Source: http://www.dmlp.org/print/1443
Timestamp: 2019-04-19 22:48:00+00:00

Document:
Note: This page covers information specific to Washington. For general information concerning access to government records see the Access to Government Records  section of this guide.
You have a statutory right to inspect a vast number of Washington’s public records using the state's Public Records Act. See chapter 42, section 56 of the Revised Code of Washington , (Wash. Rev. Code). You are not required to tell the agency your purpose for requesting the reocrds, and the agency cannot "distinguish among persons requesting records." Wash. Rev. Code § 42.56.080 .
You are entitled to inspect and copy records of all state and local agencies under the Public Records Act. The term "public agency" is defined broadly and includes every public office, agency, department, division, bureau, board, commission, county, city, town, and municipal corporation. See Wash. Rev. Code § 42.56.010(1) . However, the Public Records law does not apply to the Washington state legislature or to the state courts. Consult Access to Government Meetings in Washington  and Washington State Court Records  for more information on how to access records from those government entities.
You can inspect all "public records" of Washington’s agencies. The term "public record" refers to any writing relating to the conduct of government or the performance of any governmental function that is prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency regardless of physical form. See Wash. Rev. Code § 42.56.010(2) .
If another statute deems a record confidential or exempt from disclosure, then agencies cannot release the records. However, all exemptions listed in the Public Records Act are discretionary, which means that the agency can choose whether or not it wants to disclose the record. For a comprehensive explanation of all exemptions contained in the Act, see the attorney general's Open Government Manual .
Additionally, refer to the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press’ Open Government Guide: Washington  for more information about the exemptions under the state’s Public Records Act.
The Act does not specify that you have to make the request in any particular manner. However, it is always to your advantage to make you request as specific as possible. You may also want to provide a written request for clarity. See Wash. Rev. Code § 42.56.080 . The Student Press Law Center's State Open Records Law Request Letter Generator  can help you create a request letter that complies with Washington law.
Washington agencies are required to promptly reply to requests for records. Within five business days of receiving your request, the agency must respond in one of three ways: (1) by providing the record, (2) by acknowledging your request and providing a reasonable estimate of the additional time the agency will require to comply with the request, or (3) by denying the request. See Wash. Rev. Code § 42.56.520 .
The agency cannot charge you for inspection of records. However, if you would like copies of records, you may be charged a "reasonable" fee. The fee cannot exceed the agency's actual cost of copying the records. In general, the agency may not charge more than $.15 per page. Wash. Rev. Code § 42.56.120 .
Consult the state's Open Government Ombudsman  to help you with your request.
Ask the state's attorney general to review the agency's determination.
File suit in court to enforce compliance.
If you choose the second option, the attorney general will provide her written opinion as to whether or not the record is exempt. See Wash. Rev. Code § 42.56.530 . If you choose the third option, refer to our section on Finding Legal Help  for more information on how to get legal assistance to help you assess the merits of a potential lawsuit against the public agency. Keep in mind that the burden is on the agency to prove that the record is exempt. See Wash. Rev. Code § 42.56.550 .

References: § 42
 § 42
 § 42
 § 42
 § 42
 § 42
 § 42
 § 42