Washington § 50A.25.120 - Obligation to prevent disclosure of information — Misuse or unauthorized disclosure.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 50A.25.120 — Obligation to prevent disclosure of information — Misuse or unauthorized disclosure., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 50A.25.120. Obligation to prevent disclosure of information — Misuse or unauthorized disclosure.

(1) All private persons, government agencies, and organizations authorized to receive information from the department under this chapter have an affirmative obligation to take all reasonable actions necessary to prevent the disclosure of confidential information.
(2) The disclosure of any records or information by a private person, government agency, or organization that obtained the records or information from the department under this chapter is prohibited unless expressly permitted by this chapter.
(3) If misuse or an unauthorized disclosure of confidential records or information occurs, all parties who are aware of the violation must inform the department immediately and must take all reasonably available actions to rectify the disclosure to the department's standards.
(4) The misuse or unauthorized release of records or information deemed private and confidential under this chapter by any private person, government agency, or organization to which access is permitted by this section shall subject the person, government agency, or organization to a civil penalty of up to twenty thousand dollars in 2018 and annually adjusted by the department based on changes in the United States consumer price index for all urban consumers. Other applicable sanctions under state and federal law also apply.
(5) Suit to enforce this section shall be brought by the attorney general and the amount of any penalties collected shall be paid into the department's family and medical leave enforcement account. The attorney general may recover reasonable attorneys' fees for any action brought to enforce this section.
[ 2019 c 13 s 81.]

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

Related Washington Legal Topics

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 50A.25.120

What does Revised Code of Washington § 50A.25.120 cover?

Section 50A.25.120 ("Obligation to prevent disclosure of information — Misuse or unauthorized disclosure.") 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 § 50A.25.120?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 50A.25.120" (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 § 50A.25.120 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.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.