The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) has updated their public records data reporting guidance document to better inform state and local governments on reporting requirements under the new law.
In 2017 the Legislature passed ESHB 1594 which directed certain state agencies and local governments to report annually on performance metrics related to public records retention, management, and disclosure. Under the law, a city or town with at least $100,000 in staff and legal costs associated with fulfilling public records requests in the preceding fiscal year is required to report; and local governments that spent less than $100,000 may voluntarily submit reports. You can read the updated reporting guide to determine if your agency meets the $100,000 threshold.
JLARC is developing a web-based reporting system for state and local agencies. The system is expected to be available through the JLARC website starting on May 2. Once the reporting system is available, agencies required to report under the law will have until by July 1 to complete their reporting.