Washington § 42.30.120 - Violations — Personal liability — Civil penalty — Attorneys' fees and costs.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 42.30.120 — Violations — Personal liability — Civil penalty — Attorneys' fees and costs., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 42.30.120. Violations — Personal liability — Civil penalty — Attorneys' fees and costs.

(1) Each member of the governing body who attends a meeting of such governing body where action is taken in violation of any provision of this chapter applicable to him or her, with knowledge of the fact that the meeting is in violation thereof, shall be subject to personal liability in the form of a civil penalty in the amount of five hundred dollars for the first violation.
(2) Each member of the governing body who attends a meeting of a governing body where action is taken in violation of any provision of this chapter applicable to him or her, with knowledge of the fact that the meeting is in violation thereof, and who was previously assessed a penalty under subsection (1) of this section in a final court judgment, shall be subject to personal liability in the form of a civil penalty in the amount of one thousand dollars for any subsequent violation.
(3) The civil penalty shall be assessed by a judge of the superior court and an action to enforce this penalty may be brought by any person. A violation of this chapter does not constitute a crime and assessment of the civil penalty by a judge shall not give rise to any disability or legal disadvantage based on conviction of a criminal offense.
(4) Any person who prevails against a public agency in any action in the courts for a violation of this chapter shall be awarded all costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, incurred in connection with such legal action. Pursuant to RCW 4.84.185, any public agency which prevails in any action in the courts for a violation of this chapter may be awarded reasonable expenses and attorney fees upon final judgment and written findings by the trial judge that the action was frivolous and advanced without reasonable cause.
[ 2016 c 58 s 1; 2012 c 117 s 126; 1985 c 69 s 1; 1973 c 66 s 3; 1971 ex.s. c 250 s 12.]

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 42.30.120

What does Revised Code of Washington § 42.30.120 cover?

Section 42.30.120 ("Violations — Personal liability — Civil penalty — Attorneys' fees and costs.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 42.30.120?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 42.30.120" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 42.30.120 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

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