reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.320 - Educational information.

RCW 42.56.320
Educational information.
The following educational information is exempt from disclosure under this chapter:
(1) Financial disclosures filed by private vocational schools under chapters 28B.85 and 28C.10 RCW;
(2) Financial and commercial information supplied by or on behalf of a person, firm, corporation, or entity under chapter 28B.95 RCW relating to the purchase or sale of tuition units and contracts for the purchase of multiple tuition units;
(3) Individually identifiable information received by the workforce training and education coordinating board for research or evaluation purposes;
(4) Except for public records as defined in RCW 40.14.010, any records or documents obtained by a state college, university, library, or archive through or concerning any gift, grant, conveyance, bequest, or devise, the terms of which restrict or regulate public access to those records or documents; and
(5) The annual declaration of intent filed by parents under RCW 28A.200.010 for a child to receive home-based instruction.
[ 2009 c 191 § 1; 2005 c 274 § 412.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.325 - Statewide electronic repository for school meals.

RCW 42.56.325
Statewide electronic repository for school meals.
Household income information received by the office of the superintendent of public instruction, school district employees, or designees of either in accordance with the electronic repository established under RCW 28A.235.285 is exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
[ 2022 c 111 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.335 - Public utility districts and municipally owned electrical utilities—Restrictions on access by law enforcement authorities.

RCW 42.56.335
Public utility districts and municipally owned electrical utilities—Restrictions on access by law enforcement authorities.
A law enforcement authority may not request inspection or copying of records of any person who belongs to a public utility district or a municipally owned electrical utility unless the authority provides the public utility district or municipally owned electrical utility with a written statement in which the authority states that it suspects that the particular person to whom the records pertain has committed a crime and the authority has a reasonable belief that the records could determine or help determine whether the suspicion might be true. Information obtained in violation of this section is inadmissible in any criminal proceeding.
[ 2007 c 197 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.350 - Health professionals.

RCW 42.56.350
Health professionals.
(1) The federal social security number of individuals governed under chapter 18.130 RCW maintained in the files of the department of health is exempt from disclosure under this chapter. The exemption in this section does not apply to requests made directly to the department from federal, state, and local agencies of government, and national and state licensing, credentialing, investigatory, disciplinary, and examination organizations.
(2) The current residential address and current residential telephone number of a health care provider governed under chapter 18.130 RCW maintained in the files of the department are exempt from disclosure under this chapter, if the provider requests that this information be withheld from public inspection and copying, and provides to the department of health an accurate alternate or business address and business telephone number. The current residential address and residential telephone number of a health care provider governed under RCW 18.130.040 maintained in the files of the department of health shall automatically be withheld from public inspection and copying unless the provider specifically requests the information be released, and except as provided for under *RCW 42.56.070(9).
[ 2005 c 274 § 415.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 42.56.070 was amended by 2017 c 304 § 1, changing subsection (9) to subsection (8).
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.355 - Interstate medical licensure compact.

RCW 42.56.355
Interstate medical licensure compact.
(1) Information distributed to any Washington health profession board or commission by an interstate health professions licensure compact or member boards as described in RCW 18.71B.080(6) of the interstate medical licensure compact is exempt from disclosure under this chapter. This exemption does not prohibit the requestor from requesting these documents from the state of origin.
(2) This exemption does not pertain to any records created by Washington health profession boards or commissions from the documents described in subsection (1) of this section. Records created by Washington health profession boards or commissions from the documents described in subsection (1) of this section may be exempt under other sections of this chapter.
[ 2017 c 195 § 25.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.365 - Vital records.

RCW 42.56.365
Vital records.
All or part of any vital records, reports, supporting documentation, vital statistics, data, or information contained therein under chapter 70.58A RCW are not subject to public inspection and copying under this chapter.
[ 2019 c 148 § 39.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Rule-making authority—2019 c 148: See RCW 70.58A.901 and 70.58A.902.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.370 - Client records of domestic violence programs, or community sexual assault programs or services for underserved populations.

RCW 42.56.370
Client records of domestic violence programs, or community sexual assault programs or services for underserved populations.
Client records maintained by an agency that is a domestic violence program as defined in RCW 70.123.020 or 70.123.075 or a community sexual assault program or services for underserved populations as defined in RCW 70.125.030 are exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
[ 2012 c 29 § 13; 2005 c 274 § 417.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.375 - Sexual misconduct—Postsecondary educational institutions—Personal information of witnesses and victims.

