In 1994, the Washington State Legislature enacted the Ethics in Public Service Act (Chapter 42.52 RCW) which strengthened and clarified the ethical standards applying to all state officers and employees. RCW 42.52.370 directs the Commission to enforce Chapter 42.52 RCW and rules adopted under it with respect to state officers and employees of the judicial branch of state government. The substantive provisions of Chapter 42.52 RCW became effective on January 1, 1995. Training and informational materials for judicial branch employees were provided through the Executive Ethics Board.

Under the Ethics in Public Service Act, the Commission considers complaints alleging ethics violations by state employees and officers of the judicial branch. The Commission developed procedural rules under Chapter 292-09 WAC and substantive rules under Chapter 292-11 WAC to implement the provisions of Chapter 42.52 RCW. Complaints concerning judges will be considered exclusively under the state Constitution and Commission on Judicial Conduct Rules of Procedure (CJCRP).

Click here for more info on the Commission's jurisdiction over state employees of the judicial branch.

Please refer to the Executive Ethics Board website for more information.