Complaint Opinion 23-02
Date
04/11/2023
Number
2023 - No. 2
Topic
Special Privileges and Use of Public Resources for Personal Gain
Respondent
Sen. Manka Dhingra
Question/Complaint
Have either RCW 42.52.070 or .160 been violated when, in response to a reporter’s request for information, a legislator provides that reporter with data compiled by a person with whom the Complainant disagrees?
Summary
No. The Complainant is not part of the “work environment” as that term has been interpreted by the Board under the harassment provisions of RCW 42.52.070. Providing information that is not confidential to a reporter in response to a request is within the official duties of a legislator and not a violation of RCW 42.52.160.