RCW 42.56.375
Sexual misconduct—Postsecondary educational institutions—Personal information of witnesses and victims.
(1) For the purposes of RCW 28B.112.040 through 28B.112.080 regarding postsecondary educational institutions, personal identifying information in an employee personnel file, student file, investigation file, settlement agreement, or other files held by a postsecondary educational institution that reveals the identity of witnesses to or victims of sexual misconduct committed at the postsecondary educational institution by an employee of the institution are exempt from public disclosure and copying. If the victim or witness indicates a desire for disclosure of the victim's or witness' personal identifying information, such desire shall govern.
(2) For purposes of this section, "witness" does not mean an employee under investigation for allegations of sexual misconduct.
[ 2020 c 335 § 7.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—2020 c 335: See note following RCW 28B.112.040.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.390 - Emergency or transitional housing.

RCW 42.56.390
Emergency or transitional housing.
Names of individuals residing in emergency or transitional housing that are furnished to the department of revenue or a county assessor in order to substantiate a claim for property tax exemption under RCW 84.36.043 are exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
[ 2005 c 274 § 419.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.395 - Affordable housing occupants and tenants.

RCW 42.56.395
Affordable housing occupants and tenants.
Information obtained by the department of commerce under chapter 43.185A RCW during monitoring activities or contract administration that reveals the name or other personal information of occupants or prospective tenants of affordable housing, or the street address of the residential real property occupied or applied for by tenants or prospective tenants of affordable housing, is exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
[ 2023 c 275 § 11.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.403 - Property and casualty insurance statements of actuarial opinion.

RCW 42.56.403
Property and casualty insurance statements of actuarial opinion.
Documents, materials, and information obtained by the insurance commissioner under RCW 48.05.385(2) are confidential and privileged and not subject to public disclosure under this chapter.
[ 2006 c 25 § 3.]
NOTES:
Short title—2006 c 25 §§ 1-3: See note following RCW 48.05.383.
Effective date—2006 c 25 §§ 1-4: See note following RCW 48.05.383.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.410 - Employment security department records, certain purposes.

RCW 42.56.410
Employment security department records, certain purposes.
The following information related to employment security is exempt from disclosure under this chapter:
(1) Records maintained by the employment security department and subject to chapter 50.13 or 50A.25 RCW if provided to another individual or organization for operational, research, or evaluation purposes are exempt from disclosure under this chapter; and
(2) Any inventory or data map records created under RCW 50.13.120(1)(b) that reveal the location of personal information or the extent to which it is protected.
[ 2019 c 81 § 10; 2019 c 13 § 68; 2005 c 274 § 421.]
NOTES:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2019 c 13 § 68 and by 2019 c 81 § 10, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.422 - Office of cybersecurity—Reports and information.

RCW 42.56.422
Office of cybersecurity—Reports and information.
The reports and information compiled pursuant to RCW 43.105.450 and section 7, chapter 291, Laws of 2021 are confidential and may not be disclosed under this chapter.
[ 2021 c 291 § 8.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.423 - Cybersecurity advisory committee and technology services board security subcommittee.

RCW 42.56.423
Cybersecurity advisory committee and technology services board security subcommittee.
The reports and information, or any portions thereof, that are designated confidential by the cybersecurity advisory committee under RCW 38.52.040(4) and the technology services board security subcommittee under RCW 43.105.291 are confidential and may not be disclosed under this chapter.
[ 2023 c 124 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.425 - Election security.

