of state, and chief of staff shall have the power to perform any act or duty relating to the secretary of state's office, that the secretary of state has, and the secretary of state shall be responsible for the acts of said assistant, deputy, and chief of staff.
[ 2023 c 142 s 1; 2009 c 549 s 5025; 1965 c 8 s 43.07.020. Prior: 1947 c 107 s 1; 1903 c 75 s 1; 1890 p 633 s 12; RRS s 10995.]

catchline: Assistant and deputy secretary of state, chief of staff.


title: RCW 43.07.030

text:
The secretary of state shall:
(1) Keep a register of and attest the official acts of the governor;
(2) Affix the state seal, with his or her attestation, to commissions, pardons, and other public instruments to which the signature of the governor is required, and also attestations and authentications of certificates and other documents properly issued by the secretary;
(3) Record all articles of incorporation, deeds, or other papers filed in the secretary of state's office;
(4) Receive and file all the official bonds of officers required to be filed with the secretary of state;
(5) Take and file in the secretary of state's office receipts for all books distributed by him or her;
(6) Certify to the legislature the election returns for all officers required by the Constitution to be so certified, and certify to the governor the names of all other persons who have received at any election the highest number of votes for any office the incumbent of which is to be commissioned by the governor;
(7) Furnish, on demand, to any person paying the fees therefor, a certified copy of all or any part of any law, record, or other instrument filed, deposited, or recorded in the secretary of state's office;
(8) Present to the speaker of the house of representatives, at the beginning of each regular session of the legislature during an odd-numbered year, a full account of all purchases made and expenses incurred by the secretary of state on account of the state;
(9) File in his or her office an impression of each and every seal in use by any state officer;
(10) Keep a record of all fees charged or received by the secretary of state.
[ 2009 c 549 s 5026; 1982 c 35 s 186; 1980 c 87 s 21; 1969 ex.s. c 53 s 3; 1965 c 8 s 43.07.030. Prior: 1890 p 630 s 2; RRS s 10992.]
Notes:
Intent—Severability—Effective dates—Application—1982 c 35: See notes following RCW 43.07.160.

catchline: General duties.


title: RCW 43.07.032

text:
(1) The secretary of state may attest to the authenticity of the signature of a public official in the state of Washington.
(2) The secretary of state may attest to the authenticity of, or certify a signature of, a notary public except as noted in subsection (3) of this section.
(3) The secretary of state may not certify or attest to the signature of a notary public on:
(a) A document regarding allegiance to a government or jurisdiction;
(b) A document relating to the relinquishment or renunciation of citizenship, sovereignty, military status, or world service authority;
(c) A document setting forth or implying for the bearer a claim of immunity from the laws of the jurisdictions of Washington, immunity from the laws of the state of Washington, or immunity from federal law; or
(d) An individually created document that can or should be issued as a certified copy from a city, county, or state entity.
(4) The secretary of state may adopt rules to implement this section.
[ 2026 c 80 s 8; 2016 sp.s. c 23 s 1.]

catchline: Authenticity or certification of signatures—Attestation.


title: RCW 43.07.035

text:
The secretary of state shall have the authority to enter into a memorandum of agreement or contract with any agency of state government or private entity to provide for the performance of any of the secretary of state's services or duties under the various corporation statutes of this state.
[ 1985 c 156 s 19; 1982 c 35 s 190.]
Notes:
Effective date—1985 c 156: "Sections 1 through 19, 21, and 23 through 26 shall take effect on January 1, 1986." [ 1985 c 156 s 27.]
Intent—Severability—Effective dates—Application—1982 c 35: See notes following RCW 43.07.160.

catchline: Memorandum of agreement or contract for secretary of state's services with state agencies or private entities.


title: RCW 43.07.037

text:
The secretary of state and the *council may accept gifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, and devises, of real or personal property, or both, in trust or otherwise, and sell, lease, exchange, invest, or expend these donations or the proceeds, rents, profits, and income from the donations except as limited by the donor's terms. The secretary of state shall adopt rules to govern and protect the receipt and expenditure of the proceeds.
[ 1996 c 253 s 105.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: 1996 c 253 s 101, which created the international education and exchange council, was vetoed.
Findings—Purpose—Severability—Part headings not law—1996 c 253: See notes following RCW 28B.109.010.

catchline: Gifts, grants, conveyances—Receipt, sale—Rules.


title: RCW 43.07.040

text:
The secretary of state is charged with the custody:
(1) Of all acts and resolutions passed by the legislature;
(2) Of the journals of the legislature;
(3) Of the seal of the state;
(4) Of all books, records, deeds, parchments, maps, and papers required to be kept on deposit in his or her office pursuant to law;
(5) Of the enrolled copy of the Constitution.
[ 2009 c 549 s 5027; 1965 c 8 s 43.07.040. Prior: 1903 c 107 s 1; 1890 p 629 s 1; RRS s 10991.]

catchline: Custodian of state records.


