Court Opinion

ID: 9897965
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-11-14 19:27:25.540493+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:16:06.937182
License: Public Domain

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON

 JOHN DOES 1, 2, 4, 5,
                                                  DIVISION ONE
        Appellants/Cross Respondents,
                                                  No. 83700-1-I
 JANE DOE 1 and JOHN DOE 3,
                                                  PUBLISHED OPINION
                        Plaintiffs,
               v.

 SEATTLE POLICE DEPARTMENT and
 the SEATTLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
 OFFICE OF POLICE
 ACCOUNTABILITY,

                      Respondents,

               and

 SAM SUEOKA,

        Respondent/Cross Appellant,

 JEROME DRESCHER, ANNE BLOCK,
 and CHRISTI LANDES,

                      Respondents.

       DWYER, J. — “There are rights of constitutional stature whose exercise a

State may not condition by the exaction of a price.” Garrity v. State of New

Jersey, 385 U.S. 493, 500, 87 S. Ct. 616, 17 L. Ed. 2d 562 (1967). Among these

are the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment to our federal constitution.

Garrity, 385 U.S. at 500. Police officers “are not relegated to a watered-down

version of [such] rights.” Garrity, 385 U.S. at 500.
No. 83700-1-I/2

       In this Public Records Act litigation, the trial court failed to heed this

pronouncement. Accordingly, we reverse the trial court’s order requiring

disclosure of certain unredacted records. We affirm the ancillary orders of the

trial court and remand the matter for further proceedings.

                                           I

       Soon after the United States Supreme Court pronounced that police

officers are not condemned to a “watered-down version” of core constitutional

rights, the voters of our state passed by popular initiative the predecessor to

Washington’s Public Records Act1 (PRA). See Progressive Animal Welfare

Soc’y v. Univ. of Wash., 125 Wn.2d 243, 250-52, 884 P.2d 592 (1994) (PAWS)

(noting approval of the public disclosure act in November 1972). Thus, since the

day of the enactment of our state’s public records law, police officers in

Washington have been entitled to the same federal constitutional protections as

are all other Washingtonians. It is by adherence to this principle that we decide

this case.

       We are presented today with the question of whether the Seattle Police

Department (SPD) and the City of Seattle (the City) may disclose in investigatory

records the identities of current or former Seattle police officers who were

investigated regarding potential unlawful or unprofessional conduct during the

events of January 6, 2021, in Washington, D.C. John Does 1, 2, 4, and 5 (the

Does) sought judicial declaratory and injunctive relief after being informed that

SPD, their employer, intended to publicly disclose the unredacted investigatory

       1 Ch. 42.56 RCW.

                                           2
No. 83700-1-I/3

records in response to several PRA requests. Investigators have determined

that allegations against the Does of unlawful or unprofessional conduct were “not

sustained.” The Does contend that their identities should thus not be disclosed in

the requested records, which include transcripts of interviews in which they were

compelled to disclose and discuss their political beliefs and affiliations.

       The trial court denied the Does’ motion for a preliminary injunction,

concluding that the exceptions to permitted disclosure set forth in the PRA are

inapplicable. The Does appealed from the trial court’s order. In addition, Sam

Sueoka, a member of the public who filed a records request to obtain copies of

the investigatory records, cross appealed, asserting that the trial court erred by

permitting the Does to proceed pseudonymously in this litigation.

       The United States Supreme Court has recognized a First Amendment

right to privacy that protects against state action compelling disclosure of political

beliefs and associations. Thus, only if the state actor (here, the City)

demonstrates a compelling interest in disclosure, and that interest is sufficiently

related to the disclosure, can the state actor lawfully disclose the Does’ identities

in the investigatory records. Because there is here established no compelling

state interest in disclosing the Does’ identities, the trial court erred by denying the

Does’ motion for a preliminary injunction.

       The trial court properly concluded, however, that the Does should be

permitted to use pseudonyms in litigating this action. Because the Does assert a

First Amendment privacy right, it is federal constitutional law—not state law—that

controls their request to litigate pseudonymously. Pursuant to federal First

                                          3
No. 83700-1-I/4

Amendment open courts jurisprudence, plaintiffs may litigate using pseudonyms

in circumstances wherein the injury sought to be prevented by prevailing in the

lawsuit would necessarily be incurred as a result of the compelled disclosure of

the plaintiffs’ identities, required as a condition of commencing the very lawsuit in

which vindication of the constitutional right is sought. Accordingly, the Does may

remain anonymous in this action.

                                                 II

         The Does are current or former SPD officers2 who attended former

President Donald Trump’s “Stop the Steal” political rally on January 6, 2021 in

Washington, D.C. Upon returning to Washington State, the Does received

complaints from SPD’s Office of Police Accountability (the OPA) alleging that

they might have violated the law or SPD policies during their attendance at the

rally.

         The Does thereafter submitted to OPA interviews in which they were

“ordered to answer all questions asked, truthfully and completely,” and informed

that “failure to do so may result in discipline up to and including termination.” In

addition to inquiring regarding the Does’ whereabouts and activities on January

6, the OPA also inquired regarding their political beliefs and associations,

including whether they attended the rally “to articulate [their] political views,”

whether they were “affiliated with any political groups,” and “[their] impressions

of, and reactions to, the content of the Rally.” Because the Does were under

         2 John Doe 1 resigned from SPD in December 2021 “as a direct result of the pressure”

from the investigation and “public backlash arising” therefrom, as well as his concern “over
retribution” from the incident.

                                                 4
No. 83700-1-I/5

standing orders to do so, they answered these questions “truthfully and as

completely as possible.”

        Sueoka and other members of the public submitted records requests

pursuant to the PRA, chapter 42.56 RCW, seeking disclosure of the investigatory

records pertaining to police officers who participated in the events of January 6,

2021, in our nation’s capital. In response to the records requests, SPD informed

the Does that it intended to disclose both records regarding its ongoing

investigation and the Does’ personnel files.

        On February 23, 2021, the Does filed a complaint for declaratory relief and

preliminary and permanent injunction in the trial court.3 They concurrently filed a

motion for permission to proceed pseudonymously and a motion for a temporary

restraining order (TRO) and order to show cause why the preliminary injunction

should not issue.

        On February 24, 2021, the trial court granted the Does’ motion for a TRO,

enjoining production of the requested records until a show cause hearing was

held. On March 9, 2021, the trial court granted the Does’ motion to proceed

pseudonymously, ruling that the order would “remain in effect at least until the

merits of Plaintiffs’ PRA claims are resolved.”

        Following the show cause hearing, held on March 10, 2021, the trial court

denied the Does’ motion for a preliminary injunction. The Does sought review of

the trial court’s ruling in this court, and review was granted. Sueoka thereafter

       3 The complaint was filed by Jane and John Does, 1 through 6. Jane Doe 1 and John

Doe 3 are not parties in this appeal. While litigation was ongoing in the trial court, the OPA
determined that Jane Doe 1 and John Doe 3 had violated both the law and SPD policies on
January 6, 2021, and their employment by SPD was terminated.

                                                5
No. 83700-1-I/6

moved to transfer the cause to our Supreme Court. Then, on June 28, 2021, the

OPA concluded its investigation. The OPA determined that allegations that the

presently-litigating Does had violated the law or SPD policies or had engaged in

unprofessional conduct were “not sustained.”

        On August 4, 2021, our Supreme Court granted Sueoka’s motion to

transfer the cause to that court. However, following oral argument on November

9, 2021, the court determined that, “in light of changed circumstances,” review of

the preliminary injunction was moot. The court dismissed review of the matter

and remanded the cause to the trial court for further proceedings.

        The trial court proceedings at issue herein then commenced. On January

5, 2022, Sueoka filed a “motion to change the case title and bar the use of

pseudonyms.” On January 12, 2022, the Does filed an additional motion for a

preliminary injunction, again requesting that the trial court redact their identities in

any disclosed records.4

        Following a January 28, 2022 hearing, the trial court again denied the

Does’ motion for a preliminary injunction, ruling that the Does had not “met their

burden of proof that they have a privacy right that falls within an exemption under

the [PRA].” The court additionally concluded that the record contains “insufficient

evidence” that disclosure will cause the Does to “experience a level of

harassment that will result in a chilling effect on their First Amendment rights.”

        4 Jane Doe 1 and John Doe 3 were no longer parties at that point in the litigation.

Accordingly, the motion was filed by the “Represented Doe Plaintiffs,” who are the same
individuals as the Does in this appeal.

                                                 6
No. 83700-1-I/7

The trial court also denied Sueoka’s motion to preclude the Does from

proceeding in pseudonym.

       The Does appeal from the trial court’s order denying their motion for a

preliminary injunction. Sueoka cross appeals, asserting that the trial court erred

by denying his “motion to change the case title and bar the use of pseudonyms.”

Sueoka also requests that we change the case title and bar the use of

pseudonyms in this appeal.

                                          III

       The Does assert that the trial court erred by determining that they were

unlikely to succeed on the merits of their claim that their identities are exempt

from disclosure in the requested records and, accordingly, denying their motion

for a preliminary injunction precluding such disclosure. We agree. The First

Amendment, made applicable to the states though the due process clause of the

Fourteenth Amendment, Gitlow v. New York, 268 U.S. 652, 45 S. Ct. 625, 69 L.

Ed. 1138 (1925), confers a right to privacy in one’s political beliefs and

associations that may be impinged only on the basis of a subordinating state

interest that is compelling.

       Our Supreme Court’s decisional authority, the profusion of legislatively

enacted exceptions to disclosure, and the policy underlying the PRA indicate that

there is no compelling state interest in disclosing to the public the identities of

public employees against whom unsustained allegations of wrongdoing have

been made. Therefore, we hold that the trial court erred by denying the Does’

                                           7
No. 83700-1-I/8

request for a preliminary injunction precluding disclosure of their names and

other identifying information in the requested records.

                                           A

                                           1

       The party seeking an injunction pursuant to the PRA has the burden of

proof. Lyft, Inc. v. City of Seattle, 190 Wn.2d 769, 791, 418 P.3d 102 (2018).

When a party seeks a preliminary injunction or a TRO, “the trial court need not

resolve the merits of the issues.” Seattle Children’s Hosp. v. King County, 16

Wn. App. 2d 365, 373, 483 P.3d 785 (2020). “Instead, the trial court considers

only the likelihood that the moving party ultimately will prevail at a trial on the

merits.” SEIU Healthcare 775NW v. Dep’t of Soc. & Health Servs., 193 Wn. App.

377, 392-93, 377 P.3d 214 (2016).

       We stand in the same position as the trial court when, as here, “the record

consists of only affidavits, memoranda of law, and other documentary evidence,

and where the trial court has not seen or heard testimony requiring it to assess

the witnesses’ credibility or competency.” Bainbridge Island Police Guild v. City

of Puyallup, 172 Wn.2d 398, 407, 259 P.3d 190 (2011). “Whether requested

records are exempt from disclosure presents a legal question that is reviewed de

novo.” Wash. Pub. Emps. Ass’n v. Wash. State Ctr. for Childhood Deafness &

Hearing Loss, 194 Wn.2d 484, 493, 450 P.3d 601 (2019).

