by
<a href="mailto:candiceb@awcnet.org">Candice Bock</a>, <a href="mailto:jacobe@awcnet.org">Jacob Ewing</a> | Jun 05, 2020
On May 29, the Governor issued a revised emergency <a target="_blank" href="https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/proclamations/20-28.4%20-%20COVID-19%20Open%20Govt%20Waivers%20Ext%20%28tmp%29.pdf">proclamation</a> extending waivers and suspensions for the Public Records Act (PRA) and Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) until June 17.
On May 29, the Governor issued a revised emergency proclamation extending waivers and suspensions for the Public Records Act (PRA) and Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) until June 17.
This extension will allow cities to continue remote meetings if they arrange for remote access to the meetings for the public. The new proclamation expands authorized actions if a city council holds a public meeting. Cities are no longer limited to actions that are “necessary and routine” or “necessary to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak and current public health emergency.” Cities can now take “action” or “final action” as defined in the OPMA.
The Attorney General’s Office released updated guidance relating to the new proclamation. We encourage cities to review the new proclamation and guidance with their legal counsel.
It is not apparent if the emergency waivers and suspension will be extended beyond June 17. We encourage cities to start planning now for how they will manage public meetings if the waivers and suspensions are not extended. This MRSC blog post offers suggestions for cities if the waivers and suspensions are not extended.