RCW 42.56.425
Election security.
(1) The following information related to election security is exempt from disclosure under this chapter:
(a) The continuity of operations plan for election operations and any security audits, security risk assessments, or security test results, relating to physical security or cybersecurity of election operations or infrastructure. These records are exempt from disclosure in their entirety;
(b) Those portions of records, manuals, or documentation containing technical details and information regarding election infrastructure, which include the systems, software, and networks that support the election process, the public disclosure of which may increase risk to the integrity of election operations or infrastructure;
(c) Voter signatures on ballot return envelopes, ballot declarations, and signature correction forms, including the original documents, copies, and electronic images; and a voter's phone number and email address contained on ballot return envelopes, ballot declarations, or signature correction forms. The secretary of state, by rule, may authorize in-person inspection of unredacted ballot return envelopes, ballot declarations, and signature correction forms in accordance with RCW 29A.04.260;
(d) Records regarding the infrastructure of a private entity submitted to elections officials are exempt from disclosure for a period of 25 years after the creation of the record when accompanied by an express statement that the record contains information about the private entity's infrastructure and public disclosure may increase risk to the integrity of election operations or infrastructure; and
(e) Voted ballots, voted ballot images, copies of voted ballots, photographs of voted ballots, facsimile images of voted ballots, or cast vote records of voted ballots, starting at the time of ballot return from the voter, during storage per RCW 29A.60.110, and through destruction following any retention period or litigation.
(2) The exemptions specified in subsection (1) of this section do not include information or records pertaining to security breaches, except as prohibited from disclosure under RCW 29A.12.200.
(3) The exemptions specified in subsection (1) of this section do not prohibit an audit authorized or required under Title 29A RCW from being conducted.
(4) Requests for records from or any existing reports generated by the statewide voter registration database established under RCW 29A.08.105 must be submitted to and fulfilled by the secretary of state. If a county elections office receives a request for records from or any existing reports generated by the statewide voter registration database established under RCW 29A.08.105, the county elections office is not required to produce any records in response to the request, but shall, by the deadline set forth in RCW 42.56.520, direct the requestor to submit their request to the secretary of state.
[ 2023 c 404 § 4.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—2023 c 404: See note following RCW 29A.08.105.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.440 - Veterans' discharge papers—Exceptions.

RCW 42.56.440
Veterans' discharge papers—Exceptions.
(1) Discharge papers of a veteran of the armed forces of the United States filed at the office of the county auditor before July 1, 2002, that have not been commingled with other recorded documents are exempt from disclosure under this chapter. These records will be available only to the veteran, the veteran's next of kin, a deceased veteran's properly appointed personal representative or executor, a person holding that veteran's general power of attorney, or to anyone else designated in writing by that veteran to receive the records.
(2) Discharge papers of a veteran of the armed forces of the United States filed at the office of the county auditor before July 1, 2002, that have been commingled with other records are exempt from disclosure under this chapter, if the veteran has recorded a "request for exemption from public disclosure of discharge papers" with the county auditor. If such a request has been recorded, these records may be released only to the veteran filing the papers, the veteran's next of kin, a deceased veteran's properly appointed personal representative or executor, a person holding the veteran's general power of attorney, or anyone else designated in writing by the veteran to receive the records.
(3) Discharge papers of a veteran filed at the office of the county auditor after June 30, 2002, are not public records, but will be available only to the veteran, the veteran's next of kin, a deceased veteran's properly appointed personal representative or executor, a person holding the veteran's general power of attorney, or anyone else designated in writing by the veteran to receive the records.
(4) For the purposes of this section, next of kin of deceased veterans have the same rights to full access to the record. Next of kin are the veteran's widow or widower who has not remarried, son, daughter, father, mother, brother, and sister.
(5) Veteran discharge or separation documents held by the department of veterans affairs are confidential and not subject to disclosure except as provided in RCW 43.60A.290.
[ 2023 c 327 § 6; 2005 c 274 § 424.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.450 - Check cashers and sellers licensing applications.

RCW 42.56.450
Check cashers and sellers licensing applications.
Information in an application for licensing or a small loan endorsement under chapter 31.45 RCW regarding the personal residential address, telephone number of the applicant, or financial statement is exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
[ 2005 c 274 § 425.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.460 - Fireworks and explosives.

RCW 42.56.460
Fireworks and explosives.
(1) All records obtained and all reports produced as required by state fireworks law, chapter 70.77 RCW, are exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
(2) All records obtained and all reports submitted as required by the Washington state explosives act, chapter 70.74 RCW, are exempt from disclosure under this chapter. Nothing in this subsection (2) shall be construed to restrict access to information related to the regulatory duties or actions of any agency.
[ 2019 c 125 § 1; 2005 c 274 § 426.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.470 - Correctional industries workers.

RCW 42.56.470
Correctional industries workers.
All records, documents, data, and other materials obtained under the requirements of RCW 72.09.115 from an existing correctional industries class I work program participant or an applicant for a proposed new or expanded class I correctional industries work program are exempt from public disclosure under this chapter.
[ 2005 c 274 § 427.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.510 - Duty to disclose or withhold information—Otherwise provided.

RCW 42.56.510
Duty to disclose or withhold information—Otherwise provided.
Nothing in RCW 42.56.250 and 42.56.330 shall affect a positive duty of an agency to disclose or a positive duty to withhold information which duty to disclose or withhold is contained in any other law.
[ 2005 c 274 § 287; 1991 c 23 § 11; 1990 c 256 § 2; 1987 c 404 § 3. Formerly RCW 42.17.311.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.530 - Review of agency denial.

