WA State Auditor’s Office Whistle Blower Program
The Whistleblower Act provides an avenue for state employees, et al, to report suspected improper governmental action. (e.g. The use of public facilities and equipment/trucks to interfere with the citizens’ 1st Amendment rights?)
Improper governmental action is defined as any action by an employee undertaken in the performance of the employee’s official duties which:
- Is a gross waste of public funds or resources.
- Is in violation of federal or state law or rule, if the violation is not merely technical or of a minimum nature. (e.g. Violations of citizens’ 1st Amendment rights)
- Is of substantial and specific danger to the public health or safety. (e.g. Adage?)
- Is gross mismanagement.
- Prevents dissemination of scientific opinion or alters technical findings.
1st Amendment Violations
State law preserves the confidentiality people who file whistleblower assertions and of people who provide information for whistleblower investigations. It also prohibits retaliation against people who file whistleblower assertions. The Human Rights Commission investigates retaliation cases.
The Whisteblower Act — Chapter 42.40 RCW — was enacted by the Washington State Legislature in 1982 and amended in 1999 and 2008.
2008 Whistle Blower Policy Guidelines
WA State Whistle Blower Reporting Form
