Within how many days must a party appeal a penalty issued by the department?

The correct answer is based on Washington State law, which states that a party has 20 days to appeal a penalty issued by the department. This timeframe is designed to ensure that the appeals process is conducted in a timely manner, allowing individuals or entities impacted by a penalty to contest it while ensuring that the department can move forward with enforcement actions as necessary.

In this context, the 20-day period is important as it provides a clear guideline for both parties involved. It establishes a standard expectation of how long an individual has to prepare their case or respond to the department’s action, which is essential for maintaining fairness and order within the regulatory framework. Understanding this timeline is crucial for anyone involved in the regulatory or compliance side in Washington State, as adhering to it could affect the outcome of an appeal.

The other timeframes provided in the options do not align with the established legal process, reflecting either too short or too long a period for the appeals process as defined by state regulations.