RCW 42.56.530
Review of agency denial.
Whenever a state agency concludes that a public record is exempt from disclosure and denies a person opportunity to inspect or copy a public record for that reason, the person may request the attorney general to review the matter. The attorney general shall provide the person with his or her written opinion on whether the record is exempt.
Nothing in this section shall be deemed to establish an attorney-client relationship between the attorney general and a person making a request under this section.
[ 1992 c 139 § 10. Formerly RCW 42.17.325.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.540 - Court protection of public records.

RCW 42.56.540
Court protection of public records.
The examination of any specific public record may be enjoined if, upon motion and affidavit by an agency or its representative or a person who is named in the record or to whom the record specifically pertains, the superior court for the county in which the movant resides or in which the record is maintained, finds that such examination would clearly not be in the public interest and would substantially and irreparably damage any person, or would substantially and irreparably damage vital governmental functions. An agency has the option of notifying persons named in the record or to whom a record specifically pertains, that release of a record has been requested. However, this option does not exist where the agency is required by law to provide such notice.
[ 1992 c 139 § 7; 1975 1st ex.s. c 294 § 19; 1973 c 1 § 33 (Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17.330.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.550 - Judicial review of agency actions.

RCW 42.56.550
Judicial review of agency actions.
(1) Upon the motion of any person having been denied an opportunity to inspect or copy a public record by an agency, the superior court in the county in which a record is maintained may require the responsible agency to show cause why it has refused to allow inspection or copying of a specific public record or class of records. The burden of proof shall be on the agency to establish that refusal to permit public inspection and copying is in accordance with a statute that exempts or prohibits disclosure in whole or in part of specific information or records.
(2) Upon the motion of any person who believes that an agency has not made a reasonable estimate of the time that the agency requires to respond to a public record request or a reasonable estimate of the charges to produce copies of public records, the superior court in the county in which a record is maintained may require the responsible agency to show that the estimate it provided is reasonable. The burden of proof shall be on the agency to show that the estimate it provided is reasonable.
(3) Judicial review of all agency actions taken or challenged under RCW 42.56.030 through 42.56.520 shall be de novo. Courts shall take into account the policy of this chapter that free and open examination of public records is in the public interest, even though such examination may cause inconvenience or embarrassment to public officials or others. Courts may examine any record in camera in any proceeding brought under this section. The court may conduct a hearing based solely on affidavits.
(4) Any person who prevails against an agency in any action in the courts seeking the right to inspect or copy any public record or the right to receive a response to a public record request within a reasonable amount of time shall be awarded all costs, including reasonable attorney fees, incurred in connection with such legal action. In addition, it shall be within the discretion of the court to award such person an amount not to exceed one hundred dollars for each day that he or she was denied the right to inspect or copy said public record.
(5) For actions under this section against counties, the venue provisions of RCW 36.01.050 apply.
(6) Actions under this section must be filed within one year of the agency's claim of exemption or the last production of a record on a partial or installment basis.
[ 2017 c 304 § 5; 2011 c 273 § 1. Prior: 2005 c 483 § 5; 2005 c 274 § 288; 1992 c 139 § 8; 1987 c 403 § 5; 1975 1st ex.s. c 294 § 20; 1973 c 1 § 34 (Initiative Measure No. 276, approved November 7, 1972). Formerly RCW 42.17.340.]
NOTES:
Intent—Severability—1987 c 403: See notes following RCW 42.56.050.
Application of chapter 300, Laws of 2011: See note following RCW 42.56.565.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.556 - Failure to provide recording of school district board of directors meeting.

RCW 42.56.556
Failure to provide recording of school district board of directors meeting. (Effective June 30, 2024.)
The failure to provide a recording of a school district board of directors meeting that is required to be recorded under RCW 42.30.035(2) shall not be a basis for finding that a requester has been denied an opportunity to inspect or copy a public record if the recording, despite the good faith efforts of the school district board of directors to create a recording, is unavailable or unintelligible due to technical issues.
[ 2023 c 67 § 2.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2023 c 67: See note following RCW 42.30.035.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.560 - Application of RCW 42.56.550.

