Two of AWC’s top priority bills on public records have been dropped in the House. HB 1594, sponsored by Rep. Joan McBride (D-Kirkland), and HB 1595, sponsored by Rep. Terry Nealey (R-Dayton), are bills developed in an extensive stakeholder process during the interim. Both bills enjoy strong bipartisan support with 38 co-sponsors on HB 1595 and30 co-sponsors for HB 1594. See below for an overview of what each bill proposes to do and click here for an updated public records factsheet.
HB 1595
- Amends the PRA to allow cities to charge a small fee for providing copies of electronic records.
- Creates the ability for cities to deny overwhelming computer generated “bot” requests.
- Prohibits overly broad requests for all of a city’s records.
- Creates a way for cities to apply a service charge to exceptionally complex requests.
HB 1594
- Requires training for records officers to address issues of retention, production and disclosure of electronic records.
- Creates a grant program within the Office of the Secretary of State for local governments to improve their public record management systems.
- Establishes a program within the Office of the Attorney General to consult with local governments on public records best practices.
- Creates a study on the feasibility of establishing a statewide open records portal.
- Provides for mediation between a city and a requestor when there is disagreement on a request.