by Gregory Williams, Esq. | Under Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) Employment Regulations, what are the rules concerning advice of the commission? Here’s my point of view (NOTE: please read our DISCLAIMER before proceeding).
THE STATUTORY AUTHORITY (RCW)
RCW 49.60.120(3) is the statutory authority enabling the WSHRC to adopt rules concerning advice of the commission. See WAC 162-16-210, WA State Legislature Website (bottom of page body). The statute declares that the WSHRC has “the function[], power[], and dut[y] … [t]o adopt, amend, and rescind suitable rules to carry out the provisions of this chapter, and the policies and practices of the commission in connection therewith.” RCW 49.60.120(3) (hyperlinks added).
ADVICE OF COMMISSION
WAC 162-16-210 is the relevant regulation, and it addresses advice of the commission as follows:
(1) When requested to do so, the commission‘s staff will advise persons on how to meet particular employment needs consistently with the law against discrimination.
(2) Persons may petition the commission for an executive director’s opinion determining whether protected status would be a bona fide occupational qualification in particular circumstances, unless the commission or another public agency with comparable jurisdiction has directed or authorized the action. (Please see WAC 162-04-070 on executive director’s opinions and WAC 162-16-240 on bona fide occupational qualification.)
WAC 162-16-210 (emphasis added) (hyperlinks added).
LEARN MORE
If you would like to learn more, then consider contacting an experienced Washington State Employment Discrimination Attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case. Please note: the information contained in this article is not offered as legal advice and will not form an attorney-client relationship with Law Office of Gregory A. Williams, P.S., Inc.; Williams Law Group, PS; or the author of this article. Please see our DISCLAIMER.
–gw
