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. The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) established an online system for agencies to submit their data. The deadline for reporting is July 1, 2018.
Under the new law, RCW 40.14.026 (5), each local government 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 various public records metrics. Local governments that spent less than $100,000 must report that:
- They do not meet the threshold; or
- They do not meet the threshold but are voluntarily reporting the public records metrics.
If your city has not yet reported data for 2017, please ensure that a report is submitted by the July 1 deadline. If your city or town does not meet the $100,000 threshold, please confirm this through the reporting system.
Access the reporting system and guidance documents through JLARC's website.
If you have questions, please review the reporting istructions, the FAQ, or email JLARCPublicRecStudy@leg.wa.gov.