# RCW 42.52.050: RCW 42.52.050: Confidential information—Improperly concealed records

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T42_C52_S050

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 42.52.050
- **Heading:** RCW 42.52.050: Confidential information—Improperly concealed records
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 42 / Chapter 52 / Section 050

## Text

(1) No state officer or state employee may accept employment or engage in any business or professional activity that the officer or employee might reasonably expect would require or induce him or her to make an unauthorized disclosure of confidential information acquired by the official or employee by reason of the official's or employee's official position. (2) No state officer or state employee may make a disclosure of confidential information gained by reason of the officer's or employee's official position or otherwise use the information for his or her personal gain or benefit or the gain or benefit of another, unless the disclosure has been authorized by statute or by the terms of a contract involving (a) the state officer's or state employee's agency and (b) the person or persons who have authority to waive the confidentiality of the information. (3) No state officer or state employee may disclose confidential information to any person not entitled or authorized to receive the information. (4) No state officer or state employee may intentionally conceal a record if the officer or employee knew the record was required to be released under chapter 42.56 RCW, was under a personal obligation to release the record, and failed to do so. This subsection does not apply where the decision to withhold the record was made in good faith.

## Nearby sections

- [RCW 42.52.010 RCW 42.52.010: Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T42_C52_S010.md)
- [RCW 42.52.020 RCW 42.52.020: Activities incompatible with public duties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T42_C52_S020.md)
- [RCW 42.52.030 RCW 42.52.030: Beneficial interests in transactions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T42_C52_S030.md)
- [RCW 42.52.040 RCW 42.52.040: Assisting in transactions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T42_C52_S040.md)
- [RCW 42.52.050 RCW 42.52.050: Confidential information—Improperly concealed records.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T42_C52_S050.md)
- [RCW 42.52.060 RCW 42.52.060: Testimony of state officers and state employees.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T42_C52_S060.md)
- [RCW 42.52.070 RCW 42.52.070: Special privileges and exemptions—Application of section to legislature.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T42_C52_S070.md)
- [RCW 42.52.080 RCW 42.52.080: Employment after public service.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T42_C52_S080.md)
- [RCW 42.52.090 RCW 42.52.090: Limited assistance by former state officers and employees.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T42_C52_S090.md)
- [RCW 42.52.100 RCW 42.52.100: Conditions on appearance before state agencies or doing business with the state—Hearing—Judicial review.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T42_C52_S100.md)
- [RCW 42.52.110 RCW 42.52.110: Compensation for official duties or nonperformance.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T42_C52_S110.md)
- [RCW 42.52.120 RCW 42.52.120: Compensation for outside activities.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T42_C52_S120.md)
- [RCW 42.52.130 RCW 42.52.130: Honoraria.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T42_C52_S130.md)
- [RCW 42.52.150 RCW 42.52.150: Limitations on gifts.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T42_C52_S150.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T42_C52_S050. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.