RCW 42.40 was enacted to encourage State employees to report improper governmental actions to the State Auditor’s Office. “Improper governmental action” means any action by an employee that violates state law, abuses authority, wastes public funds or endangers public health or safety.
Any state employee wishing to report an improper governmental action must notify the State Auditor in writing. The notification should include a description of the improper action, the name of the employee(s) involved, the agency, and any other details necessary to conduct an investigation, including the date and location of the activities in question.
A whistleblower is entitled to protection from reprisal or retaliatory action. If a whistleblower believes that he or she has been the subject of such action, the whistleblower may file a claim with the Washington Human Rights Commission. The commission investigates claims and takes appropriate action.
For further information, contact the State Auditor at https://www.sao.wa.gov/EN/Audits/Whistleblower/Pages/default.aspx. BPPM 10.20 provides further information related to the State Whistleblower Program. Employees may also contact Internal Audit directly, 5-2001.