Public Records

Chapter 42.56 RCW The Public Records Act defines a public record (42.56.010(3)) as - "Public record" includes any writing containing information relating to the conduct of government or the performance of any governmental or proprietary function prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency regardless of physical form or characteristics. For the office of the secretary of the senate and the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives, public records means legislative records as defined in RCW 40.14.100 and also means the following: All budget and financial records; personnel leave, travel, and payroll records; records of legislative sessions; reports submitted to the legislature; and any other record designated a public record by any official action of the senate or the house of representatives.

This act has impacted agencies heavily due to the publics request for records.  As the act becomes more well known, individual requests have become more detailed and time consuming. LEIRA understands the needs of agency staff members for public records training and offer classes at regional training and provides a track dedicated to public records. 

The Attorney General provides model rules on public disclosure as does Chapter 44-14 WAC model rules.  The Attorney General's office also has a consultation program and many on-line training programs.

Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) has a lot of information to include an electronic version of the Public Records Act in their publication section.  If you haven't visited this site, be sure to do so.