title: RCW 43.07.120

text:
(1) The secretary of state must establish by rule and collect the fees in this subsection:
(a) For a copy of any law, resolution, record, or other document or paper on file in the secretary's office;
(b) For any certificate under seal;
(c) For filing and recording trademark;
(d) For each deed or patent of land issued by the governor;
(e) For recording miscellaneous records, papers, or other documents.
(2) The secretary of state may adopt rules under chapter 34.05 RCW establishing reasonable fees for the following services rendered under chapter 23.95 RCW, Title 23B RCW, chapter 18.100, 19.09, 19.77, 23.86, 23.90, 24.03A, 24.06, 24.12, 24.20, 24.24, 24.28, 24.36, *25.04, 25.15, 25.10, 25.05, or 26.60 RCW:
(a) Any service rendered in-person at the secretary of state's office;
(b) Any expedited service;
(c) The electronic or facsimile transmittal of information from corporation records or copies of documents;
(d) The providing of information by micrographic or other reduced-format compilation;
(e) The handling of checks, drafts, or credit or debit cards upon adoption of rules authorizing their use for which sufficient funds are not on deposit; and
(f) Special search charges.
(3) To facilitate the collection of fees, the secretary of state may establish accounts for deposits by persons who may frequently be assessed such fees to pay the fees as they are assessed. The secretary of state may make whatever arrangements with those persons as may be necessary to carry out this section.
(4) The secretary of state may adopt rules for the use of credit or debit cards for payment of fees.
(5) No member of the legislature, state officer, justice of the supreme court, judge of the court of appeals, or judge of the superior court may be charged for any search relative to matters pertaining to the duties of his or her office; nor may such official be charged for a certified copy of any law or resolution passed by the legislature relative to his or her official duties, if such law has not been published as a state law.
[ 2021 c 176 s 5220; 2019 c 132 s 3; 2015 c 176 s 8101; 2010 1st sp.s. c 29 s 6; 1998 c 103 s 1309. Prior: 1994 c 211 s 1310; 1994 c 60 s 5; 1993 c 269 s 15; 1991 c 72 s 53; 1989 c 307 s 39; 1982 c 35 s 187; 1971 c 81 s 107; 1965 c 8 s 43.07.120; prior: 1959 c 263 s 5; 1907 c 56 s 1; 1903 c 151 s 1; 1893 c 130 s 1; RRS s 10993.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: Chapter 25.04 RCW was repealed in its entirety by 1998 c 103 s 1308.
Effective date—2021 c 176: See note following RCW 24.03A.005.
Effective date—Contingent effective date—2015 c 176: See note following RCW 23.95.100.
Intent—2010 1st sp.s. c 29: See note following RCW 24.06.450.
Effective date—1994 c 211: See note following RCW 18.04.025.
Effective date—1993 c 269: See note following RCW 23.86.070.
Intent—Severability—Effective dates—Application—1982 c 35: See notes following RCW 43.07.160.

catchline: Fees—Rules.


title: RCW 43.07.125

text:
The secretary of state may adopt rules under chapter 34.05 RCW establishing reasonable fees for the following services rendered under chapter 11.110 or 19.09 RCW:
(1) Any service rendered in-person at the secretary of state's office;
(2) Any expedited service;
(3) The electronic transmittal of documents;
(4) The providing of information by microfiche or other reduced-format compilation;
(5) The handling of checks or drafts for which sufficient funds are not on deposit;
(6) The resubmission of documents previously submitted to the secretary of state where the documents have been returned to the submitter to make such documents conform to the requirements of the applicable statute;
(7) The handling of telephone requests for information; and
(8) Special search charges.
[ 1993 c 471 s 24; 1993 c 269 s 14.]
Notes:
Effective date—1993 c 471: See RCW 19.09.915.
Effective date—1993 c 269: See note following RCW 23.86.070.


title: RCW 43.07.128

text:
(1) In addition to other required filing fees, the secretary of state shall collect a fee of five dollars at the time of filing for:
(a) Articles of incorporation for domestic corporations or applications for certificates of authority for foreign corporations under Title 23B RCW;
(b) Certificates of formation for domestic limited liability companies or registrations of foreign limited liability companies under chapter 25.15 RCW;
(c) Registrations of foreign and domestic partnerships and limited liability partnerships under chapter 25.05 RCW;
(d) Certificates of limited partnerships and registrations of foreign limited partnerships under chapter 25.10 RCW; and
(e) Registrations of trademarks under chapter 19.77 RCW.
(2) Moneys received under subsection (1) of this section must be deposited into the library operations account created in RCW 43.07.129.
[ 2019 c 448 s 6; 2007 c 523 s 1.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2019 c 448: See note following RCW 43.07.405.
Effective date—2007 c 523 s 1: "Section 1 of this act takes effect January 1, 2009." [ 2007 c 523 s 7.]
Contingency—2007 c 523: "If specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill or chapter number, is not provided by June 30, 2007, in the omnibus appropriations act, this act is null and void." [ 2007 c 523 s 6.] Funding was provided in 2007 c 520 s 6013(9) (capital budget).

catchline: Fees—Library operations account.


title: RCW 43.07.129

text:
The Washington state library operations account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. All moneys received under RCW 36.18.010(11) and 43.07.128 must be deposited in the account. Expenditures from the account may be made only for the following purposes:
(1) Payment of the financing contract entered into by the secretary of state for the Washington state library-archives building;
(2) Capital maintenance of the Washington state library-archives building and the specialized regional facility located in eastern Washington designed to serve the archives, records management, and digital data management needs of local government; and
(3) Program operations that serve the public, relate to the collections and exhibits housed in the Washington state library-archives building, or fulfill the missions of the state archives and state library.
Only the secretary of state or the secretary of state's designee may authorize expenditures from the account. An appropriation is not required for expenditures, but the account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW.
[ 2019 c 448 s 7; 2012 2nd sp.s. c 7 s 917; 2011 1st sp.s. c 50 s 940; 2007 c 523 s 4.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2019 c 448: See note following RCW 43.07.405.
Effective date—2012 2nd sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 2.68.020.
Effective dates—2011 1st sp.s. c 50: See note following RCW 15.76.115.
Contingency—2007 c 523: See note following RCW 43.07.128.