                                           2

       “The PRA ensures the sovereignty of the people and the accountability of

the governmental agencies that serve them by providing full access to

                                           8
No. 83700-1-I/9

information concerning the conduct of government.” Predisik v. Spokane Sch.

Dist. No. 81, 182 Wn.2d 896, 903, 346 P.3d 737 (2015). Its basic purpose “is to

provide a mechanism by which the public can be assured that its public officials

are honest and impartial in the conduct of their public offices.” Cowles Publ’g Co.

v. State Patrol, 109 Wn.2d 712, 719, 748 P.2d 597 (1988). To that end, the act

requires state and local agencies to “make available for public inspection and

copying all public records,” unless the record falls within a specific exemption in

the PRA or an “other statute which exempts or prohibits disclosure of specific

information or records.” RCW 42.56.070(1).

       We have interpreted the “other statute” provision to incorporate

exemptions set forth not only in other legislative enactments, but also those

deriving from the state or federal constitutions. Wash. Fed’n of State Emps.,

Council 28 v. State, 22 Wn. App. 2d 392, 511 P.3d 119 (2022), review granted,

200 Wn.2d 1012, 519 P.3d 585 (2022); see also White v. Clark County, 188 Wn.

App. 622, 354 P.3d 38 (2015). Although our Supreme Court has not directly held

that RCW 42.56.070(1)’s “other statute” provision incorporates constitutional

protections against disclosure, the court has acknowledged that such an

argument “has force.” Yakima County v. Yakima Herald-Republic, 170 Wn.2d

775, 808, 246 P.3d 768 (2011) (addressing the argument that provisions of the

United States Constitution qualify as “other statutes”).

       Moreover, the high court has recognized that, even absent legislative

incorporation of constitutional guarantees in the PRA, Washington courts must

nevertheless protect such rights. Seattle Times Co. v. Serko, 170 Wn.2d 581,

                                         9
No. 83700-1-I/10

594-96, 243 P.3d 919 (2010). In the context of fair trial rights, the court

explained that while “[t]here is no specific exemption under the PRA that

mentions the protection of an individual’s constitutional fair trial rights, . . . courts

have an independent obligation to secure such rights.” Seattle Times Co., 170

Wn.2d at 595. Indeed, because “the constitution supersedes contrary statutory

laws, even those enacted by initiative,” “the PRA must give way to constitutional

mandates.” Freedom Found. v. Gregoire, 178 Wn.2d 686, 695, 310 P.3d 1252

(2013).

       In addition to setting forth exemptions to the mandate for disclosure of

public records, the PRA includes an injunction provision stating that disclosure

may be enjoined only when “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.” RCW

42.56.540. Based on this statutory provision, our Supreme Court has held that

“finding an exemption applies under the PRA does not ipso facto support issuing

an injunction.” Lyft, 190 Wn.2d at 786. Rather, for the disclosure of records to

be precluded due to a statutory exemption, the court has held that the PRA’s

standard for injunctive relief must also be met. Morgan v. City of Federal Way,

166 Wn.2d 747, 756-57, 213 P.3d 596 (2009); see also Soter v. Cowles Publ’g

Co., 162 Wn.2d 716, 757, 174 P.3d 60 (2007) (plurality opinion) (“[T]o impose the

injunction contemplated by RCW 42.56.540, the trial court must find that a

specific exemption applies and that disclosure would not be in the public interest

                                           10
No. 83700-1-I/11

and would substantially and irreparably damage a person or a vital government

interest.”).

                                                3

        Our analysis of the issues presented relies on the holdings of our nation’s

highest court establishing that the First Amendment to the United States

Constitution confers a privacy right in an individual’s political beliefs and

associations. Accordingly, we must explore the decisional authority establishing

the contours of that right.

        The United States Supreme Court has recognized “political freedom of the

individual” to be “a fundamental principle of a democratic society.” Sweezy v.

New Hampshire, 354 U.S. 234, 250, 77 S. Ct. 1203, 1 L. Ed. 2d 1311 (1957).

“Our form of government,” the Court explained, “is built on the premise that every

citizen shall have the right to engage in political expression and association,” a

right “enshrined in the First Amendment.” Sweezy, 354 U.S. at 250. Indeed, “[i]n

the political realm . . . thought and action are presumptively immune from

inquisition by political authority.” Sweezy, 354 U.S. at 266.5 Thus, the federal

constitution protects not only the right of individuals to engage in political

expression and association, but also to maintain their privacy in so doing.

        Indeed, the Court has “repeatedly found that compelled disclosure, in

itself, can seriously infringe on privacy of association and belief guaranteed by

         5 See also Gibson v. Florida Legis. Investigation Comm., 372 U.S. 539, 570, 83 S. Ct.

889, 9 L. Ed. 2d 929 (1963) (Douglas, J., concurring) (“‘The First Amendment in its respect for the
conscience of the individual honors the sanctity of thought and belief. To think as one chooses,
to believe what one wishes are important aspects of the constitutional right to be let alone.’”
(quoting Pub. Utils. Comm’n of Dist. of Columbia v. Pollak, 343 U.S. 451, 468, 72 S. Ct. 813, 96
L. Ed. 1068 (1952) (Douglas, J., dissenting))).

                                                11
No. 83700-1-I/12

the First Amendment.” Buckley v. Valeo, 424 U.S. 1, 64, 96 S. Ct. 612, 46 L. Ed.

2d 659 (1976) (citing Gibson v. Florida Legis. Investigation Comm., 372 U.S.

539, 83 S. Ct. 889, 9 L. Ed. 2d 929 (1963); Nat’l Ass’n for Advancement of

Colored People v. Button, 371 U.S. 415, 83 S. Ct. 328, 9 L. Ed. 2d 405 (1963);

Bates v. City of Little Rock, 361 U.S. 516, 80 S. Ct. 412, 4 L. Ed. 2d 480 (1960);

Shelton v. Tucker, 364 U.S. 479, 81 S. Ct. 247, 5 L. Ed. 2d 231 (1960); Nat’l

Ass’n for Advancement of Colored People v. Alabama, 357 U.S. 449, 78 S. Ct.

1163, 2 L. Ed. 2d 1488 (1958) (NAACP)); see also Doe v. Reed, 561 U.S. 186,

232, 130 S. Ct. 2811, 177 L. Ed. 2d 493 (2010) (Thomas, J., dissenting) (“This

Court has long recognized the ‘vital relationship between’ political association

‘and privacy in one’s associations,’ and held that ‘[t]he Constitution protects

against the compelled disclosure of political associations and beliefs.’” (alteration

in original) (citation omitted) (quoting NAACP, 357 U.S. at 462; Brown v. Socialist

Workers ’74 Campaign Comm. (Ohio), 459 U.S. 87, 91, 103 S. Ct. 416, 74 L. Ed.

2d 250 (1982))). Thus, the Court has recognized a “pervasive right of privacy

against government intrusion” that is “implicit in the First Amendment.” Gibson,

372 U.S. at 569-70 (Douglas, J., concurring). This “tradition of anonymity in the

advocacy of political causes . . . is perhaps best exemplified by the secret ballot,

the hard-won right to vote one’s conscience without fear of retaliation.” McIntyre

v. Ohio Elections Comm’n, 514 U.S. 334, 343, 115 S. Ct. 1511, 131 L. Ed. 2d

426 (1995); see also Sweezy, 354 U.S. at 266 (“It cannot require argument that

inquiry would be barred to ascertain whether a citizen had voted for one or the

other of the two major parties either in a state or national election.”).

                                          12
No. 83700-1-I/13

       The Supreme Court’s jurisprudence regarding this constitutional right to

privacy evolved in response to legislative investigations seeking to compel the

disclosure of individuals’ political beliefs. In the 1950s, the Court considered the

constitutional limits of legislatures’ authority to inquire into belief and activity

deemed to be subversive to federal or state governments. Uphaus v. Wyman,

360 U.S. 72, 79 S. Ct. 1040, 3 L. Ed. 2d 1090 (1959); Watkins v. United States,

354 U.S. 178, 77 S. Ct. 1173, 1 L. Ed. 2d 1273 (1957); Sweezy, 354 U.S. 234;

Wieman v. Updegraff, 344 U.S. 183, 73 S. Ct. 215, 97 L. Ed. 216 (1952). This

“new kind of [legislative] inquiry unknown in prior periods of American history . . .

involved a broad-scale intrusion into the lives and affairs of private citizens,”

Watkins, 354 U.S. at 195, thus requiring the Court to ensure that such inquiry did

not “unjustifiably encroach upon an individual’s right to privacy.” Watkins, 354

U.S. at 198-99. In considering this “collision of the investigatory function with

constitutionally protected rights of speech and assembly,” Uphaus, 360 U.S. at

83 (Brennan, J., dissenting), the Court recognized the state interest in “self-

preservation, ‘the ultimate value of any society.’” Uphaus, 360 U.S. at 80

(quoting Dennis v. United States, 341 U.S. 494, 509, 71 S. Ct. 857, 95 L. Ed.

1137 (1951)). However, the Court rejected any notion that exposure itself was a

valid state interest:

              We have no doubt that there is no congressional power to
       expose for the sake of exposure. The public is, of course, entitled
       to be informed concerning the workings of its government. That
       cannot be inflated into a general power to expose where the
       predominant result can only be an invasion of the private rights of
       individuals.

                                           13
No. 83700-1-I/14

Watkins, 354 U.S. at 200 (footnote omitted); see also Uphaus, 360 U.S. at 82

(Brennan, J., dissenting) (recognizing the “investigatory objective” therein to be

“the impermissible one of exposure for exposure’s sake”).

       The Watkins Court recognized the governmental intrusion resulting from

such legislative inquiry, as well as the “disastrous” consequences that may ensue

as a result of compelled disclosure of the individual’s political beliefs.

       The mere summoning of a witness and compelling him to testify,
       against his will, about his beliefs, expressions or associations is a
       measure of governmental interference. And when those forced
       revelations concern matters that are unorthodox, unpopular, or
       even hateful to the general public, the reaction in the life of the
       witness may be disastrous.

354 U.S. at 197; see also Uphaus, 360 U.S. at 84 (Brennan, J., dissenting) (“[I]n

an era of mass communications and mass opinion, and of international tensions

and domestic anxiety, exposure and group identification by the state of those

holding unpopular and dissident views are fraught with such serious

consequences for the individual as inevitably to inhibit seriously the expression of

views which the Constitution intended to make free.”).