RCW 42.56.560
Application of RCW 42.56.550.
The procedures in RCW 42.56.550 govern denials of an opportunity to inspect or copy a public record by the office of the secretary of the senate or the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives.
[ 2005 c 274 § 289; 1995 c 397 § 16. Formerly RCW 42.17.341.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.570 - Explanatory pamphlet—Advisory model rules—Consultation and training services.

RCW 42.56.570
Explanatory pamphlet—Advisory model rules—Consultation and training services.
(1) The attorney general's office shall publish, and update when appropriate, a pamphlet, written in plain language, explaining this chapter.
(2) The attorney general, by February 1, 2006, shall adopt by rule advisory model rules for state and local agencies, as defined in RCW 42.56.010, addressing the following subjects:
(a) Providing fullest assistance to requestors;
(b) Fulfilling large requests in the most efficient manner;
(c) Fulfilling requests for electronic records; and
(d) Any other issues pertaining to public disclosure as determined by the attorney general.
(3) The attorney general, in his or her discretion, may from time to time revise the model rules.
(4) Local agencies should consult the advisory model rules when establishing local ordinances for compliance with the requirements and responsibilities of this chapter.
(5) The attorney general must establish a consultation program to provide information for developing best practices for local agencies requesting assistance in compliance with this chapter including, but not limited to: Responding to records requests, seeking additional public and private resources for developing and updating technology information services, and mitigating liability and costs of compliance. The attorney general may develop the program in conjunction with the advisory model rule and may collaborate with the chief information officer, the state archivist, and other relevant agencies and organizations in developing and managing the program.
(6) The state archivist must offer and provide consultation and training services for local agencies on improving record retention practices.
[ 2019 c 372 § 2; 2017 c 303 § 4; 2007 c 197 § 8. Prior: 2005 c 483 § 4; 2005 c 274 § 290; 1992 c 139 § 9. Formerly RCW 42.17.348.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.580 - Public records officers.

RCW 42.56.580
Public records officers.
(1) Each state and local agency shall appoint and publicly identify a public records officer whose responsibility is to serve as a point of contact for members of the public in requesting disclosure of public records and to oversee the agency's compliance with the public records disclosure requirements of this chapter. A state or local agency's public records officer may appoint an employee or official of another agency as its public records officer.
(2) For state agencies, the name and contact information of the agency's public records officer to whom members of the public may direct requests for disclosure of public records and who will oversee the agency's compliance with the public records disclosure requirements of this chapter shall be published in the state register at the time of designation and maintained thereafter on the code reviser website for the duration of the designation.
(3) For local agencies, the name and contact information of the agency's public records officer to whom members of the public may direct requests for disclosure of public records and who will oversee the agency's compliance within the public records disclosure requirements of this chapter shall be made in a way reasonably calculated to provide notice to the public, including posting at the local agency's place of business, posting on its internet site, or including in its publications.
[ 2007 c 456 § 6; 2005 c 483 § 3. Formerly RCW 42.17.253.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.592 - Personal information—Covered entities.

RCW 42.56.592
Personal information—Covered entities.
A covered entity under the federal health insurance portability and accountability act of 1996, Title 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1320d et seq., is deemed to have complied with the requirements of this chapter with respect to protected health information if it has complied with section 13402 of the federal health information technology for economic and clinical health act, P.L. 111-5 as it existed on July 24, 2015. Covered entities shall notify the attorney general pursuant to RCW 42.56.590(7) in compliance with the timeliness of notification requirements of section 13402 of the federal health information technology for economic and clinical health act, P.L. 111-5 as it existed on July 24, 2015, notwithstanding the timeline in RCW 42.56.590(7).
[ 2019 c 241 § 6.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2019 c 241: See note following RCW 19.255.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.594 - Personal information—Consumer protection.

RCW 42.56.594
Personal information—Consumer protection.
(1) Any waiver of the provisions of RCW 42.56.590 or 42.56.592 is contrary to public policy, and is void and unenforceable.
(2)(a) Any consumer injured by a violation of RCW 42.56.590 may institute a civil action to recover damages.
(b) Any agency that violates, proposes to violate, or has violated RCW 42.56.590 may be enjoined.
(c) The rights and remedies available under RCW 42.56.590 are cumulative to each other and to any other rights and remedies available under law.
[ 2019 c 241 § 7.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2019 c 241: See note following RCW 19.255.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.600 - Mediation communications.

RCW 42.56.600
Mediation communications.
Records of mediation communications that are privileged under chapter 7.07 RCW are exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
[ 2006 c 209 § 15.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.610 - Certain information from dairies and feedlots limited—Rules.

