Washington Revised Code Title 29B. Campaign Disclosure and Contribution § 29B.60.060. Citizen's action (Effective January 1, 2026)

(1) A person who has reason to believe that a provision of this title is being or has been violated may bring a citizen's action in the name of the state, in accordance with the procedures of this section.

(2) A citizen's action may be brought and prosecuted only if the person first has filed a complaint with the commission and:

(3) To initiate the citizen's action, after meeting the requirements under subsection (2) (a) and (b) of this section, a person must notify the attorney general and the commission that the person will commence a citizen's action within 10 days if the commission does not take action authorized under RCW 29B.60.020(1), or the attorney general does not commence an action or publish a decision whether to commence an action pursuant to RCW 29B.60.040(1)(b). The attorney general and the commission must notify the other of its decision whether to commence an action.

(4) The citizen's action must be commenced within two years after the date when the alleged violation occurred and may not be commenced against a committee or incidental committee before the end of such period if the committee or incidental committee has received an acknowledgment of dissolution.

(5) If the person who brings the citizen's action prevails, the judgment awarded shall escheat to the state, but he or she shall be entitled to be reimbursed by the state for reasonable costs and reasonable attorneys' fees the person incurred. In the case of a citizen's action that is dismissed and that the court also finds was brought without reasonable cause, the court may order the person commencing the action to pay all trial costs and reasonable attorneys' fees incurred by the defendant.