       However, it is not only those individuals compelled to disclose their beliefs

who may be impacted. To the contrary, the Court recognized an additional “more

subtle and immeasurable effect upon those who tend to adhere to the most

orthodox and uncontroversial views and associations in order to avoid a similar

fate at some future time.” Watkins, 354 U.S. at 197-98. Moreover, that the injury

was not inflicted solely by government actors did not nullify the constitutional

infirmity; rather, that the “impact [was] partly the result of non-governmental

                                          14
No. 83700-1-I/15

activity by private persons [could not] relieve the investigators of their

responsibility for initiating the reaction.” Watkins, 354 U.S. at 198.

       The Supreme Court further defined this constitutional privacy interest in

response to legislative action seeking to compel the disclosure of organizational

membership. NAACP, 357 U.S. 449; Bates, 361 U.S. 516; Shelton, 364 U.S.

479; Gibson, 372 U.S. 539. In 1958, the Court considered whether Alabama

could, consistent with our federal constitution, compel the NAACP to disclose its

membership list to the Alabama Attorney General. NAACP, 357 U.S. at 451. “It

is beyond debate,” the Court held, “that freedom to engage in association for the

advancement of beliefs and ideas is an inseparable aspect of the ‘liberty’ assured

by the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, which embraces

freedom of speech.” NAACP, 357 U.S. at 460. Although the state itself had

“taken no direct action” in the challenged contempt judgment, the Court

recognized that “abridgement of [First Amendment] rights, even though

unintended, may inevitably follow from varied forms of governmental action.”

NAACP, 357 U.S. at 461. Indeed, “[t]he governmental action challenged may

appear to be totally unrelated to protected liberties.” NAACP, 357 U.S. at 461.

Nevertheless, the Court held, the State could require disclosure of the

membership lists only if there existed a “‘subordinating interest of the State [that

is] compelling.’” NAACP, 357 U.S. at 463 (quoting Sweezy, 354 U.S. at 265);

see also Bates, 361 U.S. at 524 (“Where there is a significant encroachment

upon personal liberty, the State may prevail only upon showing a subordinating

                                          15
No. 83700-1-I/16

interest which is compelling.”). The Court concluded that it discerned no such

state interest. NAACP, 357 U.S. at 464.

       The Court again considered whether the First Amendment, incorporated

through the due process clause, precluded the compelled disclosure of NAACP

membership lists in Bates, 361 U.S. 516. There, the organization asserted the

rights of its “‘members and contributors to participate in the activities of the

NAACP, anonymously, a right which has been recognized as the basic right of

every American citizen since the founding of this country.’” Bates, 361 U.S. at

521. Again, the Court recognized that it was not simply a “heavy-handed frontal

attack” against which First Amendment freedoms are protected, but “also from

being stifled by more subtle governmental interference.” Bates, 361 U.S. at 523.

In concurrence, Justices Black and Douglas recognized that mere exposure by

the government can impinge these constitutional protections. Bates, 361 U.S. at

528 (Black & Douglas, JJ., concurring). “First Amendment rights,” the Justices

recognized, “are beyond abridgement either by legislation that directly restrains

their exercise or by suppression or impairment through harassment, humiliation,

or exposure by government.” Bates, 361 U.S. at 528 (Black & Douglas, JJ.,

concurring) (emphasis added). As in NAACP, the Bates Court discerned no

sufficient state interest to compel the disclosure of the membership lists. 361

U.S. at 525.

       That same year, the Court addressed the constitutionality of an Arkansas

statute requiring public school teachers to disclose, as a condition of

employment, all organizations with which they had been associated in the

                                          16
No. 83700-1-I/17

previous five years. Shelton, 364 U.S. 479. Recognizing the State’s

undoubtedly legitimate interest in investigating the fitness and competency of its

teachers, the Court nevertheless observed that the statute’s “scope of inquiry”

was “completely unlimited.” Shelton, 364 U.S. at 485, 488. Significantly, the

statute would have required “a teacher to reveal the church to which he belongs,

or to which he has given financial support. It [would have required] him to

disclose his political party, and every political organization to which he may have

contributed over a five-year period.” Shelton, 364 U.S. at 488. This

“comprehensive interference with associational freedom,” the Court held, “goes

far beyond what might be justified in the exercise of the State’s legitimate inquiry

into the fitness and competency of its teachers.” Shelton, 364 U.S. at 490.

       As in NAACP, the Supreme Court in Shelton again recognized that

exposure by the State could impinge constitutional privacy rights. Because the

Arkansas statute nowhere required confidentiality of the information involuntarily

disclosed to the government, the Court considered that the teachers’ religious,

political, and other associational ties could additionally be disclosed to the public.

Shelton, 364 U.S. at 486-87. The Court was clear that such an intrusion into the

teachers’ privacy would further impinge their constitutional rights. Such “[p]ublic

exposure, bringing with it the possibility of public pressures upon school boards

to discharge teachers who belong to unpopular or minority organizations, would

simply operate to widen and aggravate the impairment of constitutional liberty.”

Shelton, 364 U.S. at 486-87.

                                         17
No. 83700-1-I/18

        Four Justices dissented in Shelton, disagreeing with the majority’s holding

that, under the circumstances presented, the extent of constitutional infringement

resulting from compelled disclosure was sufficient to override the countervailing

legitimate state interest.6 Nevertheless, even the dissenting opinions in Shelton

recognized both the existence of a constitutional privacy interest and the

potential for public exposure of associational ties to impinge upon those rights.

For instance, Justice Frankfurter, distinguishing NAACP and Bates due to the

absence of a legitimate state interest presented in those cases, recognized “that

an interest in privacy, in non-disclosure, may under appropriate circumstances

claim constitutional protection.” Shelton, 364 U.S. at 490 (Frankfurter, J.,

dissenting). Similarly, Justice Harlan suggested that public disclosure of the

teachers’ associational ties, beyond simply the compelled disclosure to their

school boards, might impinge their liberty rights: “I need hardly say that if it turns

out that this statute is abused, either by an unwarranted publicizing of the

required associational disclosures or otherwise, we would have a different kind of

case than those presently before us.” Shelton, 364 U.S. at 499 (Harlan, J.,

dissenting).

        Three years later, the Court was “called upon once again to resolve a

conflict between individual rights of free speech and association and

governmental interest in conducting legislative investigations.” Gibson, 372 U.S.

         6 See Shelton, 364 U.S. at 496 (Frankfurter, J., dissenting) (concluding that “the

disclosure of teachers’ associations to their school boards” is not “without more, such a restriction
upon their liberty . . . as to overbalance the State’s interest in asking the question”); Shelton, 364
U.S. at 497 (Harlan, J., dissenting) (concluding that the statute’s disclosure requirement “cannot
be said to transgress the constitutional limits of a State’s conceded authority to determine the
qualifications of those serving it as teachers”).

                                                 18
No. 83700-1-I/19

at 543. There, a Florida legislative committee sought to subpoena NAACP

membership lists, presumably to investigate suspected communist involvement.

Gibson, 372 U.S. at 540-41. The Supreme Court again affirmed that such an

investigation, “which intrudes into the area of constitutionally protected rights of

speech, press, association and petition,” is lawful only when the State can

“convincingly show a substantial relation between the information sought and a

subject of overriding and compelling state interest.” Gibson, 372 U.S. at 546.

The Court held that “all legitimate organizations are the beneficiaries of these

protections,” but noted that the protections “are all the more essential . . . where

the challenged privacy is that of persons espousing beliefs already unpopular

with their neighbors.” Gibson, 372 U.S. at 556-57. In such circumstances, “the

deterrent and ‘chilling’ effect on the free exercise of constitutionally enshrined

rights of free speech, expression, and association is consequently the more

immediate and substantial.” Gibson, 372 U.S. at 557.

       In the decades that have followed, the Supreme Court has continued to

hold that First Amendment rights may be impinged when the government

compels disclosure of political beliefs and associations. In 1982, the Court again

affirmed that “[t]he Constitution protects against the compelled disclosure of

political associations and beliefs.” Brown, 459 U.S. at 91. “Such disclosures,”

the Court recognized, “‘can seriously infringe on privacy of association and belief

guaranteed by the First Amendment.’” Brown, 459 U.S. at 91 (quoting Buckley,

424 U.S. at 64). Again, the Court held that only by demonstrating a compelling

interest can the State lawfully impinge such rights:

                                         19
No. 83700-1-I/20

        The right to privacy in one’s political associations and beliefs will
        yield only to a “‘subordinating interest of the State [that is]
        compelling,’” NAACP[, 357 U.S. at 463] (quoting Sweezy[, 354 U.S.
        at 265]) (opinion concurring in result), and then only if there is a
        “substantial relation between the information sought and [an]
        overriding and compelling state interest.” Gibson[, 372 U.S. at
        546].

Brown, 459 U.S. at 91-92 (some alterations in original).

        Over a decade later, in declaring unconstitutional an Ohio statute

prohibiting the distribution of anonymous campaign literature, the Supreme Court

once again “embraced [the] respected tradition of anonymity in the advocacy of

political causes.” McIntyre, 514 U.S. at 343 (citing Talley v. California, 362 U.S.

60, 80 S. Ct. 536, 4 L. Ed. 2d 559 (1960)); see also Watchtower Bible & Tract

Soc’y of New York, Inc. v. Vill. of Stratton, 536 U.S. 150, 122 S. Ct. 2080, 153 L.

Ed. 2d 205 (2002) (recognizing a right to anonymity in declaring unconstitutional

an ordinance requiring individuals to obtain and display a permit to engage in

door-to-door advocacy). In McIntyre, the Court recognized the constitutional

significance of “core political speech,” describing the speech involved therein—

the “handing out [of] leaflets in the advocacy of a politically controversial

viewpoint”—as “the essence of First Amendment expression.” 514 U.S. at 347.

Acknowledging that the reasons for anonymity could be many,7,8 the Court held

that the freedom to remain anonymous, whether in “the literary realm” or “in the

field of political rhetoric,” “is an aspect of the freedom of speech protected by the

        7 “The decision in favor of anonymity,” the Court noted, “may be motivated by fear of

economic or official retaliation, by concern about social ostracism, or merely by a desire to
preserve as much of one’s privacy as possible.” McIntyre, 514 U.S. at 341-42.
        8 “Even the Federalist Papers, written in favor of the adoption of our Constitution, were

published under fictitious names. It is plain that anonymity has sometimes been assumed for the
most constructive purposes.” Talley, 362 U.S. at 65.

                                               20
No. 83700-1-I/21

First Amendment.” McIntyre, 514 U.S. at 342-43. For Justice Stevens, writing in

McIntyre, the value of anonymity in political speech could not be overstated:

               Under our Constitution, anonymous pamphleteering is not a
       pernicious, fraudulent practice, but an honorable tradition of
       advocacy and of dissent. Anonymity is a shield from the tyranny of
       the majority. See generally J. Mill, On Liberty and Considerations
       on Representative Government 1, 3-4 (R. McCallum ed. 1947). It
       thus exemplifies the purpose behind the Bill of Rights, and of the
       First Amendment in particular: to protect unpopular individuals from
       retaliation—and their ideas from suppression—at the hand of an
       intolerant society.

