Privacy and Accessibility

Privacy Policy

Thank you for visiting the commission's website and reviewing our Privacy and Accessibility Statement. This statement addresses the collection, use, security, and access of information that may be obtained through the use of this site.

When you visit our site, we collect information about your visit, but nothing that identifies you personally. We collect information that personally identifies you only if you voluntarily submit one of our forms to make an online payment, submit a public comment, file a consumer complaint, request public records, or request an Operation Lifesaver presentation. This information is used only for the purpose for which it is collected. This information may become public record, and therefore subject to inspection and copying upon request. You may contact the commission to review and correct any information we may have that identifies you personally.

This policy covers the following topics:

• How your information is collected and used
• Personal information and choice
• Public access to information
• Review and correction of personally identifiable information
• Security
• Disclaimer

How Your Information is Collected and Used

Browsing this site

If you do no more than browse, read pages, or download information, we will gather and store certain information about your visit. This information does not identify you personally. We automatically collect and store the following details about your visit:

• The Internet Protocol Address (IPA) and domain name. The IPA is a number assigned either to your Internet service provider or directly to your computer. This address can be translated to determine the domain name of your service provider (e.g., xcompany.com or yourschool.edu).
• The type of browser and operating system that was used.
• The date and time you visited the site.
• The webpages or services you viewed on the site.
• The website you visited before going to the site.

The information we automatically collect or store is used by the commission only to improve the content on our site and help us understand how people use our services.

If you volunteer information

If you submit an electronic form or survey, send an email, or perform some other transaction online, the following information will also be collected:

• If you connect with us via email, the email address and the content of the email.
• Information volunteered in response to a survey.
• Information volunteered through an online form for any other purpose.

The information collected is not limited to text characters and may include audio, video, and graphic information formats you share with us.

We use your email address to respond directly to you, address issues mentioned in your email, improve our site, or forward to another agency for appropriate action. Survey information is used to improve online services. Information from other online forms is used to gather information from you in support of the agency's work.

Personal Information and Choice

If you provide personal information online

"Personal information" is information that is specific to a person. Personal information includes your name, address, and phone number. The domain name or Internet Protocol (IP) address is not considered personal information.

We do not collect personal information about you unless you voluntarily share it when you send us an email, submit a survey, or complete an online form. You may choose not to contact us by email, complete a survey, or include any personal information in an online form. Your choice not to participate in these activities will not impair your ability to browse, read, or download any information on this site.

If personal information is requested or volunteered by the user, state law and the federal Privacy Act of 1974 may protect it. However, once you provide this information, it becomes public record and may be subject to public inspection and copying, unless it is protected by state or federal law.

If you believe that your information is being used for a purpose other than what was intended when submitted, contact our Records Center.

Children

Users are cautioned that the collection of personal information requested or volunteered by children is treated the same as information given by an adult and is subject to public disclosure. We urge all children to get permission from a parent or guardian before sharing personal information on any website.

Public Access to Information

In Washington, laws exist to ensure open state government and the public's right to access appropriate records and information possessed by the state government. State and federal laws provide exceptions to the public's right to access public records that serve a range of needs, including individual privacy.

If there is a conflict between this Privacy Notice and the Public Records Act or any other law governing the agency's disclosure of records, the Public Records Act or other applicable law will apply.

Review and Correction of Personally Identifiable Information

You can review any personal information we collect about you by contacting the commission. You may suggest changes to any of the information you deem incorrect by email or a written request that credibly shows the error. We will take reasonable steps to verify your identity before granting access or making changes.

Security

The commission has taken several steps to safeguard the integrity of its data and avoid unauthorized access to information. These measures are designed to avoid data corruption, block unknown or unauthorized access to our systems and information, and provide reasonable protection of the private information we have.

Disclaimer

The commission's website has many links to other sites, including those operated by government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private businesses. When you link to another site, you are no longer on the UTC site, and this policy will not apply. When you link to another website, you are subject to the privacy policy of that new site. While we review external sites that our website links to, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and timeliness of the information contained in them. Any person relying on information on a linked website must do so at their own risk.

The commission makes every effort to ensure that documents and information provided on our website are accurate and provided promptly. However, neither the commission nor the State of Washington warrants the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of information published by this system. Consequently, the commission shall not be held liable for any losses caused by reliance on the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of such information. Anyone who relies on any information from this system does so at their own risk.

Accessibility Policy

The UTC is committed to providing the public and Washington State employees, including individuals with disabilities, with access to information technology. Our site is designed to be accessible and usable by people with disabilities in compliance with OCIO Accessibility Policy 188.

Accessibility-related accommodation requests are private and protected by law. If you need accommodations to access information on this site:

• Email Outreach@utc.wa.gov or call 360-664-1116.
• If you are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, or have trouble speaking, dial 1-800-833-6384 or 711 to connect with TTY Relay Services. When the operator asks for a phone number, use 360-664-1160.

Laws and Rules

• Accuracy, Integrity, and Privacy of Records and Information Law - RCW 43.195.365
• Public Documents Law - RCW 42.56.070

Contact Us

• Contact the UTC