RCW 4.24.510
Communication to government agency or self-regulatory organization—Immunity from civil liability.
A person who communicates a complaint or information to any branch or agency of federal, state, or local government, or to any self-regulatory organization that regulates persons involved in the securities or futures business and that has been delegated authority by a federal, state, or local government agency and is subject to oversight by the delegating agency, is immune from civil liability for claims based upon the communication to the agency or organization regarding any matter reasonably of concern to that agency or organization. A person prevailing upon the defense provided for in this section is entitled to recover expenses and reasonable attorneys' fees incurred in establishing the defense and in addition shall receive statutory damages of ten thousand dollars. Statutory damages may be denied if the court finds that the complaint or information was communicated in bad faith.
[ 2002 c 232 § 2; 1999 c 54 § 1; 1989 c 234 § 2.]
NOTES:
Intent—2002 c 232: "Strategic lawsuits against public participation, or SLAPP suits, involve communications made to influence a government action or outcome which results in a civil complaint or counterclaim filed against individuals or organizations on a substantive issue of some public interest or social significance. SLAPP suits are designed to intimidate the exercise of First Amendment rights and rights under Article I, section 5 of the Washington state Constitution.
Although Washington state adopted the first modern anti-SLAPP law in 1989, that law has, in practice, failed to set forth clear rules for early dismissal review. Since that time, the United States supreme court has made it clear that, as long as the petitioning is aimed at procuring favorable government action, result, product, or outcome, it is protected and the case should be dismissed. Chapter 232, Laws of 2002 amends Washington law to bring it in line with these court decisions which recognizes that the United States Constitution protects advocacy to government, regardless of content or motive, so long as it is designed to have some effect on government decision making." [ 2002 c 232 § 1.]
Structure Revised Code of Washington
Chapter 4.24 - Special Rights of Action and Special Immunities.
4.24.005 - Tort actions—Attorneys' fees—Determination of reasonableness.
4.24.010 - Action for injury or death of child.
4.24.020 - Action by parent for seduction of child.
4.24.040 - Action for negligently permitting fire to spread.
4.24.050 - Kindling of fires by persons driving lumber.
4.24.060 - Application of common law.
4.24.070 - Recovery of money lost at gambling.
4.24.080 - Action to recover leased premises used for gambling.
4.24.090 - Validity of evidence of gambling debt.
4.24.130 - Action for change of name—Fees.
4.24.140 - Action by another state to enforce tax liability.
4.24.141 - Action by another state to enforce tax liability—"Taxes" defined.
4.24.150 - Action for fines or forfeitures.
4.24.160 - Action for penalty—Amount of recovery.
4.24.170 - Judgment for penalty or forfeiture—Effect of collusion.
4.24.180 - Disposition of fines, fees, penalties and forfeitures—Venue.
4.24.235 - Physicians—Immunity from liability regarding safety belts.
4.24.250 - Health care provider filing charges or presenting evidence—Immunity—Information sharing.
4.24.260 - Health professionals making reports, filing charges, or presenting evidence—Immunity.
4.24.264 - Boards of directors or officers of nonprofit corporations—Liability—Limitations.
4.24.300 - Immunity from liability for certain types of medical care.
4.24.310 - Persons rendering emergency care or transportation—Definitions.
4.24.311 - Immunity from liability for certain care or assistance at scene of emergency or disaster.
4.24.330 - Action for damages caused by criminal street gang tagging and graffiti.
4.24.345 - Unlawfully summoning a law enforcement officer—Civil action.
4.24.410 - Dog handler using dog in line of duty—Immunity.
4.24.450 - Liability of operators for nuclear incidents—Definitions.
4.24.470 - Liability of officials and members of governing body of public agency—Definitions.
4.24.490 - Indemnification of state employees.
4.24.500 - Good faith communication to government agency—Legislative findings—Purpose.
4.24.530 - Limitations on liability for equine activities—Definitions.
4.24.540 - Limitations on liability for equine activities—Exceptions.
4.24.545 - Electronic monitoring or 24/7 sobriety program participation—Limitation on liability.
4.24.550 - Sex offenders and kidnapping offenders—Release of information to public—Website.
4.24.5501 - Sex offenders—Model policy—Work group.
4.24.551 - Law enforcement response to secure community transition facility—Limitation on liability.
4.24.555 - Release of information not restricted by pending appeal, petition, or writ.
4.24.560 - Defense to action for injury caused by indoor air pollutants.
4.24.570 - Acts against animals in research or educational facilities.
4.24.575 - Acts against animals kept for agricultural or veterinary purposes.
4.24.580 - Acts against animal facilities—Injunction.
4.24.590 - Liability of foster parents.
4.24.601 - Hazards to the public—Information—Legislative findings, policy, intent.
4.24.630 - Liability for damage to land and property—Damages—Costs—Attorneys' fees—Exceptions.
4.24.640 - Firearm safety program liability.
4.24.660 - Liability of school districts under contracts with youth programs.
4.24.670 - Liability of volunteers of nonprofit or governmental entities.
4.24.680 - Unlawful release of court and law enforcement employee information—Exception.
4.24.710 - Outdoor music festival, campground—Detention.
4.24.720 - Liability immunity—Amber alerts.
4.24.730 - Liability immunity—Disclosure of employee information to prospective employer.
4.24.740 - Liability immunity—Bovine handling activities.
4.24.790 - Electronic impersonation—Action for invasion of privacy.
4.24.800 - Liability immunity—Charitable donation of eyeglasses or hearing instruments.
4.24.820 - Nonrecognition of foreign order—Incompatibility with public policy.
4.24.830 - Agritourism—Definitions.
4.24.832 - Agritourism—Immunity.
4.24.835 - Agritourism—Warning notice.
4.24.850 - Action by victim of false reporting—Liability to a public agency.
4.24.900 - Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.