514 U.S. at 357.

       For nearly a century, the rights afforded by the First Amendment have

been protected against intrusion by the States as an “inseparable aspect of the

‘liberty’ assured by the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment,

which embraces freedom of speech.” NAACP, 357 U.S. at 460; see Gitlow, 268

U.S. 652. During this time, the Supreme Court has repeatedly recognized that

encompassed within this liberty interest is the right of individuals to privacy in

their political beliefs and associations, wherein “thought and action are

presumptively immune from inquisition by political authority.” Sweezy, 354 U.S.

at 266 (Frankfurter, J., concurring). This privacy interest “yield[s] only to a

‘subordinating interest of the State [that is] compelling,’ and then only if there is a

‘substantial relation between the information sought and [an] overriding and

compelling state interest.’” Brown, 459 U.S. at 91-92 (second and third

alterations in original) (citation and internal quotation marks omitted) (quoting

Sweezy, 354 U.S. at 265; Gibson, 372 U.S. at 546).

                                          21
No. 83700-1-I/22

        It is with cognizance of these principles that we consider whether SPD and

the City may disclose the Does’ identities in the investigatory records at issue.

                                                 B

        The Does assert that the disclosure of their identities in the requested

records will violate their First Amendment right to political anonymity.9 They

contend that the trial court erred by determining that no constitutional privacy

interest is implicated in this situation. We agree.

        Both the Does’ attendance at the January 6 rally and their compelled

statements to investigators implicate the First Amendment. Exposure by the

government of this information, through disclosure of the unredacted requested

records, would impinge the Does’ constitutional right to anonymity in their political

beliefs and associations.

        Pursuant to United States Supreme Court decisional authority, the State

must demonstrate that disclosure of the unredacted requested records would

further a compelling state interest and that such disclosure is narrowly tailored to

achieve that state interest. Because no compelling state interest exists to justify

disclosure of the unredacted records, the Does are entitled to an injunction

prohibiting exposure by the government of their identities.

        9 The parties’ initial appellate briefing primarily concerns whether the Does are entitled to

a preliminary injunction pursuant to statutory exemptions set forth in the PRA. However, the
Does additionally contended that disclosure would violate their First Amendment rights.
Following oral argument, the parties submitted supplemental briefing addressing this issue more
thoroughly. Because the answer to the Does’ request for a remedy is found in First Amendment
jurisprudence, we need not address the parties’ arguments regarding PRA statutory exemptions
to disclosure.

                                                 22
No. 83700-1-I/23

                                            1

       The Does assert that disclosure of their identities in the requested records,

both with regard to their attendance at the January 6 rally and their statements

made to investigators concerning their political views and affiliations, will violate

their First Amendment right to privacy. They aver that the trial court erred in two

respects. First, the Does contend that the trial court erroneously concluded that,

because the January 6 rally was a public event, the Does had no right to privacy

in attending that event. Second, they argue that the trial court erred by

concluding that they had not demonstrated a sufficient probability of a “chilling

effect” on their constitutional rights to be entitled to the relief sought.

       Sueoka contends, on the other hand, that the Does’ attendance at the

January 6 rally is not protected by a constitutional privacy right. He further

contends that, even if disclosure of the Does’ identities in the requested records

implicates a First Amendment right, the Does relinquished that right by

cooperating with the OPA’s investigation. Finally, Sueoka asserts that the trial

court properly determined that the Does have not shown a sufficient probability of

harm to establish a constitutional right to privacy.

       The Does’ contentions, consistent as they are with United States Supreme

Court decisional authority, are the more persuasive. We conclude that the Does

have a First Amendment privacy right in their identities in the requested records.

                                           (a)

       The First Amendment to the United States Constitution, as incorporated

through the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, “protects against

                                           23
No. 83700-1-I/24

the compelled disclosure of political associations and beliefs.” Brown, 459 U.S.

at 91; see also Buckley, 424 U.S. at 64 (noting that the Court had “repeatedly

found that compelled disclosure, in itself, can seriously infringe on privacy of

association and belief guaranteed by the First Amendment”). Even when the

State takes “no direct action” to abridge an individual’s First Amendment rights,

those rights may be impinged by “varied forms of governmental action” that “may

appear to be totally unrelated to protected liberties.” NAACP, 357 U.S. at 461.

In other words, it is not solely a “heavy-handed frontal attack” by government that

may abridge an individual’s First Amendment rights; such constitutional

transgression may also arise from “more subtle governmental interference.”

Bates, 361 U.S. at 523. Indeed, simple “exposure by government” may be

sufficient to impinge such rights. Bates, 361 U.S. at 528.

        Here, the trial court concluded, and Sueoka presently asserts, that the

Does have no right to privacy in having attended a public political rally. The trial

court reasoned:

                Whether a person attended a public rally is not the type of
        intimate detail that courts in Washington have said should remain
        private. Washington courts have not previously found an inherent
        right to privacy in attendance at a public political rally. Attending a
        public rally is not an act that is inherently cloaked in privacy.

In so ruling, the court was clearly referring to Washington law concerning

whether an individual has a statutory right to privacy pursuant to the PRA.10 We

        10 Because the PRA does not define “right to privacy,” our Supreme Court adopted the

common law tort definition of the term, which provides, in part, that the privacy right is implicated
when the “‘intimate details of [a person’s] life are spread before the public gaze in a manner
highly offensive to the ordinary reasonable [person].’” Hearst Corp. v. Hoppe, 90 Wn.2d 123,
136, 580 P.2d 246 (1978) (quoting RESTATEMENT (SECOND) OF TORTS § 652D, at 386 (AM. LAW
INST. 1977)). The trial court referenced this language in ruling that the Does’ attendance at the
January 6 rally does not implicate a privacy right.

                                                 24
No. 83700-1-I/25

do not evaluate, however, whether disclosure of the Does’ identities is precluded

by a statutory right to privacy.

        Rather, we conclude that, pursuant to United States Supreme Court

decisional authority, the disclosure by the government of the Does’ identities in

the requested records would violate their federal constitutional right to anonymity

in political belief and association. See, e.g., Watchtower Bible, 536 U.S. 150;

McIntyre, 514 U.S. 334; Brown, 459 U.S. 87; Buckley, 424 U.S. 1; Gibson, 372

U.S. 539; Shelton, 364 U.S. 479; Talley, 362 U.S. 60; Bates, 361 U.S. 516;

Uphaus, 360 U.S. 72; NAACP, 357 U.S. 449; Watkins, 354 U.S. 178; Sweezy,

354 U.S. 234; Wieman, 344 U.S. 183. Such governmental action would expose

to the public not only records evidencing the Does’ attendance at the January 6

rally, but also the transcripts of interviews in which the Does were compelled to

“articulate [their] political views,” discuss whether they were “affiliated with any

political groups,” and describe “[their] impressions of, and reactions to, the

content of the Rally.” The requested records thus implicate the Does’ personal

political views and their affiliations, if any, with political organizations.11 “It cannot

         Because, at common law, sovereign immunity precluded actions against the government,
it comes as little surprise that in this case—wherein the actions of government are directly at
issue—the answer is found not in the common law but in the First and Fourteenth Amendments—
which are each solely directed at governmental action.
         11 The trial court did not consider whether the Does’ statements regarding their political

beliefs and associations, compelled to be disclosed during the OPA investigation, implicated
either a statutory or constitutional right to privacy. Instead, the court found that there was “no
evidence . . . indicating whether the requested records sought contain explicit information about
the Does’ political beliefs or associations.”
         The record does not support this finding. The Does’ declarations state that each was
“ordered to answer all questions asked, truthfully and completely, and that failure to do so may
result in discipline up to and including termination.” These questions included “why [they]
attended” the rally, whether they attended “to articulate [their] political views,” whether they were
“showing support for a political group” or were “affiliated with any political groups,” and what were
their “impressions of, and reactions to, the content” of the rally. In their declarations, each of the
Does stated: “Because I believed I was under a standing order to answer these personal

                                                 25
No. 83700-1-I/26

require argument,” the United States Supreme Court has stated, “that inquiry

would be barred to ascertain whether a citizen had voted for one or the other of

the two major parties either in a state or national election.” Sweezy, 354 U.S. at

266. If such direct governmental action would impinge the Does’ constitutional

privacy interests, then so, too, does exposure by the government of that same

information pursuant to a records request. See Bates, 361 U.S. at 523; NAACP,

357 U.S. at 461.

        Sueoka nevertheless contends that our Supreme Court’s decision in

Spokane Police Guild v. Liquor Control Board, 112 Wn.2d 30, 769 P.2d 283

(1989), “puts to rest any claim” that the Does’ attendance at the January 6 rally is

protected by a constitutional privacy right.12 In that case, the court considered

whether a statutory exemption precluded disclosure of an investigatory report

that identified police officers who had attended a party on Spokane Police Guild

Club premises. Spokane Police Guild, 112 Wn.2d at 31. The party, “variously

referred to as a bachelor party, stag show and strip show,” had been determined

to violate regulations of the liquor board. Spokane Police Guild, 112 Wn.2d at

31. Our Supreme Court held that disclosure of the report would not violate the

statutory right to privacy conferred by the statutory predecessor of the PRA.

Spokane Police Guild, 112 Wn.2d at 37-38. Recognizing that this privacy right

pertains “only to the intimate details of one’s personal and private life,” the court

reasoned that there was “no personal intimacy involved in one’s presence or

questions, I did so truthfully and as completely as possible.” These declarations are themselves
evidence that the requested records contain statements regarding the Does’ political beliefs and
affiliations.
          12 Br. of Resp’t/Cross Appellant at 31.

                                               26
No. 83700-1-I/27

conduct at such a well attended and staged event which would be either lost or

diminished by being made public.” Spokane Police Guild, 112 Wn.2d at 38.

        According to Sueoka, this holding compels the conclusion herein that the

Does’ attendance at the January 6 rally—occurring, as it did, in a public

location13—does not implicate a right to privacy. However, in so asserting,

Sueoka confuses the statutory privacy right bestowed by the PRA with the

constitutional privacy right deriving from the First Amendment. In Spokane

Police Guild, the disclosure of the officers’ political beliefs and associations was

not at issue; accordingly, the court considered only whether a statutory

exemption prohibited disclosure of the investigative report. 112 Wn.2d at 37-38.

Moreover, in focusing solely on the Does’ attendance at a public event, Sueoka

disregards that disclosure of the requested records would additionally expose the

Does’ statements regarding their political beliefs and associations, which the

Does were compelled to disclose during the OPA investigation. In short, Sueoka

asserts that Washington Supreme Court decisional authority concerning a

statutory right to privacy stemming from the common law of torts precludes a

determination that a federal constitutional right prohibits disclosure by a

government. This contention is wholly unavailing.

