Legal Topics

This page provides information on legal issues that relate to Washington local governments.

If you have information to share (e.g., ordinances, sample policies, issue papers, etc.) or if you are aware of other websites that we should link to, please contact one of the following MRSC Legal Consultants: Jim Doherty, Pat Mason, Bob Meinig, Pam James , Joe Levan or Paul Sullivan, or call (206) 625-1300.

Courts

• Courts Overview
• City and County Court Services
• Washington Court Decisions - Selected Washington Court Decisions affecting Washington cities, towns, counties, and special districts (1993-current)

General Government

• Annexation
• Appearance of Fairness Doctrine
• Conflicts of Interest
• Eminent Domain
• Cities and Counties That Have Powers of Initiative and Referendum
• City Forms of Government
• County Forms of Government
• Incorporation
• Initiative and Referendum Powers ()
• Knowing Your Roles: Resolving and Preventing Conflicts Between Mayors and Councils (), Municipal Research News, 1993 - Still accurate and relevant
• Local Ordinances for Washington Cities and Counties ()
• Public Hearings: When and How to Hold Them
• Public Law Ethics Primer
• Sale of Surplus City or Town Property
• Sale of Surplus County Property

Open Government

• Open Public Meetings Act
• Public Records Act

Personnel

• Americans with Disabilities Act
• Fair Labor Standards Act
• Family Medical Leave Act
• HIPAA - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
• Holidays, State Legal 2013
• Sexual Harassment
• Whistleblowing

Planning

• Group Homes
• Regulatory Takings
• Shoreline Management
• State Environmental Policy Act
• Subdivisions
• Vested Rights

Regulation

• Adult Entertainment Regulation
• Gambling in Washington State
• Impoundment of Vehicles (Chapter 46.55 RCW)
• Juvenile Curfews
• Medical Marijuana (Cannabis)
• Recreational Marijuana - Initiative 502 Implementation
• Nuisances: Regulation and Abatement
• Telecommunications

Need more information?

Feel free to Ask MRSC. Washington cities, counties, and our contract partners can call or email MRSC for more information and advice - free of charge.

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