An informal AGO Opinion issued 11/19/1979, signed by Assistant Attorney General Robert E. Mack and addressed to Gary Strong, states:
"RCW 42.17.190 appears to authorize state agencies, which are not otherwise expressly authorized by law to do so, to expend public funds for lobbying activities."
RCW 42.17.190 was recodified by Wash. Sess. Laws 2010 c 204 § 808 as RCW 42.17A.635. RCW 42.17A.635 provides more detail:
“Any agency, not otherwise expressly authorized by law, may expend public funds for lobbying, but such lobbying activity shall be limited to (a) providing information or communicating on matters pertaining to official agency business to any elected official or officer or employee of any agency or (b) advocating the official position or interests of the agency to any elected official or officer or employee of any agency. Public funds may not be expended as a direct or indirect gift or campaign contribution to any elected official or officer or employee of any agency.”