        Sueoka additionally contends that the United States Supreme Court’s

decisional authority regarding the First Amendment right to political anonymity is

        13 The Capitol Police issued six permits authorizing gatherings on January 6, 2021 on

property under its control. Jason Leopold, The Capitol Police Granted Permits For Jan. 6
Protests Despite Signs That Organizers Weren’t Who They Said They Were, BUZZFEED NEWS
(Sept. 17, 2021), https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/jasonleopold/the-capitol-police-said-jan-
6-unrest-on-capitol-grounds [https://perma.cc/LWM5-P3MN].

                                               27
No. 83700-1-I/28

inapposite because, he argues, the Does “cannot be compared to members of

small and powerless political or religious groups,” and are not “seeking

anonymity from the government itself.”14 Again, we disagree.

        Contrary to Sueoka’s assertion, the United States Supreme Court has not

limited the applicability of the First Amendment’s privacy right to members of

“small and powerless political or religious groups.” To the contrary, the Court has

recognized that “the deterrent and ‘chilling’ effect on the free exercise of

constitutionally enshrined rights of free speech, expression, and association” is

“the more immediate and substantial” when “the challenged privacy is that of

persons espousing beliefs already unpopular with their neighbors.” Gibson, 372

U.S. at 556-57. Nevertheless, the Court was clear that, “of course, all legitimate

organizations are the beneficiaries of these protections.” Gibson, 372 U.S. at

556.15 Moreover, the question is not whether an individual is a member of a

“small and powerless” group, as Sueoka asserts, but whether the individual

“espous[es] beliefs . . . unpopular with their neighbors,” Gibson, 372 U.S. at 557,

such that exposure of those beliefs could discourage the exercise of

constitutional rights.

        Thus, it is the opprobrium that the community has for the individual’s

beliefs that is material to any “chilling effect” on constitutional rights.16 We are

        14 Br. of Resp’t/Cross Appellant at 32.
        15 In Gibson, a Florida legislative committee sought to subpoena NAACP membership

lists, 372 U.S. at 540-41, hence the Court’s reference to “organizations.” However, it was the
constitutional rights of the individuals whose identities would be disclosed in the membership lists
that was at issue. In any event, we see no reason to distinguish between “organizations” and
individuals on this point.
         16 As discussed infra, case law does not support Sueoka’s assertion that the Does were

required to demonstrate a more substantial “chilling effect” to establish a First Amendment
privacy right in the requested records.

                                                  28
No. 83700-1-I/29

cognizant that, in the Seattle community, the Does would likely face opprobrium

were their identities disclosed.17 This is likely notwithstanding the fact that the

OPA investigation determined that any allegations of unlawful or unprofessional

conduct against the Does were unsustained. We reach this conclusion with an

awareness of the events of recent years, including the Department of Justice

finding of the systemic use of excessive force by SPD officers (necessitating the

federal district court’s imposition of a consent decree), the horrific killing of

George Floyd and other unarmed Black individuals throughout our country, and

the eruption of protests, including in Seattle, in response to those incidents.18

Whether correctly or not, as Sueoka’s briefing demonstrates, the Seattle

community is likely to presume that the Does’ attendance at the January 6 rally

indicates that they are white supremacists who sought to undermine our nation’s

democracy. But whatever various individuals might infer, it remains true that all

         17 In 2016, Donald Trump received 8 percent of the vote in Seattle precincts. Here’s How

Seattle Voters’ Support for Trump Compared to Other Cities’, SEATTLE TIMES (Nov. 17, 2016),
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/heres-how-seattle-voters-support-for-trump-
stacks-up-to-other-u-s-cities/ [https://perma.cc/4PNL-G68W]. In 2020, he again received 8
percent of the vote in Seattle. Danny Westneat, Don’t Look Now, but Trump Did Better in Blue
King County Than He Did the Last Time, SEATTLE TIMES (Nov. 11, 2020),
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/dont-look-now-but-trump-did-better-in-blue-
king-county-than-he-did-the-last-time/ [https://perma.cc/N8F8-TFHL].
         18 Whether records are subject to disclosure must be determined without regard to the

motivation of the records requestor. RCW 42.56.080 (“Agencies shall not distinguish among
persons requesting records, and such persons shall not be required to provide information as to
the purpose for the request except to establish whether inspection and copying would violate
RCW 42.56.070(8) or 42.56.240(14), or other statute which exempts or prohibits disclosure of
specific information or records to certain persons.”); see also Livingston v. Cedeno, 164 Wn.2d
46, 53, 186 P.3d 1055 (2008) (holding that the Department of Corrections, in “its capacity as an
agency subject to” the PRA, “must respond to all public disclosure requests without regard to the
status or motivation of the requester”). However, when the impingement of constitutional
protections for speech and association are at issue, it is clear that courts may consider the
pertinent political and cultural atmosphere in determining whether exposure could discourage the
exercise of First Amendment rights.

                                               29
No. 83700-1-I/30

citizens, including public employees, may benefit from the constitutional right to

privacy in their political beliefs espoused by our nation’s highest court.19

        As the Court has held, the mere compelling of an individual to disclose

“beliefs, expressions or associations is a measure of governmental interference.”

Watkins, 354 U.S. at 197. When these “forced revelations concern matters that

are unorthodox, unpopular, or even hateful to the general public, the reaction in

the life of [that individual] may be disastrous.” Watkins, 354 U.S. at 197; see also

Uphaus, 360 U.S. at 84 (Brennan, J., dissenting) (“[E]xposure and group

identification by the state of those holding unpopular and dissident views are

fraught with such serious consequences for the individual as to inevitably inhibit

seriously the expression of views which the Constitution intended to make free.”).

While we have no sympathy for those who sought to undermine our democracy

on January 6, 2021, the fact here is that the allegations that the Does were

engaged in unlawful or unprofessional conduct were not sustained. They did not

forfeit their First Amendment rights.

        As our nation’s highest court long-ago made clear,

               [a] final observation is in order. Because our disposition is
        rested on the First Amendment as absorbed in the Fourteenth . . .
        our decisions in the First Amendment area make[] plain that its
        protections would apply as fully to those who would arouse our
        society against the objectives of the petitioner. See, e.g., Near v.
        Minnesota, 283 U.S. 697[, 51 S. Ct. 625, 75 L. Ed. 1357 (1931)];
        Terminiello v. Chicago, 337 U.S. 1[, 69 S. Ct. 894, 93 L. Ed. 1131

        19 Concurring in Wieman, 344 U.S. at 193, Justice Black recognized the importance of

ensuring that First Amendment protections are secured for all individuals:
        Our own free society should never forget that laws which stigmatize and penalize
        thought and speech of the unorthodox have a way of reaching, ensnaring and
        silencing many more people than at first intended. We must have freedom of
        speech for all or we will in the long run have it for none but the cringing and the
        craven. And I cannot too often repeat my belief that the right to speak on matters
        of public concern must be wholly free or eventually be wholly lost.

                                                30
No. 83700-1-I/31

       (1949)]; Kunz v. New York, 340 U.S. 290[, 71 S. Ct. 312, 95 L. Ed.
       280 (1951)]. For the Constitution protects expression and
       association without regard to the race, creed, or political or religious
       affiliation of the members of the group which invokes its shield, or
       to the truth, popularity, or social utility of the ideas and beliefs which
       are offered.

Button, 371 U.S. at 444-45.

       Returning to Sueoka’s contentions, we are similarly unpersuaded by his

assertion that the Does cannot establish a First Amendment right to privacy

because, according to him, they are not “seeking anonymity from the government

itself.”20 In fact, as Sueoka notes, the Does have already been compelled to

disclose their political beliefs and associations to SPD and the City. However,

the government need not take “direct action” in order to unlawfully impinge an

individual’s constitutional privacy right. NAACP, 357 U.S. at 461. Rather,

“abridgement of such rights, even though unintended, may inevitably follow from

varied forms of governmental action,” including action that “may appear to be

wholly unrelated to protected liberties.” NAACP, 357 U.S. at 461.

       Indeed, the United States Supreme Court has held that “First Amendment

rights are beyond abridgement either by legislation that directly restrains their

exercise or by suppression or impairment through harassment, humiliation, or

exposure by government.” Bates, 361 U.S. at 528 (Black & Douglas, JJ.,

concurring) (emphasis added); see also Shelton, 364 U.S. at 486-87 (“Public

exposure, bringing with it the possibility of public pressures upon school boards

to discharge teachers who belong to unpopular or minority organizations, would

simply operate to widen and aggravate the impairment of constitutional liberty.”).

       20 Br. of Resp’t/Cross Appellant at 32.

                                                 31
No. 83700-1-I/32

       Here, the state action challenged is the government’s exposure, pursuant

to state statute, of the Does’ identities in the requested records, which implicate

their political beliefs and associations. Sueoka’s insinuation that the City’s

disclosure of the Does’ identities would not constitute governmental action is

simply wrong.

                                               (b)

       Sueoka additionally asserts that, even if disclosure of the Does’ identities

would impinge their constitutional rights, the Does willingly relinquished their right

to privacy. This is so, Sueoka contends, because the Does “had a right to keep

their political opinions private,” knew that their employer was subject to the PRA,

but nevertheless attended the January 6 rally and “then informed their employer

of their activities.”21 We disagree. Contrary to Sueoka’s assertion, the Does did

not relinquish their constitutional rights.

       The facts are these. The Does submitted to interviews during an

investigation in which they were alleged to have violated the law or SPD policies

during their attendance at the January 6 rally. They were “ordered to answer all

questions asked, truthfully and completely.” They were informed that “failure to

do so may result in discipline up to and including termination.” They were then

questioned regarding their reasons for attending the January 6 rally, their political

beliefs and affiliations with political groups, if any, and their impressions of the

content of the rally. The Does answered these questions “truthfully and as

completely as possible” because they were under standing orders to do so.

       21 Br. of Resp’t/Cross Appellant at 27-28.

                                               32
No. 83700-1-I/33

        In other words, the Does did not “ha[ve] a right to keep their political

opinions private.” Nor, contrary to Sueoka’s assertion, did the Does voluntarily

“inform[] their employer of their activities.” Rather, the Does were placed in the

untenable position of either refusing to answer investigators’ questions, thus

risking their livelihoods, or cooperating with the investigation, thereby

compromising their constitutional rights.22

        Nearly a century ago, the United States Supreme Court rejected the

notion that an indirect assault on constitutional protections due to a purported

“choice” is less insidious than is direct impingement of such rights. Frost v. RR

Comm’n of State of Cal., 271 U.S. 583, 593, 46 S. Ct. 605, 70 L. Ed. 2d 1101

(1926). There, a California statute precluded private carriers from the privilege of

using public highways for “transacting private business thereon” unless they

submitted to regulation lawfully imposed on common carriers. Frost, 271 U.S. at

591. The Supreme Court struck down the statute, which, it concluded, was

intended to protect the business of common carriers by controlling competition.

