Issue date:
Lobbying under RCW 42.17A.635 (formerly RCW 42.17.190) occurs when the person making the communication to an elected official, or officer or employee of any agency, intends to influence in a material way the adoption or rejection of specific proposed or reasonably anticipated bills, resolutions, motions, amendments, nominations, and other like matters before the state legislature.
The University of Washington's discretionary funds, and returns on those funds, received by the University under RCW 28B.20.130 do not constitute 'public funds' under RCW 42.17A.635(3) and (5).
The gift prohibition contained in RCW 42.17A.635(3) applies when lobbying occurs within a reasonable period of time before or after receipt of the gift. [Declaratory Order No. 15, issued February 26, 2010]