Washington State Attorney General Opinions

Introduction

Washington Attorney General Opinions (AGOs) are official responses stating the position of Washington’s chief legal officer on legal issues concerning the state or its sub-divisions.  They are usually researched and written by Assistant Attorneys General working under the supervision of Senior Assistant Attorneys General.

Only certain individuals and governmental bodies can request Attorney General Opinions, such as the governor, state officers, the Washington State Legislature and its committees (see RCW 43.10.030(5) and (7)).  Inquiries typically ask for an interpretation of a Washington statute, constitutional provision or other matter in which the state has an interest.  Citizens and attorneys in private practice are not authorized to ask the Attorney General for an opinion.