Frost, 271 U.S. at 591, 593. In so doing, the Court held that a state may not

require the relinquishment of a constitutional right as the basis to confer a

privilege. Frost, 271 U.S. at 593. Were it otherwise, “constitutional guaranties,

so carefully safeguarded against direct assault, [would be] open to destruction by

the indirect but no less effective process of requiring a surrender, which, though

in form voluntary, in fact lacks none of the elements of compulsion.” Frost, 271

        22 Adopting Sueoka’s assertion that the Does’ cooperation in the investigation was

voluntary would also lead to the problematic conclusion that police officers need not cooperate in
such investigations. Little public good would flow from such a holding.

                                                33
No. 83700-1-I/34

U.S. at 593. To be given only “a choice between the rock and the whirlpool,”

wherein the option is to forego one’s livelihood or “submit to a requirement which

may constitute an intolerable burden,” is in reality, the Court announced, no

choice at all. Frost, 271 U.S. at 593.

       Four decades later, the Supreme Court explicitly rejected the proposition

advanced by Sueoka herein—that statements obtained from police officers as a

result of those officers cooperating (in compliance with a lawful request to do so)

in investigations conducted by their employer or at their employer’s direction are

deemed voluntary. Garrity, 385 U.S. 493. In Garrity, police officers were ordered

to cooperate in an investigation by the New Jersey Attorney General regarding

“alleged irregularities in handling cases in the municipal courts” of certain New

Jersey boroughs. 385 U.S. at 494. Prior to questioning, each officer was warned

“(1) that anything he said might be used against him in any state criminal

proceeding; (2) that he had the privilege to refuse to answer if the disclosure

would tend to incriminate him; but (3) that if he refused to answer he would be

subject to removal from office.” Garrity, 385 U.S. at 494. After cooperating in the

investigation, the officers were convicted of conspiracy to obstruct the

administration of the traffic laws, and “their convictions were sustained over their

protests that their statements were coerced, by reason of the fact that, if they

refused to answer, they could lose their positions with the police department.”

Garrity, 385 U.S. at 495 (footnote omitted).

                                         34
No. 83700-1-I/35

      The Supreme Court held that, where the officers were given the choice

between self-incrimination and losing their livelihoods, their statements were not

voluntary:

              The choice given petitioners was either to forfeit their jobs or
      to incriminate themselves. The option to lose their means of
      livelihood or to pay the penalty of self-incrimination is the antithesis
      of free choice to speak out or to remain silent. That practice, like
      interrogation practices we reviewed in Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S.
      436, 464-65[, 86 S. Ct. 1602, 16 L. Ed. 2d 694 (1966)], is “likely to
      exert such pressure upon an individual as to disable him from
      making a free and rational choice.” We think the statements were
      infected by the coercion inherent in this scheme of questioning and
      cannot be sustained as voluntary under our prior decisions.

Garrity, 385 U.S. at 497-98 (footnote omitted). Police officers, the Court

concluded, “are not relegated to a watered-down version of constitutional rights.”

Garrity, 385 U.S. at 500. Moreover, the Court therein confirmed that the rights

secured by the First Amendment are among those “rights of constitutional stature

whose exercise a State may not condition by the exaction of a price.” Garrity,

385 U.S. at 500.

      As in Garrity, the Does here were informed by SPD, their employer, that

their continued employment could be contingent on their cooperation with the

investigation. The answers elicited from the Does during interviews directly

implicate speech protected by the First Amendment. The Does, as with the

police officers in Garrity, were afforded a choice “‘between the rock and the

whirlpool,’” 385 U.S. at 496 (quoting Stevens v. Marks, 383 U.S. 234, 243, 86 S.

Ct. 788, 15 L. Ed. 2d 724 (1966)), whereby only by relinquishing their

constitutional privacy interests could the Does ensure their continued

                                        35
No. 83700-1-I/36

employment. “[D]uress is inherent” when statements are thusly obtained.

Garrity, 385 U.S. at 498.

       As the precedent of our nation’s highest court makes clear, the Does’

statements to investigators were not voluntary. We reject Sueoka’s assertion

that the Does relinquished their constitutional rights by cooperating with the

OPA’s investigation.

                                          (c)

       Sueoka next contends that the Does have not set forth sufficient evidence

that harm would result from disclosure of their identities in the requested records,

such that they should be entitled to an injunction precluding such disclosure. He

asserts that the Does must demonstrate that disclosure would create a “chilling

effect” on their constitutional rights and that they have not done so. Again, we

disagree. Adhering to precedent from our Supreme Court, and cognizant that

federal courts have determined that a “chilling effect” may, at times, be assumed,

we hold that the evidence submitted by the Does is sufficient to meet the

necessary showing of potential harm.

       In Doe v. Reed, the United States Supreme Court considered whether,

pursuant to Washington’s PRA, the disclosure of referendum petitions, and

thereby of the identities of the petition signers, would violate the First

Amendment. 561 U.S. 186. The Court therein concluded that disclosure would

not violate the First Amendment with respect to referendum petitions in general.

Reed, 561 U.S. at 202. However, the Court articulated the standard it had

applied “in related contexts,” that “those resisting disclosure can prevail under the

                                          36
No. 83700-1-I/37

First Amendment if they can show ‘a reasonable probability that the compelled

disclosure [of personal information] will subject them to threats, harassment, or

reprisals from either Government officials or private parties.’” Reed, 561 U.S. at

200 (alteration in original) (quoting Buckley, 424 U.S. at 74).

       Our Supreme Court applied this standard in evaluating the constitutionality

of a discovery order compelling the disclosure of meeting minutes of the

Freedom Socialist Party. See Snedigar v. Hoddersen, 114 Wn.2d 153, 156, 786

P.2d 781 (1990). In that case, the court reversed a decision of this court, in

which we had held that the party resisting the discovery order was required to

make “an initial showing of actual infringement on First Amendment rights.”

Snedigar, 114 Wn.2d at 158. This was wrong, our Supreme Court explained,

because “[t]he party asserting the First Amendment associational privilege is only

required to show some probability that the requested disclosure will harm its First

Amendment rights.” Snedigar, 114 Wn.2d at 158. And, indeed, in that case, the

Party’s national secretary submitted affidavits stating that (1) “Party members

and supporters had been subjected to acts of reprisal and harassment in the

past,” and (2) that “the expectation of confidentiality in internal discussions [was]

essential to the Party’s survival.” Snedigar, 114 Wn.2d at 163. These affidavits,

our Supreme Court held, were sufficient to demonstrate that disclosure would

“chill” the Party’s constitutional rights. Snedigar, 114 Wn.2d at 164.

       In evaluating whether sufficient probability of harm was shown, our

Supreme Court in Snedigar recognized that some courts have explicitly held that

“a concrete showing of ‘chill’ is unnecessary” to determine that disclosure would

                                         37
No. 83700-1-I/38

impinge First Amendment rights. 114 Wn.2d at 162 (citing Black Panther Party v.

Smith, 661 F.2d 1243, 1267-68, (D.C. Cir. 1981); Britt v. Superior Court, 20 Cal.

3d 844, 855, 574 P.2d 766, 143 Cal. Rptr. 695 (1978)). Indeed, the court noted,

some courts “have overlooked the absence of a factual record of past

harassment and . . . assumed that disclosure of information” would chill such

rights. Snedigar, 114 Wn.2d at 162 (citing Shelton, 364 U.S. at 485-86; Talley,

362 U.S. at 64; Local 1814, Int’l Longshoremen’s Ass’n, AFL-CIO v. Waterfront

Comm’n of New York, 667 F.2d 267, 272 (2d Cir.1981); Pollard v. Roberts, 283

F. Supp. 248, 258 (E.D. Ark. 1968), aff’d, 393 U.S. 14, 89 S. Ct. 47, 21 L. Ed. 2d

14 (1968)).

      Moreover, as the Second Circuit has recognized, “a factual record of past

harassment is not the only situation in which courts have upheld a First

Amendment right of non-disclosure.” Int’l Longshoremen’s Ass’n, 667 F.2d at

271. Rather,

      [t]he underlying inquiry must always be whether a compelling
      governmental interest justifies any governmental action that has
      “the practical effect ‘of discouraging’ the exercise of constitutionally
      protected political rights,” “even if any deterrent effect . . . arises . . .
      as an unintended but inevitable result of the government’s conduct
      in requiring disclosure.”

Int’l Longshoremen’s Ass’n, 667 F.2d at 271 (citation omitted) (quoting NAACP,

357 U.S. at 461; Buckley, 424 U.S. at 65). Based on this principle, courts,

including the United States Supreme Court, have in various circumstances

“adopted a commonsense approach [that] recognized that a chilling effect was

                                           38
No. 83700-1-I/39

inevitable.” Int’l Longshoremen’s Ass’n, 667 F.2d at 272 (citing Shelton, 364 U.S.

at 486; Pollard, 283 F. Supp. at 258).23

        Here, the Does’ declarations state that they have “a significant fear that

disclosure of [their] attendance at the January 6 Rally would result in significant

jeopardy to [their] personal safety and [their] ability to provide effective law

enforcement to the community.” Two of the Does described their fears for the

safety and well-being of their families were their identities disclosed, one noting

“the extreme volatility that has gone hand in hand with politics in this region over

the last year regarding law enforcement.” The Does additionally submitted the

declarations of other SPD officers who stated that they had endured harassment

and threats made against them and their families from members of the public.

        23 Such a “commonsense approach”—which assumes a “chilling effect” on speech and

associational rights—has been utilized when disclosure was required to be made to a public
employer and when the individuals seeking anonymity espoused beliefs unpopular in their
communities.
         For instance, in Shelton, the Supreme Court recognized that impingement of teachers’
rights to free association “is conspicuously accented when the teacher serves at the absolute will
of those to whom the disclosure must be made.” 364 U.S. at 486. “[T]he pressure upon a
teacher to avoid any ties which might displease those who control his professional destiny would
be constant and heavy.” Shelton, 364 U.S. at 486; see also Int’l Longshoremen’s Ass’n, 667 F.2d
at 272 (recognizing that the investigatory body had “pervasive control over the economic
livelihood” of those seeking anonymity).
         Likewise, in Pollard, there was “no evidence” that the individuals seeking anonymity had
“been subjected to reprisals on account of” their contributions to the Arkansas Republican Party.
283 F. Supp. at 258. Nevertheless, given the unpopularity of the party in the state at that time,
the court held that “it would be naïve not to recognize” that disclosure would subject the
contributors to “potential economic or political reprisals,” thus discouraging the exercise of
constitutional rights. Pollard, 283 F. Supp. at 258. The court described the constitutional injury
thereby inflicted thusly:
         To the extent that a public agency or officer unreasonably inhibits or discourages
         the exercise by individuals of their right to associate with others of the same
         political persuasion in the advocacy of principles and candidates of which and of
         whom they approve, and to support those principles and candidates with their
         money if they choose to do so, that agency or officer violates private rights
         protected by the First Amendment.
Pollard, 283 F. Supp. at 258.

