Washington § 42.52.160 - Use of persons, money, or property for private gain.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 42.52.160 — Use of persons, money, or property for private gain., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 42.52.160. Use of persons, money, or property for private gain.

(1) No state officer or state employee may employ or use any person, money, or property under the officer's or employee's official control or direction, or in his or her official custody, for the private benefit or gain of the officer, employee, or another.
(2) This section does not prohibit the use of public resources to benefit others as part of a state officer's or state employee's official duties. It is not a violation of this section for a legislator or employees under the jurisdiction of the legislative ethics board to engage in activities listed under RCW 42.52.822 or 42.52.175.
(3) This section does not prohibit de minimis use of state facilities to provide employees with information about (a) medical, surgical, and hospital care; (b) life insurance or accident and health disability insurance; or (c) individual retirement accounts, by any person, firm, or corporation administering such program as part of authorized payroll deductions pursuant to RCW 41.04.020.
(4) The appropriate ethics boards may adopt rules providing exceptions to this section for occasional use of the state officer or state employee, of de minimis cost and value, if the activity does not result in interference with the proper performance of official duties.
(5) This section does not apply to activities conducted by legislative employees authorized under RCW 44.90.110.
[ 2025 c 377 s 11; 2024 c 333 s 21; 2023 c 91 s 3; 2022 c 37 s 2; 2014 c 28 s 1; 1996 c 213 s 7; 1994 c 154 s 116; 1987 c 426 s 3. Formerly RCW 42.18.217.]

Notes

Effective date—2024 c 333: See note following RCW 44.90.025.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 42.52.160

What does Revised Code of Washington § 42.52.160 cover?

Section 42.52.160 ("Use of persons, money, or property for private gain.") 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 § 42.52.160?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 42.52.160" (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 § 42.52.160 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.

Sources & Verification

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