catchline: Washington state library operations account.


title: RCW 43.07.130

text:
There is created within the state treasury a revolving fund, to be known as the "secretary of state's revolving fund," which must be used by the office of the secretary of state to defray the costs of providing registration and information services authorized by law by the office of the secretary of state, and any other cost of carrying out the functions of the secretary of state under Title 11, 18, 19, 23, 23B, 24, 25, 26, 30A, 30B, 42, 43, or 64 RCW.
The secretary of state is authorized to charge a fee for publications in an amount which will compensate for the costs of printing, reprinting, and distributing such printed matter. Fees recovered by the secretary of state under RCW 43.07.120(2), 19.09.305, 19.09.315, 19.09.440, 23.95.260(1) (a)(ii) and (iii), (b), and (d), or 46.64.040, and such other moneys as are expressly designated for deposit in the secretary of state's revolving fund must be placed in the secretary of state's revolving fund.
During the 2023-2025 and 2025-2027 fiscal biennia, the legislature may direct the treasurer to transfer money from the secretary of state's revolving fund to the state general fund.
[ 2026 c 268 s 918; 2026 c 80 s 9; 2025 c 424 s 1907; 2015 c 176 s 8102; 2010 1st sp.s. c 29 s 7; 2005 c 518 s 924; 1994 c 211 s 1311; 1991 c 72 s 54; 1989 c 307 s 40; 1982 c 35 s 188; 1973 1st ex.s. c 85 s 1; 1971 ex.s. c 122 s 1.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2026 c 80 s 9 and by 2026 c 268 s 918, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Effective date—2026 c 268: See note following RCW 28B.15.210.
Effective date—2025 c 424: See note following RCW 9.46.100.
Effective date—Contingent effective date—2015 c 176: See note following RCW 23.95.100.
Intent—2010 1st sp.s. c 29: See note following RCW 24.06.450.
Effective date—2005 c 518: See note following RCW 28A.600.110.
Effective date—1994 c 211: See note following RCW 18.04.025.
Legislative finding—1989 c 307: See note following RCW 23.86.007.
Application—1989 c 307: See RCW 23.86.900.
Intent—Severability—Effective dates—Application—1982 c 35: See notes following RCW 43.07.160.

catchline: Secretary of state's revolving fund—Publication fees authorized, disposition.


title: RCW 43.07.140

text:
The secretary of state is hereby specifically authorized to print, reprint, and distribute the following materials:
(1) Lists of active corporations;
(2) The provisions of Title 23 RCW;
(3) The provisions of Title 23B RCW;
(4) The provisions of Title 24 RCW;
(5) The provisions of chapter 25.10 RCW;
(6) The provisions of Title 29A RCW;
(7) The provisions of chapter 18.100 RCW;
(8) The provisions of chapter 19.77 RCW;
(9) The provisions of chapter 43.07 RCW;
(10) The provisions of the Washington state Constitution;
(11) The provisions of chapters 40.14, 40.16, and 40.20 RCW, and any statutes, rules, schedules, indexes, guides, descriptions, or other materials related to the public records of state or local government or to the state archives; and
(12) Rules and informational publications related to the statutory provisions set forth above.
[ 2015 c 53 s 70; 1991 c 72 s 55; 1982 c 35 s 189; 1973 1st ex.s. c 85 s 2.]
Notes:
Intent—Severability—Effective dates—Application—1982 c 35: See notes following RCW 43.07.160.

catchline: Materials specifically authorized to be printed and distributed.


title: RCW 43.07.150

text:
All powers, duties, and functions vested by law in the secretary of state relating to the Uniform Commercial Code are transferred to the department of licensing.
[ 1979 c 158 s 92; 1977 ex.s. c 117 s 1.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 117: "If any provision of this 1977 amendatory act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1977 ex.s. c 117 s 13.]
Effective date—1977 ex.s. c 117: "This 1977 amendatory act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1977." [ 1977 ex.s. c 117 s 14.]

catchline: Uniform commercial code powers, duties, and functions transferred to department of licensing.