                                               39
No. 83700-1-I/40

        Consistent with the cases cited above, we conclude that the Does have

submitted sufficient evidence that disclosure of their identities would discourage

the exercise of political speech and associational rights.24 In so holding, we are

mindful that it is not only the Does’ constitutional rights that may be “chilled” by

disclosure here, but also those of other public employees whose employers are

subject to the PRA. Indeed, as the United States Supreme Court has

recognized, in addition to the impact on the exercise of rights by those seeking

anonymity, there is a “more subtle and immeasurable effect upon those who tend

to adhere to the most orthodox and uncontroversial views and associations in

order to avoid a similar fate at some future time.” Watkins, 354 U.S. at 197-98.

        We conclude that disclosure of the Does’ identities in the requested

records constitutes governmental action that would impinge their First

Amendment rights. This is so despite the public nature of the January 6 rally.

We find unmeritorious Sueoka’s contentions that the Does relinquished their

constitutional rights by cooperating with the OPA’s investigation or that they

failed to demonstrate that disclosure would discourage the exercise of such

rights. Having so concluded, we must determine whether the State’s interest in

impinging those rights is sufficient to nevertheless mandate disclosure.

        24 We reach this conclusion notwithstanding Sueoka’s assertion, in supplemental briefing,

that the identities of the Does are already publicly known. As our Supreme Court has held, an
individual’s statutory right to privacy is not nullified because some members of the public may
already know that individual’s identity. Bainbridge Island Police Guild, 172 Wn.2d at 414 (“[J]ust
because some members of the public may already know the identity of the person in the report
does not mean that an agency does not violate the person’s right to privacy by confirming that
knowledge through its production.”). The same is certainly true of the right to privacy inhering in
the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

                                                40
No. 83700-1-I/41

                                          (d)

       Before we do so, however, we must address a related contention. In a

statement of additional authorities submitted following oral argument, Sueoka

asserts that, because the Does did not notify the attorney general of any intent to

challenge the constitutionality of the PRA, we cannot consider whether the PRA

violates the federal constitution if it is construed so as to require disclosure of

unredacted records in this case.

       This ground has been previously trod. Indeed, the District Court of the

Western District of Washington considered this very issue in Roe v. Anderson,

2015 WL 4724739 (W.D. Wash. 2015), which we cite as evidence of our state

attorney general’s official position on this aspect of PRA analysis. In the cited

case, certain erotic dancers and managers of an erotic dance studio sought to

enjoin the disclosure of their personal information pursuant to a PRA request.

Anderson, 2015 WL 4724739, at *1. They asserted that disclosure would violate

their constitutional rights to privacy and free expression and sought a declaration

that the PRA, as applied to them, was unconstitutional. Anderson, 2015 WL

4724739, at *1.

       At the court’s invitation, the Washington attorney general filed an amicus

brief asserting that the PRA “does not require the disclosure of information

protected from disclosure by the Constitution” because “its exemptions

incorporate any constitutionally-required limitation on such disclosures.”

Anderson, 2015 WL 4724739, at *1 (emphasis added). The “other statute[s]”

provision, RCW 42.56.070(1), the attorney general explained, is a “‘catch all’

                                          41
No. 83700-1-I/42

saving clause” that “does not require a disclosure that would violate the

Constitution.” Anderson, 2015 WL 4724739, at *2 (emphasis added). Citing

decisional authority from our Supreme Court, the attorney general clarified that

               “[i]f the requested records are constitutionally protected from
       public disclosure, that protection exists without any need of
       statutory permission, and may constitute an exemption under the
       PRA even if not implemented through an explicit statutory
       exemption.”
               “In other words, it is not necessary to read the PRA in
       conflict with the Constitution when the Act itself recognizes and
       respects other laws (including constitutional provisions) that
       mandate privacy or confidentiality.”

Anderson, 2015 WL 4724739, at *2-3 (emphasis added).

       The district court held that “[t]he State is correct.” Anderson, 2015 WL

4724739, at *3. “The PRA, by design, cannot violate the Constitution, and

constitutional protections (such as freedom of expression) are necessarily

incorporated as exemptions, just like any other express exemption enumerated in

the PRA.” Anderson, 2015 WL 4724739, at *3.

       We agree with and adopt this analysis. Thus, once the constitutional right

is established and the constitutional injury that disclosure would cause is shown,

it is entirely unnecessary for the citizen to establish an additional entitlement to

an injunction in order to preclude disclosure. The law is clear and the principle

simple—the government may not violate a person’s First Amendment rights,

even in the absence of an injunction specifically forbidding it from doing so.25

                                          2

       The United States Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that

       25 See discussion infra § III C.

                                          42
No. 83700-1-I/43

       [t]he right to privacy in one’s political associations and beliefs will
       yield only to a “‘subordinating interest of the State [that is]
       compelling,’” NAACP[, 357 U.S.] at 463 (quoting Sweezy, 354 U.S.
       [at 265] (opinion concurring in result)), and then only if there is a
       “substantial relation between the information sought and [an]
       overriding and compelling state interest.” Gibson[, 372 U.S. at
       546].

Brown, 459 U.S. at 91-92 (some alterations in original). Thus, having concluded

that disclosure of the Does’ identities in the requested records would impinge

their First Amendment rights, we must determine whether an overriding and

compelling state interest nevertheless requires such disclosure.

       For its part, the City contends that a less stringent standard should apply

because, according to the City, “public employees have diminished First

Amendment rights, even for purely private speech.”26 Not so. Police officers,

such as the Does, “are not relegated to a watered-down version of constitutional

rights.” Garrity, 385 U.S. at 500. The City’s assertion to the contrary, reliant as it

is on inapposite decisional authority, is unpersuasive.

       We conclude that the State has no compelling interest in disclosing the

Does’ identities in the requested records. The state interest in disclosing the

entirety of a particular public record is illuminated by the purpose of the PRA and

its scope, as determined by our legislature and Supreme Court. Such

considerations demonstrate that the state interest here falls short of the standard

required to impinge the Does’ First Amendment rights. We thus hold that the

State has no compelling interest in disclosing the Does’ identities in the

requested records.

       26 City of Seattle, Suppl. Mem. at 2.

                                               43
No. 83700-1-I/44

                                               (a)

       We first address the City’s argument, set forth in supplemental briefing,

that the state actor need not demonstrate a compelling interest in order to

impinge the Does’ constitutional rights. The City, itself an employer of vast

numbers of public employees, asserts that “public employees have diminished

First Amendment rights, even for purely private speech.”27 Hence, the City

contends, the constitutional rights of public employees, unlike those of other

citizens, can be impinged absent the demonstration of a compelling state

interest. We disagree.

       When the State seeks to compel disclosure of an individual’s political

beliefs and associations, it can do so only by demonstrating a compelling state

interest with sufficient relation to the information sought to be disclosed. See,

e.g., Brown, 459 U.S. at 91-92; Gibson, 372 U.S. at 546; NAACP, 357 U.S. at

463; Sweezy, 354 U.S. at 265. That the State’s interest must be compelling

reflects the United States Supreme Court’s recognition that “political freedom of

the individual” is a “fundamental principle of a democratic society,” Sweezy, 354

U.S. at 250, and that “compelled disclosure, in itself, can seriously infringe on

privacy of association and belief guaranteed by the First Amendment.” Buckley,

424 U.S. at 64.

       Moreover, as we have discussed, our nation’s highest Court has rejected

the notion that public employees are not entitled to the same stature of

constitutional rights as are other citizens. In 1967, the Court in Garrity

       27 City of Seattle, Suppl. Mem. at 2.

                                               44
No. 83700-1-I/45

considered whether police officers, by virtue of being compelled to cooperate in

an investigation by the New Jersey Attorney General, relinquished the

constitutional right against self-incrimination. 385 U.S. at 494-98. The Court

determined that the statements of the police officers, who were given the choice

between self-incrimination and losing their livelihoods, were not voluntary.

Garrity, 385 U.S. at 497-98. In so holding, the Court “conclude[d] that policemen,

like teachers and lawyers, are not relegated to a watered-down version of

constitutional rights.” Garrity, 385 U.S. at 500.

        In asserting to the contrary—that the Does are, indeed, condemned to a

diluted version of First Amendment rights—the City urges us to apply the

“balancing test” set forth by the Supreme Court in Pickering v. Board of

Education of Township High School District 205, Will County, Ill., 391 U.S. 563,

88 S. Ct. 1731, 20 L. Ed. 2d 811 (1968).28 The City’s reliance on Pickering is

misplaced.

        In Pickering, a public school teacher submitted to a local newspaper a

letter regarding a proposed tax increase that was critical of the manner in which

the school board and superintendent had “handled past proposals to raise new

revenue for the schools.” 391 U.S. at 564. The teacher was dismissed from his

position pursuant to an Illinois statute that permitted such dismissal for actions

detrimental to the interests of the school system. Pickering, 391 U.S. at 564-65.

He thereafter filed suit, asserting that the Illinois statute was unconstitutional as

        28 See City of Seattle, Suppl. Mem. at 6 (“It is this balancing test, not strict scrutiny, that

applies to disclosure of the public records containing employees’ speech.”).

                                                  45
No. 83700-1-I/46

applied pursuant to the First and Fourteenth Amendments. Pickering, 391 U.S.

at 565.

        In considering the constitutionality of the Illinois statute, the Court

recognized that “the State has interests as an employer in regulating the speech

of its employees that differ significantly from those it possesses in connection

with regulation of the speech of the citizenry in general.” Pickering, 391 U.S. at

568. Thus, the Court announced what has come to be known as the “Pickering

balancing test,”29 which seeks to “arrive at a balance between the interests of the

[public employee], as a citizen, in commenting upon matters of public concern

and the interest of the State, as an employer, in promoting the efficiency of the

public services it performs through its employees.” Pickering, 391 U.S. at 568.

        However, the teacher’s statements in Pickering were “neither shown nor

[could] be presumed to have in any way either impeded the teacher’s proper

performance of his daily duties in the classroom or to have interfered with the

regular operation of the schools generally.” 391 U.S. at 572-73 (footnote

omitted). The Court held that, in such circumstances, “the interest of the school

administration in limiting teachers’ opportunities to contribute to public debate is

not significantly greater than its interest in limiting a similar contribution by any

member of the general public.” Pickering, 391 U.S. at 573. In other words, the

“Pickering balancing test,” which the City urges us to apply here, is applicable

        29 See, e.g., Garcetti v. Ceballos, 547 U.S. 410, 418, 126 S. Ct. 1951, 164 L. Ed. 2d 689

(2006) (describing the “two inquiries to guide interpretation of the constitutional protections
accorded to public employee speech” as set forth in “Pickering and the cases decided in its
wake”); Moser v. Las Vegas Metro. Police Dep’t, 984 F.3d 900, 904-05 (9th Cir. 2021) (describing
the “Pickering balancing test”). Neither of these opinions, both of which are cited by the City, is
apposite to the circumstances presented in this case.

