This page lists selected coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency proclamations issued by Governor Inslee that are relevant to government agencies in Washington State, as well as additional guidance documents from a variety of state agencies.
It is part of MRSC's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources for Local Governments series.
Governor’s Emergency Authority
The governor has the authority to issue emergency proclamations under RCW 43.06.220, which has two distinct components: (1) prohibiting activities and (2) waiving or suspending existing statutes.
The governor has sole authority to issue and extend emergency proclamations under RCW 43.06.220(1), which includes “[s]uch other activities as he or she reasonably believes should be prohibited to help preserve and maintain life, health, property or the public peace.” The “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” Proclamation 20-25 (March 23, 2020), and subsequent extensions and amendments were issued under RCW 43.06.220(1).
A state appeals court, in upholding the governor’s statewide eviction moratorium, noted that this statutory language is “unambiguous” and allows the governor to prohibit any activities the governor reasonably believes is necessary to preserve life, health, property, or the public peace (Gonzales v. Inslee, No. 55915-3-II, Div. II Washington Court of Appeals, February 23, 2022). The Gonzales case did not address the governor’s authority under RCW 43.06.220(2) – discussed below – because the eviction moratorium did not waive or suspend a statute.
The governor also has the authority to issue emergency proclamations under RCW 43.06.220(2), which includes waiving or suspending statutory obligations or limitations. However, these proclamations are limited to 30 days and can only be extended beyond 30 days by concurrent resolution of the legislature, or by the legislative leadership (majority and minority leaders of both houses) if the legislature is not in session. An example of this authority is Proclamation 20-34, which temporarily suspended a portion of an existing state statute requiring local governments to file an annual financial report within 150 days of the close of the fiscal year.
An emergency proclamation issued under both subsections may require action from both the governor and the legislature (or its leadership) to extend all provisions of the proclamation beyond 30 days. If the legislature does not agree, the portion of the declaration issued under RCW 43.06.220(2) expires after 30 days while the portion issued under RCW 43.06.220(1) remains in effect until terminated by the governor.
"Roadmap to Recovery" Order and Phased Re-Opening
- Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery – State's recovery plan
- Safe Start Reopening Guide for State Agencies – Governor Inslee issued a memo to local governments encouraging them to use this guide as a resource when developing their own Safe Start Plans.
- Phase 3 Safe Start Plan Template – Guidance originally issued in summer 2020 to help local government agencies and other entities develop a written safety plan outlining how they will prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. This document was issued under the former “Safe Start” plan, which has since been superseded, but the general health and safety considerations are still helpful. However, make sure to check the state’s current public health guidance.
- Department of Health COVID-19 Resources and Recommendations – Includes information for businesses and workers and resources related to vaccinations, testing/quarantine, contact tracing, face coverings, and more
- Guidance for Non-Health Care Businesses and Organizations During COVID-19 – Information about ongoing prevention responsibilities, orders and directives that remain in place, and how to respond and work with public health in the event of a COVID-19 case or outbreak
- Requirements and Guidance for Schools, Child Care, Early Learning, Youth Development, and Day Camp Programs
- Effective June 30, 2021, most of the state's industry-specific guidance – including Professional Services, Public Transportation, Libraries, and Fairs and Special Events – is no longer in effect. However, the Miscellaneous Venues guidance governing in-person public meeting components is still in effect (see OPMA section below).
- WAC 296-800-14035 – Emergency rule; employers must not allow employees to perform work where a business activity is prohibited by an emergency proclamation and must comply with all conditions for operation required by emergency proclamation, including Safe Start phased reopening requirements for all business and any industry-specific requirements. See rulemaking history.
Economic Impacts
Face Masks, Vaccinations, and Testing
Public Health Data & Resources
Employee Leave, Benefits, and Unemployment
Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA)
Public Records Act (PRA)
Financial Reporting, American Rescue Plan, and CARES Act
Utilities
Gift of Public Funds
Eviction Moratoriums and Tenant Protections
Planning
Information Technology and Telecommuting