title: RCW 43.07.160

text:
The secretary of state may appoint authenticating officers and delegate to the authenticating officers power to sign for the secretary of state any document which, to have legal effect, requires the secretary of state's signature and which is of a class which the secretary of state has authorized for signature by the authenticating officers in a writing on file in the secretary of state's office. Authenticating officers shall sign in the following manner: ". . . . . ., Authenticating Officer for the Secretary of State . . . . . ."
The secretary of state may also delegate to the authenticating officers power to use the secretary of state's facsimile signature for signing any document which, to have legal effect, requires the secretary of state's signature and is of a class with respect to which the secretary of state has authorized use of his or her facsimile signature by a writing filed in the secretary of state's office. As used in this section, "facsimile signature" includes, but is not limited to, the reproduction of any authorized signature by a copper plate, a rubber stamp, or by a photographic, photostatic, or mechanical device.
The secretary of state shall effect the appointment and delegation by placing on file in the secretary of state's office in a single document the names of all persons appointed as authenticating officers and each officer's signature, a list of the classes of documents each authenticating officer is authorized to sign for the secretary of state, a copy of the secretary of state's facsimile signature, and a list of the classes of documents which each authenticating officer may sign for the secretary of state by affixing the secretary of state's facsimile signature. The secretary of state may revoke the appointment or delegation or powers by placing on file in the secretary of state's office a new single document which expressly revokes the authenticating officers and the powers delegated to them. The secretary of state shall record and index documents filed by him or her under this section, and the documents shall be open for public inspection.
The authorized signature of an authenticating officer or an authorized facsimile signature of the secretary of state shall have the same legal effect and validity as the genuine manual signature of the secretary of state.
[ 1982 c 35 s 2.]
Notes:
Intent—1982 c 35: "The legislature finds that the secretary of state's office, particularly the corporations division, performs a valuable public service for the business and nonprofit corporate community, and for the state of Washington. The legislature further finds that numerous filing and other requirements of the laws relating to the secretary of state's responsibilities have not been recently updated, thereby causing problems and delays for the corporate community as well as the secretary of state's office.
To provide better service to the corporate community in this state, and to permit the secretary of state to make efficient use of state resources and improve collection of state revenues, statutory changes are necessary. It is the intent of the legislature to provide for the modernization and updating of the corporate laws and other miscellaneous filing statutes and to give the secretary of state the appropriate authority the secretary of state needs to implement the modernization and streamlining effort." [ 1982 c 35 s 1.]
Severability—1982 c 35: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1982 c 35 s 202.]
Effective dates—Application—1982 c 35: "(1) Except as provided under subsection (3) of this section, this act shall take effect July 1, 1982.
(2) Sections 6, 14, 47, 72, 75(2), 76(4), 80, 81, 97, 101, 120, 121(4), 124, 169, and 171(4) shall be construed and apply only to actions taken or documents filed after that date.
(3) Sections 39, 45, 46, 52, 61, 63, and 201 of this act shall take effect January 1, 1983." [ 1982 c 35 s 203.]

catchline: Authenticating officers—Appointment authorized—Use of facsimile signature.


title: RCW 43.07.170

text:
(1) If the secretary of state determines that the public interest and the purpose of the filing and registration statutes administered by the secretary of state would be best served by a filing system utilizing microfilm, microfiche, methods of reduced-format document recording, or electronic or online filing, the secretary of state may, by rule adopted under chapter 34.05 RCW, establish such a filing system.
(2) In connection with a reduced-format filing system, the secretary of state may eliminate any requirement for a duplicate original filing copy, and may establish reasonable requirements concerning paper size, print legibility, and quality for photo-reproduction processes as may be necessary to ensure utility and readability of any reduced-format filing system.
(3) In connection with an electronic or online filing system, the secretary of state may eliminate any requirement for a duplicate original filing copy and may establish reasonable requirements for electronic filing, including but not limited to signature technology, file format and type, delivery, types of filing that may be completed electronically, and methods for the return of filed documents.
[ 2002 c 74 s 20; 1982 c 35 s 191.]
Notes:
Captions not law—2002 c 74: See note following RCW 19.09.020.
Intent—Severability—Effective dates—Application—1982 c 35: See notes following RCW 43.07.160.

catchline: Establishment of a corporate filing system using other methods authorized.


title: RCW 43.07.173

text:
(1) The secretary of state may accept and file in the secretary's office electronic transmissions of any documents authorized or required to be filed pursuant to Title 23, 23B, 24, or 25 RCW or chapter 18.100 RCW. The acceptance by the secretary of state is conditional upon the document being legible and otherwise satisfying the requirements of state law or rules with respect to form and content, including those established under RCW 43.07.170. If the document must be signed, that requirement may be satisfied by an electronic signature.
(2) If a fee is required for filing the document, the secretary may reject the document for filing if the fee is not received before, or at the time of, receipt.
[ 2019 c 132 s 4; 2016 c 202 s 61; 1998 c 38 s 1.]

catchline: Electronic transmissions—Acceptance and filing by the secretary of state.


title: RCW 43.07.175

text:
The secretary of state shall deliver to the office of the insurance commissioner copies of corporate documents filed with the secretary of state by health care service contractors and health maintenance organizations that have been provided for the insurance commissioner under RCW 48.44.013 and 48.46.012.
[ 1998 c 23 s 18.]

catchline: Copies of certain filed documents to insurance commissioner.


title: RCW 43.07.180

text:
The secretary of state may, by rule adopted under chapter 34.05 RCW, adopt and implement a system of renewals for annual corporate licenses or filings in which the renewal dates are staggered throughout the year.
To facilitate the implementation of the staggered system, the secretary of state may extend the duration of corporate licensing periods or report filing periods and may impose and collect such additional proportional fees as may be required on account of the extended periods.
[ 1982 c 35 s 192.]
Notes:
Intent—Severability—Effective dates—Application—1982 c 35: See notes following RCW 43.07.160.

catchline: Staggered corporate license renewal system authorized.