RCW 42.56.610
Certain information from dairies and feedlots limited—Rules.
The following information in plans, records, and reports obtained by state and local agencies from dairies, animal feeding operations, and concentrated animal feeding operations, not required to apply for a national pollutant discharge elimination system permit is disclosable only in ranges that provide meaningful information to the public while ensuring confidentiality of business information regarding: (1) Number of animals; (2) volume of livestock nutrients generated; (3) number of acres covered by the plan or used for land application of livestock nutrients; (4) livestock nutrients transferred to other persons; and (5) crop yields. The department of agriculture shall adopt rules to implement this section in consultation with affected state and local agencies.
[ 2005 c 510 § 5. Formerly RCW 42.17.31923.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.615 - Enumeration data used by the office of financial management for population estimates.

RCW 42.56.615
Enumeration data used by the office of financial management for population estimates.
Actual enumeration data collected under RCW 35.13.260, 35A.14.700, 36.13.030, and chapter 43.62 RCW shall be used and retained only by the office of financial management and only for the purposes of RCW 35.13.260, 35A.14.700, 36.13.030, and chapter 43.62 RCW. The enumeration data collected is confidential, is exempt from public inspection and copying under this chapter, and in accordance with RCW 43.41.435, must be destroyed after it is used.
[ 2014 c 14 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.620 - Cannabis research licensee reports.

RCW 42.56.620
Cannabis research licensee reports.
Reports submitted by cannabis research licensees in accordance with rules adopted by the state liquor and cannabis board under RCW 69.50.372 that contain proprietary information are exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
[ 2022 c 16 § 29; 2015 2nd sp.s. c 4 § 1504; 2015 c 71 § 4.]
NOTES:
Intent—Finding—2022 c 16: See note following RCW 69.50.101.
Findings—Intent—Effective dates—2015 2nd sp.s. c 4: See notes following RCW 69.50.334.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.625 - Medical cannabis authorization database.

RCW 42.56.625
Medical cannabis authorization database.
Records in the medical cannabis authorization database established in RCW 69.51A.230 containing names and other personally identifiable information of qualifying patients and designated providers are exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
[ 2022 c 16 § 30; 2015 c 70 § 22.]
NOTES:
Intent—Finding—2022 c 16: See note following RCW 69.50.101.
Effective date—2015 c 70 §§ 21, 22, 32, and 33: See note following RCW 69.51A.230.
Short title—Findings—Intent—References to Washington state liquor control board—Draft legislation—2015 c 70: See notes following RCW 66.08.012.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.630 - Registration information of members of cooperatives to produce and process medical cannabis.

RCW 42.56.630
Registration information of members of cooperatives to produce and process medical cannabis.
(1) Registration information submitted to the state liquor and cannabis board under RCW 69.51A.250 including the names of all participating members of a cooperative, copies of each member's recognition card, location of the cooperative, and other information required for registration by the state liquor and cannabis board is exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
(2) The definitions in this section apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(a) "Cooperative" means a cooperative established under RCW 69.51A.250 to produce and process cannabis only for the medical use of members of the cooperative.
(b) "Recognition card" has the same meaning as provided in RCW 69.51A.010.
[ 2022 c 16 § 31; 2015 2nd sp.s. c 4 § 1002.]
NOTES:
Intent—Finding—2022 c 16: See note following RCW 69.50.101.
Findings—Intent—Effective dates—2015 2nd sp.s. c 4: See notes following RCW 69.50.334.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.640 - Vulnerable individuals, in-home caregivers for vulnerable populations.

RCW 42.56.640
Vulnerable individuals, in-home caregivers for vulnerable populations.
(1) Sensitive personal information of vulnerable individuals and sensitive personal information of in-home caregivers for vulnerable populations is exempt from inspection and copying under this chapter.
(2) The following definitions apply to this section:
(a) "In-home caregivers for vulnerable populations" means: (i) Individual providers as defined in RCW 74.39A.240, (ii) home care aides as defined in RCW 18.88B.010, and (iii) family child care providers as defined in RCW 41.56.030.
(b) "Sensitive personal information" means names, addresses, GPS [global positioning system] coordinates, telephone numbers, email addresses, social security numbers, driver's license numbers, or other personally identifying information.
(c) "Vulnerable individual" has the meaning set forth in RCW 9.35.005.
[ 2017 c 4 § 8 (Initiative Measure No. 1501, approved November 8, 2016).]
NOTES:
Intent—2017 c 4 §§ 8, 10, and 11 (Initiative Measure No. 1501): "It is the intent of part three of this act to protect seniors and vulnerable individuals from identity theft and other financial crimes by preventing the release of public records that could be used to victimize them. Sensitive personal information about in-home caregivers for vulnerable populations is protected because its release could facilitate identity crimes against seniors, vulnerable individuals, and other vulnerable populations that these caregivers serve." [ 2017 c 4 § 7 (Initiative Measure No. 1501, approved November 8, 2016).]
Short title—Intent—Construction—2017 c 4 (Initiative Measure No. 1501): See notes following RCW 9.35.005.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.645 - Release of public information—2017 c 4 (Initiative Measure No. 1501).

