Washington Administrative Code Title 44 - Attorney General's Office
Overview
WAC Title 44 governs the rules and procedures related to the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) in Washington State. The Attorney General serves as the chief legal officer of the state, providing legal services to state agencies, officials, and the public. Title 44 contains administrative rules that guide how the AGO operates internally and interacts with other government entities and the public.
1. Purpose of WAC Title 44
The main objectives of this title are to:
Define the organization, responsibilities, and authority of the Attorney General’s Office.
Set rules for legal representation of state agencies and officials.
Establish procedures for handling claims, opinions, and enforcement actions.
Ensure the office operates transparently, efficiently, and in compliance with state law.
2. Key Areas Covered
While WAC Title 44 contains several chapters, the main topics typically include:
Organization and Administration
Structure of the AGO, including divisions and offices.
Duties of the Attorney General and deputies.
Internal administrative rules for office management.
Legal Representation
Guidelines for representing state agencies, boards, commissions, and officials in civil and criminal matters.
Procedures for issuing formal legal opinions.
Rules for conflicts of interest and when the AGO may decline representation.
Claims and Settlements
Handling claims against the state, including tort claims.
Procedures for settlement approvals and reporting.
Guidelines for recovering state funds or damages on behalf of the state.
Public Records and Access
Rules for responding to public records requests under the Public Records Act.
Maintaining records of opinions, cases, and administrative decisions.
Ethics and Professional Conduct
Standards of conduct for AGO attorneys and staff.
Procedures for reporting ethical violations within the office.
Fees and Services
Guidelines for billing state agencies for legal services.
Handling pro bono work and special assignments.
3. Enforcement and Compliance
The AGO enforces state laws and protects the interests of Washington State in courts and administrative proceedings.
WAC Title 44 also sets rules to ensure state officials comply with legal advice provided by the AGO.
4. Practical Importance
Title 44 ensures the AGO operates with clarity and accountability.
It provides a framework for state agencies to interact with the AGO when they need legal guidance or representation.
Helps in maintaining consistency in legal opinions and legal proceedings involving the state.
✅ Summary:
WAC Title 44 is essentially the rulebook for the Attorney General’s Office, detailing its internal operations, legal responsibilities, procedures for representing the state, handling claims, and ensuring ethical and transparent practices. It ensures the AGO serves as an effective legal authority for Washington State.
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