title: RCW 43.07.190

text:
Where the secretary of state determines that a summary face sheet or cover sheet would expedite review of any documents made under Title 23B RCW, or chapter 18.100, 23.86, 23.90, 24.03A, 24.06, 24.12, 24.20, 24.24, 24.36, 25.10, or 25.15 RCW, the secretary of state may require the use of a summary face sheet or cover sheet that accurately reflects the contents of the attached document. The secretary of state may, by rule adopted under chapter 34.05 RCW, specify the required contents of any summary face sheet and the type of document or documents in which the summary face sheet will be required, in addition to any other filing requirements which may be applicable.
[ 2021 c 176 s 5221; 2016 c 202 s 62; 1991 c 72 s 56; 1989 c 307 s 41; 1982 c 35 s 193.]
Notes:
Effective date—2021 c 176: See note following RCW 24.03A.005.
Legislative finding—1989 c 307: See note following RCW 23.86.007.
Application—1989 c 307: See RCW 23.86.900.
Intent—Severability—Effective dates—Application—1982 c 35: See notes following RCW 43.07.160.

catchline: Use of a summary face sheet or cover sheet with the filing of certain documents authorized.


title: RCW 43.07.200

text:
The secretary of state and the director of revenue may enter into agreements designating the department of revenue as the secretary of state's agent for issuing all or a portion of the legal entity renewals within the jurisdiction of the secretary of state.
[ 2011 c 298 s 24; 1982 c 182 s 12.]
Notes:
Purpose—Intent—Agency transfer—Contracting—Effective date—2011 c 298: See notes following RCW 19.02.020.
Business licensing service act: Chapter 19.02 RCW.
Certain business or professional activity licenses exempt: RCW 19.02.800.

catchline: Department of revenue as secretary of state's agent for legal entity renewals.


title: RCW 43.07.210

text:
Any person who files a false statement, which he or she knows to be false, in the articles of incorporation or in any other materials required to be filed with the secretary of state shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW.
[ 1984 c 75 s 25.]

catchline: Filing false statements—Penalty.


title: RCW 43.07.300

text:
The secretary of state shall establish a division of elections within the office of the secretary of state and under the secretary's supervision. The division shall be under the immediate supervision of a director of elections who shall be appointed by the secretary of state and serve at the secretary's pleasure.
[ 1992 c 163 s 1.]

catchline: Division of elections—Director.


title: RCW 43.07.310

text:
The secretary of state, through the division of elections, is responsible for the following duties, as prescribed by Title 29A RCW:
(1) The filing, verification of signatures, and certification of state initiative, referendum, and recall petitions;
(2) The production and distribution of a state voters' pamphlet;
(3) The examination, testing, and certification of voting equipment, voting devices, and vote tallying systems;
(4) The administration, canvassing, and certification of the presidential primary, state primaries, and state general elections;
(5) The administration of motor voter and other voter registration and voter outreach programs;
(6) The training, testing, and certification of state and local elections personnel as established in RCW 29A.04.530;
(7) The conduct of reviews as established in RCW 29A.04.570; and
(8) Other duties that may be prescribed by the legislature.
[ 2009 c 415 s 11; 2003 c 111 s 2303; 1992 c 163 s 2.]

catchline: Division of elections—Duties.


title: RCW 43.07.350

text:
The secretary of state, in consultation with the *department of trade, the department of agriculture, economic development consultants, the consular corps, and other international trade organizations, shall develop a Washington state citizens' exchange program that will initiate and promote:
(1) Citizen exchanges between Washington state agricultural, technical, and educational groups and organizations with their counterparts in targeted foreign countries.
(2) Expanded educational and training exchanges between Washington state individuals and organizations with similar groups in targeted foreign countries.
(3) Programs to extend Washington state expertise to targeted foreign countries to help promote better health and technical assistance in agriculture, water resources, hydroelectric power, forestry management, education, and other areas.
(4) Efforts where a special emphasis is placed on utilizing Washington state's rich human resources who are retired from public and private life and have the time to assist in this program.
(5) People-to-people programs that may result in increased tourism, business relationships, and trade from targeted foreign nations to the Pacific Northwest.
[ 1993 c 113 s 1.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: The department of trade and economic development was the correct name for this department. The name of the department is now the department of community, trade, and economic development, pursuant to 1993 c 280. The "department of community, trade, and economic development" was renamed the "department of commerce" by 2009 c 565.

catchline: Citizens' exchange program.


title: RCW 43.07.363

text:
(1) The secretary of state shall administer and conduct a program to record and document oral histories of current and former members and staff of the Washington state executive and judicial branches, the state's congressional delegation, and other citizens who have participated in the political history of Washington state. The program shall be called the Washington state legacy project. The secretary of state may contract with independent oral historians or history departments of the state universities to interview and record oral histories. The manuscripts and publications shall be made available for research and reference through the state archives. The transcripts, together with current and historical photographs, may be published for distribution to libraries and the general public, and be posted on the secretary of state's website.
(2) The Washington state legacy project may act as a principal repository for oral histories related to community, family, and other various projects.
(3) The oral history of a person who occupied positions, or was staff to a person who occupied positions, in more than one branch of government shall be conducted by the entity authorized to conduct oral histories of persons in the position last held by the person who is the subject of the oral history. However, the person being interviewed may select the entity he or she wishes to prepare his or her oral history.
(4) The secretary of state may create a Washington state legacy project advisory council to provide advice and guidance on matters pertaining to operating the legacy project. The secretary of state may not compensate members of the legacy project advisory council but may provide reimbursement to members for expenses that are incurred in the conduct of their official duties.
[ 2008 c 222 s 10.]
Notes:
Purpose—2008 c 222: See note following RCW 44.04.320.

