HB 2661 originally sought to create a legislative task force to examine the impacts of frivolous Public Records Act (PRA) requests, identify strategies for deterrence, review approaches other states use to mitigate the issue, and provide recommended solutions. AWC was pleased to have been included in the listed entities that would make up the task force. However, the bill was amended by the House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee to only apply to school districts. The bill was scheduled for a vote on the House floor but failed to advance ahead of the house of origin cutoff.

AWC believes in transparency and accountability in government, as promoted by the PRA. We also understand the strain frivolous PRA requests can put on staff time and budgets for all government entities. We appreciate being included in this timely conversation and will continue to engage on this issue.

Bill creates a Public Records Act modernization task force

January 30, 2026

The Public Records Act (PRA) promotes transparency and accountability in government. However, due to retaliatory and frivolous requests aimed at harassing state and local agencies, the Legislature recognizes the need to deter continued abuse of the request process.

HB 2661, sponsored by Rep. Skyler Rude (R–Walla Walla), seeks to find a solution. The bill creates a legislative task force to examine the impacts of frivolous requests, identify strategies for deterrence, review approaches other states use to mitigate the issue, and provide recommended solutions.

The task force will comprise four legislative advisors and eight voting members, one from each of the following entities:

• Washington State Public Records Officers
• Allied Daily Newspapers of Washington
• Coalition for Open Government
• Association of Washington Cities
• Washington Schools Risk Management Pool
• Washington State Association for Justice
• Washington State Attorney General’s Office
• Washington Association of School Administrators

AWC is pleased to be included in this timely conversation as we understand the strain this type of PRA request can put on staff time and budgets.

The bill is scheduled for a hearing on February 3 but must be voted out of committee ahead of the February 4 policy cutoff deadline for it to continue the legislative process.

Dates to remember

HB 2661 is scheduled for a hearing in the House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee on February 3 at 1:30 pm.