RCW 42.56.645
Release of public information—2017 c 4 (Initiative Measure No. 1501).
[(1)] Nothing in chapter 4, Laws of 2017 shall prevent the release of public information in the following circumstances:
(a) The information is released to a governmental body, including the state's area agencies on aging, and the recipient agrees to protect the confidentiality of the information;
(b) The information concerns individuals who have been accused of or disciplined for abuse, neglect, exploitation, abandonment, or other acts involving the victimization of individuals or other professional misconduct;
(c) The information is being released as part of a judicial or quasi-judicial proceeding and subject to a court's order protecting the confidentiality of the information and allowing it to be used solely in that proceeding;
(d) The information is being provided to a representative certified or recognized under RCW 41.56.080, or as necessary for the provision of fringe benefits to public employees, and the recipient agrees to protect the confidentiality of the information;
(e) The disclosure is required by federal law;
(f) The disclosure is required by a contract between the state and a third party, and the recipient agrees to protect the confidentiality of the information;
(g) The information is released to a person or entity under contract with the state to manage, administer, or provide services to vulnerable residents, or under contract with the state to engage in research or analysis about state services for vulnerable residents, and the recipient agrees to protect the confidentiality of the information; or
(h) Information about specific public employee(s) is released to a bona fide news organization that requests such information to conduct an investigation into, or report upon, the actions of such specific public employee(s).
(2) Nothing in chapter 4, Laws of 2017 shall prevent an agency from providing contact information for the purposes of RCW 74.39A.056(3) and 74.39A.250. Nothing in chapter 4, Laws of 2017 shall prevent an agency from confirming the licensing or certification status of a caregiver on an individual basis to allow consumers to ensure the licensing or certification status of an individual caregiver.
[ 2017 c 4 § 11 (Initiative Measure No. 1501, approved November 8, 2016).]
NOTES:
Intent—2017 c 4 §§ 8, 10, and 11 (Initiative Measure No. 1501): See note following RCW 42.56.640.
Short title—Intent—Construction—2017 c 4 (Initiative Measure No. 1501): See notes following RCW 9.35.005.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.650 - Health carrier data.

RCW 42.56.650
Health carrier data.
(1) Any data submitted by health carriers to the health benefit exchange for purposes of establishing standardized health plans under RCW 43.71.095 are exempt from disclosure under this chapter. This subsection applies to health carrier data in the custody of the insurance commissioner for purposes of consulting with the health benefit exchange under RCW 43.71.095(1).
(2) Any data submitted by health carriers to the health care authority for purposes of RCW 41.05.410 are exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
[ 2019 c 364 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.655 - Explosives exemption report.

RCW 42.56.655
Explosives exemption report.
By December 1, 2023, the public records exemptions accountability committee, in addition to its duties in RCW 42.56.140, must prepare and submit a report to the legislature that includes recommendations on whether the exemption created in RCW 42.56.460(2) should be continued, modified, or terminated. No recommendations or action from the committee or the legislature will result in the continuation of the exemption created in RCW 42.56.460(2).
[ 2019 c 125 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.665 - Agency employee records—Civil liability.