catchline: Washington state legacy project—Oral histories—Advisory council.


title: RCW 43.07.365

text:
The secretary of state may fund Washington state legacy project activities through donations as provided in RCW 43.07.037. The activities may include, but not be limited to, conducting interviews, preparing and indexing transcripts, publishing transcripts and photographs, and presenting displays and programs. Donations that do not meet the criteria of the Washington state legacy project may not be accepted. The secretary of state shall adopt rules necessary to implement this section.
[ 2008 c 222 s 11; 2002 c 358 s 3.]
Notes:
Purpose—2008 c 222: See note following RCW 44.04.320.

catchline: Washington state legacy project—Funding—Rules.


title: RCW 43.07.370

text:
(1) The secretary of state may solicit and accept gifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, and devises of real or personal property, or both, in trust or otherwise, and sell, lease, exchange, invest, or expend these donations or the proceeds, rents, profits, and income from the donations except as limited by the donor's terms.
(2) Moneys received under this section may be used only for the following purposes:
(a) Conducting the Washington state legacy project;
(b) Archival activities;
(c) Washington state library activities;
(d) Development, construction, and operation of the Washington state library-archives building; and
(e) Donation of Washington state flags.
(3)(a) Moneys received under subsection (2)(a) through (c) of this section must be deposited in the Washington state legacy project, state library, and archives account established in RCW 43.07.380.
(b) Moneys received under subsection (2)(d) of this section must be deposited in the Washington state library-archives building account created in RCW 43.07.410.
(c) Moneys received under subsection (2)(e) of this section must be deposited in the secretary of state's revolving fund created in RCW 43.07.130.
(4) The secretary of state shall adopt rules to govern and protect the receipt and expenditure of the proceeds.
[ 2025 c 399 s 5; 2019 c 448 s 8; 2009 c 71 s 1; 2008 c 222 s 12; 2007 c 523 s 3; 2003 c 164 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective dates—2025 c 399 ss 1-13, 15, and 17: See note following RCW 72.09.092.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 448: See note following RCW 43.07.405.
Purpose—2008 c 222: See note following RCW 44.04.320.
Contingency—2007 c 523: See note following RCW 43.07.128.

catchline: Washington state legacy project—Gifts, grants, conveyances—Expenditures—Rules.


title: RCW 43.07.380

text:
The Washington state legacy project, state library, and archives account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. All moneys received under RCW 43.07.370 must be deposited in the account. Expenditures from the account may be made only for the purposes of the Washington state legacy project under RCW 43.07.363, archives program under RCW 40.14.020, and the state library program under chapter 27.04 RCW. Only the secretary of state or the secretary of state's designee may authorize expenditures from the account. An appropriation is not required for expenditures, but the account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW.
[ 2008 c 222 s 13; 2003 c 164 s 2.]
Notes:
Purpose—2008 c 222: See note following RCW 44.04.320.

catchline: Washington state legacy project, state library, and archives account.


title: RCW 43.07.390

text:
(1)(a) The secretary of state must adopt rules requiring any entity that is required to file an annual report with the secretary of state, including entities under Titles 23, 23B, 24, and 25 RCW, to disclose: (i) Any transfer of the controlling interest in the entity or an interest that amounts to at least one-third of a controlling interest in the entity; and (ii) the granting of any option to acquire an interest described in (a)(i) of this subsection.
(b) The disclosure requirement in this subsection only applies to entities owning an interest in real property located in this state.
(2) This information must be made available to the department of revenue upon request for the purposes of tracking the transfer of the controlling interest in entities owning real property and to determine when the real estate excise tax is applicable in such cases.
(3) For the purposes of this section, "controlling interest" has the same meaning as provided in RCW 82.45.033.
[ 2019 c 424 s 6; 2010 1st sp.s. c 23 s 213; 2005 c 326 s 2.]
Notes:
Automatic expiration date and tax preference performance statement exemption—Effective date—2019 c 424: See notes following RCW 82.45.060.
Effective date—2010 1st sp.s. c 23: See note following RCW 82.32.655.
Findings—Intent—2010 1st sp.s. c 23: See notes following RCW 82.04.220.

catchline: Real estate excise tax enforcement—Disclosure of transfer of controlling interest, real property.


title: RCW 43.07.400

text:
(1) The state domestic partnership registry is created within the secretary of state's office.
(2)(a) The secretary shall prepare a form entitled "declaration of state registered domestic partnership" to meet the requirements of RCW 26.60.010, 26.60.020, 26.60.030, and 26.60.070.
(b) The "declaration of state registered domestic partnership" form must contain a statement that registration may affect property and inheritance rights, that registration is not a substitute for a will, deed, or partnership agreement, and that any rights conferred by registration may be completely superseded by a will, deed, or other instrument that may be executed by either party. The form must also contain instructions on how the partnership may be terminated.
(3) This form shall be available to the public at the secretary of state's office and on the internet.
(4) The secretary shall adopt rules necessary to implement the administration of the state domestic partnership registry.
[ 2016 c 202 s 63; 2007 c 156 s 3.]


