Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 49.60.230 (2026)

Complaint may be filed with commission

✓ current as of May 2026

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*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 2355-S.SL) ***

(1) Who may file a complaint:

(a) Any person claiming to be aggrieved by an alleged unfair practice may, personally or by his or her attorney, make, sign, and file with the commission a complaint in writing under oath or by declaration. The complaint shall state the name of the person alleged to have committed the unfair practice and the particulars thereof, and contain such other information as may be required by the commission.

(b) Whenever it has reason to believe that any person has been engaged or is engaging in an unfair practice, the commission may issue a complaint.

(c) Any employer or principal whose employees, or agents, or any of them, refuse or threaten to refuse to comply with the provisions of this chapter may file with the commission a written complaint under oath or by declaration asking for assistance by conciliation or other remedial action.

(2) Any complaint filed pursuant to this section must be filed within six months after the alleged act of discrimination, except that complaints alleging an unfair practice related to:

(a) A real estate transaction pursuant to RCW 49.60.222 through 49.60.225 must be filed within one year after the alleged unfair practice in a real estate transaction has occurred or terminated;

(b) Pregnancy discrimination pursuant to RCW 49.60.180 must be filed within one year after the alleged unfair practice; and

[ 2020 c 145 s 1; 2008 c 266 s 7. Prior: 1993 c 510 s 21; 1993 c 69 s 11; 1985 c 185 s 21; 1957 c 37 s 16; 1955 c 270 s 15; prior: 1949 c 183 s 8, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 7614-27, part.]

Notes:

Findings—Intent—2008 c 266: See note following RCW 42.40.020.

Application—2008 c 266: See RCW 42.40.910.

Severability—1993 c 510: See note following RCW 49.60.010.

Severability—1993 c 69: See note following RCW 49.60.030.

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 12 cases (4 in the last 5 years), 1961–2026 · leading case: Washington Water Power Co. v. Washington State Human Rights Comm'n, 586 P.2d 1149 (Wash. 1978).

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Washington Water Power Co. v. Washington State Human Rights Comm'n, 586 P.2d 1149 (Wash. 1978). · cites it 2× “RCW 49.60.230 expressly grants to persons suffering discrimination forbidden by these sections the right to file complaints and RCW 49.”

Adler v. Fred Lind Manor, 103 P.3d 773 (Wash. 2004). “See RCW 49.60.230(2) (complaint filed with the WHRC under the WLAD “must be so filed within six months after the alleged act of discrimination”); 42 U.”

O'Meara v. Washington State Bd. Against Discrimination, 365 P.2d 1 (Wash. 1961). · cites it 4× “The following things were done in the instant case under the modus operandi authorized by the specified sections of the act: The Negroes complained to the board that the respondents refused to sell their home to them (RCW 49.60.230). The board investigated and made a finding in…”

Griffin v. Eller, 922 P.2d 788 (Wash. 1996). “250 (failing conciliation, administrative law judge conducts hearing and determines whether respondent engaged in an "unfair practice”); RCW 49.60.”

Evergreen Sch. Dist. No. 114 v. Human Rights Comm'n, 695 P.2d 999 (Wash. Ct. App. 1985). “RCW 49.60.230, .240, .250. Every other tribunal finding militates against its conclusion of an unfair practice, as we shall demonstrate.”

Adler v. Fred Lind Manor, 103 P.3d 773 (Wash. 2005). “See RCW 49.60.230(2) (complaint filed with the WHRC under the WLAD "must be so filed within six months after the alleged act of discrimination"); 42 U.”

Griffin v. Eller, 922 P.2d 788 (Wash. 1996). “250 (failing conciliation, administrative law judge conducts hearing and determines whether respondent engaged in an "unfair practice"); RCW 49.”

Powell v. King Cnty. (W.D. Wash. 2020). “030 claims must have been filed with the Washington 10 Human Rights Commission within six months of the alleged discrimination, see 11 RCW 49.60.230(2), but Plaintiff has made no showing that she did so, id.”

Carter v. Univ. of Washington Sch. of Dentistry (W.D. Wash. 2021). “215(1); 18 RCW 49.60.230. Because there is a state law prohibiting racial discrimination in places 19 of public accommodation and an agency authorized to grant relief for such conduct, a 20 plaintiff bringing a civil action for a Title II claim of racial discrimination in…”

Carter v. Univ. of Washington Sch. of Dentistry (W.D. Wash. 2021). “215(1); 9 RCW 49.60.230. Because there is a state law prohibiting racial discrimination in places 10 of public accommodation and an agency authorized to grant relief for such conduct, a 11 plaintiff bringing a civil action for a Title II claim of racial discrimination in…”

Carter v. Univ. of Washington Sch. of Dentistry (W.D. Wash. 2022). “215(1); RCW 49.60.230. Because there is a state law prohibiting racial discrimination in 26 27 1 Because Mr.”

Eric W. Allen, V. State Of Washington Dep't Of Labor & Indus. (Wash. Ct. App. 2026). “for the exercise of any employee right under [the MWA] .”

— Wash. Rev. Code § 49.60.230(1)(a) — 1 case

Eric W. Allen, V. State Of Washington Dep't Of Labor & Indus. (Wash. Ct. App. 2026). “for the exercise of any employee right under [the MWA] .”

— Wash. Rev. Code § 49.60.230(2) — 3 cases

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