RCW 42.56.665
Agency employee records—Civil liability.
(1) Any person who requests and obtains a record concerning an agency employee, as described in RCW 42.56.660, is subject to civil liability if he or she uses the record or information in the record to harass, stalk, threaten, or intimidate that agency employee, or provides the record or information in the record to a person, knowing that the person intends to use it to harass, stalk, threaten, or intimidate that agency employee.
(2) Any person liable under subsection (1) of this section may be sued in superior court by any aggrieved party, or in the name of the state by the attorney general or the prosecuting authority of any political subdivision. The court may order an appropriate civil remedy. The plaintiff may recover up to one thousand dollars for each record used in violation of this section, as well as costs and reasonable attorneys' fees.
(3) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Agency" means a state agency, including every state office, department, division, bureau, board, commission, or other state agency.
(b) "Agency employee" means a state agency employee who has made a claim of workplace sexual harassment or stalking with the employing agency, or is named as the victim in the claim.
(c) "Record concerning an agency employee" does not include work product created by the agency employee as part of his or her official duties.
[ 2019 c 373 § 3.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Findings—2019 c 373: See notes following RCW 42.56.660.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.670 - Agency employee records—Model policies.

RCW 42.56.670
Agency employee records—Model policies.
By January 1, 2020, the attorney general, in consultation with state agencies, shall create model policies for the implementation of chapter 373, Laws of 2019.
[ 2019 c 373 § 4.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Findings—2019 c 373: See notes following RCW 42.56.660.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.675 - Agency employee records—Lists of names.

RCW 42.56.675
Agency employee records—Lists of names.
A state agency may not disclose lists of the names of agency employees, as defined under RCW 42.56.660, maintained by the agency in order to administer RCW 42.56.660.
[ 2019 c 373 § 5.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Findings—2019 c 373: See notes following RCW 42.56.660.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.680 - Residential real property information and borrower personal information.

RCW 42.56.680
Residential real property information and borrower personal information.
Information obtained by the department of commerce under RCW 61.24.190 that reveals the name or other personal information of the borrower or the street address of the residential real property on which a notice of default was issued is exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
[ 2021 c 151 § 12.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2021 c 151 §§ 5, 9, 11, and 12: See note following RCW 61.24.135.
Findings—Intent—2021 c 151: See note following RCW 61.24.005.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.690 - Victim and witness notification program.

RCW 42.56.690
Victim and witness notification program.
Information and records related to notification or registration for notification as described in RCW 36.28A.455 are exempt from disclosure under this chapter.
[ 2022 c 82 § 3.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2022 c 82: See note following RCW 72.09.712.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.692 - Victim and witness notification program—Notification enrollment.

RCW 42.56.692
Victim and witness notification program—Notification enrollment.
Information and records prepared, owned, used, or retained by the department of corrections that reveal any notification or request for notification regarding any specific individual, or that reveal the identity, location of, or any information submitted by a person who requests or is invited to enroll for notification under RCW 72.09.712(2) or 72.09.710(1), are exempt from public inspection and copying under this chapter.
[ 2023 c 391 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.900 - Purpose—2005 c 274 §§ 402-429.

RCW 42.56.900
Purpose—2005 c 274 §§ 402-429.
The purpose of sections 402 through 429 of this act is to reorganize the public inspection and copying exemptions in *RCW 42.17.310 through 42.17.31921 by creating smaller, discrete code sections organized by subject matter. The legislature does not intend that this act effectuate any substantive change to any public inspection and copying exemption in the Revised Code of Washington.
[ 2005 c 274 § 401.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: The substance of RCW 42.17.310 through 42.17.31921 was recodified in chapter 42.56 RCW. See the Comparative Table in the Table of Disposition of Former RCW Sections.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.56 - Public Records Act. › 42.56.904 - Intent—2007 c 391.

RCW 42.56.904
Intent—2007 c 391.
It is the intent of the legislature to clarify that no reasonable construction of chapter 42.56 RCW has ever allowed attorney invoices to be withheld in their entirety by any public entity in a request for documents under that chapter. It is further the intent of the legislature that specific descriptions of work performed be redacted only if they would reveal an attorney's mental impressions, actual legal advice, theories, or opinions, or are otherwise exempt under chapter 391, Laws of 2007 or other laws, with the burden upon the public entity to justify each redaction and narrowly construe any exception to full disclosure. The legislature intends to clarify that the public's interest in open, accountable government includes an accounting of any expenditure of public resources, including through liability insurance, upon private legal counsel or private consultants.
[ 2007 c 391 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 42 - Public Officers and Agencies › Chapter 42.60 - Religious Affiliation Nondisclosure. › 42.60.010 - Findings.

RCW 42.60.010
Findings.
The legislature finds and declares the following:
(1) Washington state celebrates the rich cultural heritage and diversity of its residents; and
(2) Freedom of religion and protection from persecution on the basis of religion is one of the founding ideals of the nation.
[ 2018 c 303 § 1.]