Washington Administrative Code
Title 292 - ETHICS IN PUBLIC SERVICE
Executive Branch
Chapter 292-110 - Agency substantive rules
Section 292-110-010 - Use of state resources
Current through Register Vol. 24-06, March 15, 2024
(1) Statement of principles
All state employees and officers are responsible for the proper use of state resources, including funds, facilities, tools, property, and their time. This section does not restrict the use of state resources as described in subsections (2) and (3) of this section.
(2)Permitted uses.
(3) Permitted personal use of state resources. This subsection applies to any use of state resources not included in subsection (2) of this section.
(4) No expectation of privacy. Technologies such as electronic mail, facsimile transmissions, the internet, and voice mail may create an electronic record. This is what separates these from other forms of communication such as a telephone conversation. The ethics rules do not distinguish between the various forms of communication. Electronic records are reproducible and therefore cannot be considered private. Such records may be subject to disclosure under the Public Records Act, or may be disclosed for audit or legitimate state operational or management purposes.
(5) Reimbursement for personal use. In some limited situations, such as officers or employees working at remote locations, an agency may allow reimbursement for limited personal use of state resources by the state employee or officer.
(6) Agency policies Agency policies that are approved by the board qualify for "safe harbor" under WAC 292-120-035. Nothing in this section is intended to limit the ability of an agency to adopt policies that are more restrictive. However, violation of a more restrictive agency policy by itself will not constitute a violation of RCW 42.52.160, even if it would constitute a violation of agency policy.
(7) Advisory opinions and frequently asked questions. The executive ethics board publishes advisory opinions interpreting the Ethics in Public Service Act and/or its rules and provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding the use of state resources that can be found atwww.ethics.wa.gov.
Statutory Authority: RCW 42.52.360(2)(b). 09-16-046, § 292-110-010, filed 7/28/09, effective 8/28/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.52.360(2)(b), 42.52.160(3). 02-07-074, § 292-110-010, filed 3/18/02, effective 4/18/02; 98-08-054, § 292-110-010, filed 3/27/98, effective 4/27/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.52.160(3). 96-01-036, § 292-110-010, filed 12/13/95, effective 1/13/96.