title: RCW 43.07.405

text:
The secretary of state's office shall own and operate the library-archives building. The secretary of state's office is authorized to enter into a long-term land lease from the port of Olympia for a period of up to seventy-five years. To comply with the provisions of this section, this project is exempt from the provisions of RCW 43.82.010.
[ 2019 c 448 s 2.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—2019 c 448: "(1) The legislature finds that the current facilities housing the Washington state archives, Washington state library, Washington state corporations and charities office, and the state elections office is in need of modernization and update. This is due to these vital programs being housed in obsolete and crowded facilities that do not meet modern standards for the functions performed in each.
(2) It is the intent of the secretary of state and the legislature to preserve and protect the state's vital records and collections, provide convenient service to the public, be excellent stewards of state funds, and house staff and collections in a state of the art, energy efficient building owned and operated by the office of the secretary of state. This will be accomplished by constructing a new building funded by a financing contract entered into by the secretary of state pursuant to chapter 39.94 RCW. The principal and interest requirements of the financing contract will be serviced by existing rents, existing fees, and a new fee on documents recorded at county recording offices.
(3) This building, to be known as the library-archives building, will replace the existing state archives, the existing leased library location, the existing leased elections office, and the corporations and charities building on Capitol Way in addition to consolidating other archival structures. The consolidation of facilities will create efficiency under RCW 43.82.010(6) and convenience for customers with the eventual goal of housing all functions of the various divisions of the office of the secretary of state." [ 2019 c 448 s 1.]

catchline: Library-archives building.


title: RCW 43.07.410

text:
The Washington state library-archives building account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. All moneys received under RCW 36.18.010(12), 36.22.175(3), and 43.07.370(3) must be deposited in the account. Except for during the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium, expenditures from the account may be made only for the purposes of payment of the financing contract entered into by the secretary of state for the Washington state library-archives building. During the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium, the secretary of state may spend up to $8,000,000 from the account for costs associated with the design and construction of the state library-archives building and for costs necessary to prepare the building for occupancy. Only the secretary of state or the secretary of state's designee may authorize expenditures from the account. An appropriation is not required for expenditures, but the account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW. During the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, moneys in the account may also be transferred into the state general fund.
[ 2025 c 424 s 945; 2023 c 474 s 8030; 2019 c 448 s 9.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 424: See note following RCW 9.46.100.
Conflict with federal requirements—Effective date—2023 c 474: See notes following RCW 28A.320.330.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 448: See note following RCW 43.07.405.

catchline: Library-archives building account.


title: RCW 43.07.900

text:
(1) All powers, duties, and functions of the secretary of state pertaining to the legislative oral history program are transferred to the secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives. All references to the secretary of state or the office of the secretary of state in the Revised Code of Washington shall be construed to mean the secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives when referring to the functions transferred in this section.
(2)(a) All reports, documents, surveys, books, records, files, papers, or written material in the possession of the secretary of state pertaining to the powers, functions, and duties transferred shall be delivered to the custody of the secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives. All funds, credits, or other assets held in connection with the powers, functions, and duties transferred shall be assigned to the secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives.
(b) Any appropriations made to the secretary of state for carrying out the powers, functions, and duties transferred shall, on June 12, 2008, be transferred and credited to the secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives.
(c) Whenever any question arises as to the transfer of any personnel, funds, books, documents, records, papers, files, equipment, or other tangible property used or held in the exercise of the powers and the performance of the duties and functions transferred, the director of financial management shall make a determination as to the proper allocation and certify the same to the state agencies concerned.
(3) All rules and all pending business before the secretary of state pertaining to the powers, functions, and duties transferred shall be continued and acted upon by the secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives. All existing contracts and obligations shall remain in full force and shall be performed by the secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives.
(4) The transfer of the powers, duties, functions, and personnel of the secretary of state shall not affect the validity of any act performed before June 12, 2008.
(5) If apportionments of budgeted funds are required because of the transfers directed by this section, the director of financial management shall certify the apportionments to the agencies affected, the state auditor, and the state treasurer. Each of these shall make the appropriate transfer and adjustments in funds and appropriation accounts and equipment records in accordance with the certification.
(6) Nothing contained in this section may be construed to alter any existing collective bargaining unit or the provisions of any existing collective bargaining agreement until the agreement has expired or until the bargaining unit has been modified by action of the public employment relations commission as provided by law.
(7) The secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives will determine location and staff reporting for the program.
[ 2008 c 222 s 9.]
Notes:
Purpose—2008 c 222: See note following RCW 44.04.320.

catchline: Transfer of powers, duties, and functions—Legislative oral history program.


title: RCW 43.08.005

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Cancel or cancellation" means to void.
(2) "Redeem or redemption" means to clear or pay.
[ 2018 c 35 s 2.]

