WSR 09-15-103

ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE


[ Filed July 15, 2009, 3:05 p.m. ]


NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OPINION

WASHINGTON ATTORNEY GENERAL



     The Washington attorney general issues formal published opinions in response to requests by the heads of state agencies, state legislators, and county prosecuting attorneys. When it appears that individuals outside the attorney general's office have information or expertise that will assist in the preparation of a particular opinion, a summary of that opinion request will be published in the state register. If you are interested in commenting on a request listed in this volume of the register, you should notify the attorney general's office of your interest by August 12, 2009. This is not the due date by which comments must be received. However, if you do not notify the attorney general's office of your interest in commenting on an opinion request by this date, the opinion may be issued before your comments have been received. You may notify the attorney general's office of your intention to comment by calling (360) 664-3027, or by writing to the Office of the Attorney General, Solicitor General Division, Attention James Pharris, Deputy Solicitor General, P.O. Box 40100, Olympia, WA 98504-0100. When you notify the office of your intention to comment, you may be provided with a copy of the opinion request in which you are interested; information about the attorney general's opinion process; information on how to submit your comments; and a due date by which your comments must be received to ensure that they are fully considered. If you are interested in receiving notice of new formal opinion requests via e-mail, you may visit the attorney general's web site at www.atg.wa.gov/AGOOpinions/default.aspx for more information on how to join our opinions ListServ. The attorney general's office seeks public input on the following opinion request(s):


Opinion Docket No. 07-10-09

Request by Niel Gorrell

Chair, Executive Ethics Committee


     1. What is the definition of a charitable or benevolent entity?

     2. Does the term "a charitable or benevolent entity, including but not limited to a person or family in need, as determined by a majority vote of the approved group of employees" under RCW 9.46.0209 mean that the "person or family in need" must be a charitable or benevolent entity, or can it be any person or family the group of employees choose?

     3. If RCW 9.46.0209 means that any group of agency employees may vote to hold a raffle for any person or family in need, can they also include the family, family member or friend of the state employee requesting the raffle?

     4. How can the Ethics Board reconcile the intent of RCW 42.52.070 that prohibits the use of one's state position for special privileges for oneself, family member or other persons, with RCW 9.46.0209 if it is this statute's intent to allow executive branch employees to hold raffles to raise money for their own family and friends?

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