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 43.08.010

text:
The state treasurer shall:
(1) Receive and keep all moneys of the state in the manner provided in RCW 43.88.160, as now or hereafter amended;
(2) Disburse the public moneys only upon warrants or checks drawn upon the treasurer in the manner provided by law;
(3) Account for moneys in the manner provided by law;
(4) Render accounts in the manner provided by law;
(5) Indorse on each warrant when required by law, the date of payment, the amount of the principal, and the interest due on that date;
(6) Report annually to the legislature a detailed statement of the condition of the treasury, and of its operations for the preceding fiscal year;
(7) Give information, in writing, to either house of the legislature, whenever required, upon any subject connected with the treasury, or touching any duty of his or her office;
(8) Account for and pay over all moneys on hand to his or her successor in office, and deliver all books, vouchers, and effects of office to him or her, who shall receipt therefor;
(9) Upon payment of any warrant, or check, take upon the back thereof the indorsement of the person to whom it is paid.
[ 2009 c 549 s 5031; 1977 c 75 s 38; 1965 c 8 s 43.08.010. Prior: 1890 p 642 s 1; RRS s 11019; prior: 1886 p 134 s 2; 1871 p 77 s 2; 1864 p 52 s 3; 1854 p 413 s 3.]
Notes:
Budget and accounting system, powers and duties: RCW 43.88.160.

catchline: General duties.


title: RCW 43.08.015

text:
Within the policies and procedures established pursuant to RCW 43.41.110(13) and 43.88.160(1), the state treasurer shall take such actions as are necessary to ensure the effective cash management of public funds. This cash management shall include the authority to represent the state in all contractual relationships with financial institutions. The state treasurer may delegate cash management responsibilities to the affected agencies.
[ 2019 c 147 s 3; 1993 c 500 s 3.]
Notes:
Finding—Severability—Effective date—1993 c 500: See notes following RCW 43.41.180.

catchline: Cash management duties.


title: RCW 43.08.020

text:
The state treasurer shall reside and keep his or her office at the seat of government. Before entering upon his or her duties, he or she shall execute and deliver to the secretary of state a bond to the state in a sum of not less than five hundred thousand dollars, to be approved by the secretary of state and one of the justices of the supreme court, conditioned to pay all moneys at such times as required by law, and for the faithful performance of all duties required of him or her by law. He or she shall take an oath of office, to be indorsed on his or her commission, and file a copy thereof, together with the bond, in the office of the secretary of state.
[ 2009 c 549 s 5032; 1972 ex.s. c 12 s 1. Prior: 1971 c 81 s 108; 1971 c 14 s 1; 1965 c 8 s 43.08.020; prior: 1890 p 642 s 2; RRS s 11022; prior: 1886 p 133 s 1; 1881 p 18 s 1; 1871 p 76 s 1; 1864 p 51 s 2; 1854 p 413 s 2.]

catchline: Residence—Bond—Oath.


title: RCW 43.08.030

text:
The treasurer shall keep a seal of office for the authentication of all papers, writings, and documents required to be certified by him or her.
[ 2009 c 549 s 5033; 1965 c 8 s 43.08.030. Prior: 1890 p 643 s 6; RRS s 11025; prior: 1886 p 135 s 6; 1871 p 78 s 6; 1864 p 53 s 7; 1854 p 414 s 7.]

catchline: Seal.


title: RCW 43.08.040

text:
The treasurer may administer all oaths required by law in matters pertaining to the duties of his or her office.
[ 2009 c 549 s 5034; 1965 c 8 s 43.08.040. Prior: 1890 p 643 s 5; RRS s 11024; prior: 1886 p 135 s 5; 1871 p 78 s 5; 1864 p 53 s 6; 1854 p 414 s 6.]

catchline: Administration of oaths.


title: RCW 43.08.050

text:
All the books, papers, letters, and transactions pertaining to the office of treasurer shall be open for the inspection of a committee of the legislature to examine or settle all accounts, and to count all money; and to the inspection of the public generally during office hours; and when the successor of any treasurer is elected and qualified, the state auditor shall examine and settle all the accounts of the treasurer remaining unsettled, and give him or her a certified statement showing the balance of moneys, securities, and effects for which he or she is accountable, which have been delivered to his or her successor, and report the same to the legislature.
[ 2009 c 549 s 5035; 1965 c 8 s 43.08.050. Prior: 1890 p 643 s 3; RRS s 11023; prior: 1886 p 134 s 3; 1864 p 53 s 4; 1854 p 414 s 4.]
Notes:
Public records, budget and accounting system: RCW 43.88.200.

catchline: Records and accounts—Public inspection.


title: RCW 43.08.060

text:
All persons required by law to pay any moneys into the state treasury, or to transmit any public funds to the state treasurer on state accounts, shall, at the time of making such payments or transmissions specify the amount and date of such payment, and for what particular fund or account.
For all sums of money so paid the state treasurer shall forthwith give duplicate receipts in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the office of financial management as authorized by RCW 43.88.160(1).
[ 1979 c 151 s 89; 1977 c 16 s 1; 1965 c 8 s 43.08.060. Prior: 1890 p 643 s 4; RRS s 5504; prior: 1886 p 134 s 4; 1871 p 78 s 4; 1864 p 53 s 5; 1854 p 414 s 5.]

catchline: Duplicate receipts.


title: RCW 43.08.061

text:
The department of enterprise services is responsible for the printing of all state treasury warrants for distribution as directed by the state treasurer. All warrants redeemed by the state treasurer shall be retained for a period of one year, following their redemption, after which they may be destroyed without regard to the requirements imposed for their destruction by chapter 40.14 RCW.
[ 2011 1st sp.s. c 43 s 305; 1993 c 38 s 1; 1981 c 10 s 1; 1975 c 48 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—Purpose—2011 1st sp.s. c 43: See notes following RCW 43.19.003.
Actions against state on redeemed warrants, time limitation: RCW 4.92.200.

catchline: Warrants—Department of enterprise services—Printing—Retention of redeemed warrants.