                                                46
No. 83700-1-I/47

only when a public employee’s speech may affect the employer’s operations.

See also Garcetti v. Ceballos, 547 U.S. 410, 418, 126 S. Ct. 1951, 164 L. Ed. 2d

689 (2006) (“A government entity has broader discretion to restrict speech when

it acts in its role as employer, but the restrictions it imposes must be directed at

speech that has some potential to affect the entity’s operations.” (emphasis

added)). Only then may a government employer have “an adequate justification

for treating the employee differently from any other member of the general

public,” thus permitting it to restrict the public employee’s speech. Garcetti, 547

U.S. at 418.

       Indeed, in Pickering, the United States Supreme Court explicitly rejected

the proposition that public employees are entitled to lesser constitutional

protections simply by virtue of their public employment:

               To the extent that the Illinois Supreme Court’s opinion may
       be read to suggest that teachers may constitutionally be compelled
       to relinquish the First Amendment rights they would otherwise enjoy
       as citizens to comment on matters of public interest in connection
       with the operation of the public schools in which they work, it
       proceeds on a premise that has been unequivocally rejected in
       numerous prior decisions of this Court. E.g., Wieman v. Updegraff,
       344 U.S. 183[, 73 S. Ct. 215, 97 L. Ed. 2d 216] (1952); Shelton v.
       Tucker, 364 U.S. 479[, 81 S. Ct. 247, 5 L. Ed. 2d 231] (1960);
       Keyishian v. Board of Regents, 385 U.S. 589[, 87 S. Ct. 675, 17 L.
       Ed. 2d 629] (1967). “[T]he theory that public employment which
       may be denied altogether may be subjected to any conditions,
       regardless of how unreasonable, has been uniformly rejected.”
       Keyishian[, 385 U.S.] at 605-06.

391 U.S. at 568 (some alterations in original).

       Put simply, the notion that the Does, as public employees, “have curtailed

First Amendment rights,” as the City brazenly asserts,30 is directly contradicted

       30 City of Seattle. Suppl. Mem. at 5.

                                               47
No. 83700-1-I/48

by United States Supreme Court decisional authority. Unlike this case, each of

the cases cited by the City involves an adverse employment action based on a

speech restriction that precluded public employees from engaging in speech

alleged to injuriously impact their employer’s operations.31 Indeed, it is only

when a public employee’s speech “has some potential to affect [the employer’s]

operations” that the employer may have “an adequate justification for treating the

employee differently from any other member of the general public.” Garcetti, 547

U.S. at 418. This rule is premised on the recognition that the government

possesses a “legitimate purpose in ‘promot[ing] efficiency and integrity in the

discharge of official duties, and . . . maintain[ing] proper discipline in the public

service.’” Connick v. Myers, 461 U.S. 138, 150-51, 103 S. Ct. 1684, 75 L. Ed. 2d

708 (1983) (some alterations in original) (quoting Ex parte Curtis, 106 U.S. 371,

373, 1 S. Ct. 381, 27 L. Ed. 232 (1882)).32 Such principles do not apply to the

facts of this case.33

         31 See Progressive Democrats for Soc. Just. v. Bonta, 588 F. Supp. 3d 960 (N.D. Cal.

2022); Garcetti, 547 U.S. 410; City of San Diego, Cal. v. Roe, 543 U.S. 77, 125 S. Ct. 521, 160 L.
Ed. 2d 410 (2004); Waters v. Churchill, 511 U.S. 661, 114 S. Ct. 1878, 128 L. Ed. 2d 686 (1994);
Pickering, 391 U.S. 563; Hernandez v. City of Phoenix, 43 F. 4th 966 (9th Cir. 2022); Moser, 984
F.3d 900; Berry v. Dep’. of Soc. Servs., 447 F.3d 642 (9th Cir. 2006). For the reasons described
above, each of these cases is inapposite here.
         32 In Connick, Justice Brennan disagreed with the majority’s balancing of the competing

considerations set forth in Pickering. 461 U.S. at 157-58 (Brennan, J., dissenting). However, as
pertinent here, he adeptly explained that the government, as a public employer, has an interest in
regulating employee speech only when such speech may impact the government’s ability to
perform its duties. He wrote:
                  The balancing test articulated in Pickering comes into play only when a
         public employee’s speech implicates the government’s interests as an employer.
         When public employees engage in expression unrelated to their employment
         while away from the workplace, their First Amendment rights are, of course, no
         different from those of the general public.
Connick, 461 U.S. at 157 (Brennan, J., dissenting) (citing Pickering, 391 U.S. at 574).
         33 The City also asserts that our Supreme Court’s decision in Service Employees

International Union Local 925 v. University of Washington, 193 Wn.2d 860, 447 P.3d 534 (2019)
(SEIU), indicates that “disclosure of public records is mandated by the PRA notwithstanding any
speech rights or a chilling effect thereon.” City of Seattle, Suppl. Mem. at 3. We disagree.

                                               48
No. 83700-1-I/49

        Here, the Does’ employer, SPD, did not impose a restriction on the Does’

speech. Nor does the speech at issue—the Does’ attendance at a political rally

and their statements regarding their political views and affiliations—have any

impact on their employer’s operations. Indeed, any allegation that the Does

engaged in conduct contrary to their employer’s policies was found to be

unsustained.

        We decline the City’s invitation to contravene United States Supreme

Court decisional authority in order to restrict public employee speech in

circumstances beyond those in which such speech may interfere with the public

employer’s operations. Instead, we take the United States Supreme Court at its

word that police officers “are not relegated to a watered-down version of

constitutional rights.” Garrity, 385 U.S. at 500; see also Pickering, 391 U.S. at

568. Similarly, we recognize the Supreme Court’s repeated affirmations that

“[t]he right to privacy in one’s political associations and beliefs will yield only to a

‘subordinating interest of the State [that is] compelling,’ and then only if there is a

‘substantial relation between the information sought and [an] overriding and

compelling state interest.’” Brown, 459 U.S. at 91-92 (second and third

          In that decision, our Supreme Court addressed only whether particular faculty e-mails
relating to union organizing constitute “public records” pursuant to the PRA. SEIU, 193 Wn.2d at
867-76. Although the labor union seeking to enjoin disclosure of the requested e-mails asserted
that “their release would chill union organizing efforts, restrain speech, and violate individuals’
privacy rights,” SEIU, 193 Wn.2d at 865, our Supreme Court explicitly stated that its “holding on
the ‘scope of employment’ test does not dispose of” the labor union’s other arguments, including
“assertions of statutory and constitutional exemptions from PRA coverage.” SEIU, 193 Wn.2d at
876.
          Contrary to the City’s assertion, our Supreme Court did not suggest in that decision that
the constitutional rights of our state’s citizens can be summarily dismissed on the basis of a
legislative enactment. While we agree with the City that the PRA is an important statute, it
nevertheless remains merely a statute. See Freedom Found., 178 Wn.2d at 695.

                                                49
No. 83700-1-I/50

alterations in original) (citation and internal quotations marks omitted) (quoting

Sweezy, 354 U.S. at 265; Gibson, 372 U.S. at 546). Accordingly, only if an

overriding and compelling state interest exists to impinge the Does’ constitutional

rights may their identities be disclosed in the requested records. As discussed

below, we determine that no such compelling interest exists.

                                          (b)

       The scope of the State’s interest in public record disclosure—and, thus,

whether the City, as a state actor, has a compelling interest in disclosing the

Does’ identities—is illuminated by the purpose of the PRA’s disclosure mandate.

“The basic purpose of the [PRA] is to provide a mechanism by which the public

can be assured that its public officials are honest and impartial in the conduct of

their public offices.” Cowles Publ’g Co., 109 Wn.2d at 719. The statute “ensures

the sovereignty of the people and the accountability of the governmental

agencies that serve them by providing full access to information concerning the

conduct of government.” Predisik, 182 Wn.2d at 903. Similarly, our legislature

has defined the policy of the PRA as such: “That, mindful of the right of

individuals to privacy and of the desirability of the efficient administration of

government, full access to information concerning the conduct of government on

every level must be assured as a fundamental and necessary precondition to the

sound governance of a free society.” RCW 42.17A.001(11); see also In re

Request of Rosier, 105 Wn.2d 606, 611, 717 P.2d 1353 (1986) (recognizing the

policy underlying the statute as “allow[ing] public scrutiny of government, rather

                                          50
No. 83700-1-I/51

than . . . promot[ing] scrutiny of particular individuals who are unrelated to any

governmental operation”).

        To this end, while the PRA contains a broad mandate for disclosure, our

legislature also included in the statute an exemption whereby “[p]ersonal

information in files maintained for employees . . . of any public agency” are not

subject to disclosure “to the extent that disclosure would violate their right to

privacy.” RCW 42.56.230(3). This “right to privacy” is “invaded or violated,” such

that the statutory exemption applies, when disclosure of the information would be

“highly offensive to a reasonable person” and is “not of legitimate concern to the

public.”34 RCW 42.56.050.

        The PRA does not define the “right to privacy.” Our Supreme Court thus

sought to “‘fill [this] definitional void’” by adopting the common law tort definition

set forth in the Restatement. Cowles Publ’g Co., 109 Wn.2d at 721 (quoting

Hearst Corp. v. Hoppe, 90 Wn.2d 123, 136, 580 P.2d 246 (1978)); see

RESTATEMENT (SECOND) OF TORTS §652D (AM. LAW INST. 1977). Employing this

definition, and consistent with the purpose of the PRA, our Supreme Court has

deemed significant to the question of privacy whether a public employee’s

conduct “occurred in the course of public service.” Cowles Publ’g Co., 109

Wn.2d at 726. “Instances of misconduct of a police officer while on the job are

not private, intimate, personal details of the officer’s life,” but rather, “are matters

        34 We do not hold that the personal information exemption, RCW 42.56.230(3), a

statutory exemption set forth within the PRA, precludes disclosure of the Does’ identities in the
requested records. Rather, as discussed supra, it is the First Amendment to the United States
Constitution that precludes such disclosure, absent an overriding and compelling state interest.
Nevertheless, the purpose of the PRA and the scope of its disclosure mandate, as set forth by
our legislature and decisional authority interpreting the act, illuminates the state interest here at
issue.

                                                  51
No. 83700-1-I/52

with which the public has a right to concern itself.” Cowles Publ’g Co., 109

Wn.2d at 726. Premised on this principle, the court held that “a law enforcement

officer’s actions while performing his public duties or improper off duty actions in

public which bear upon his ability to perform his public office” are not within the

ambit of conduct exempt from disclosure due to statutory “personal privacy.”

Cowles Publ’g Co., 109 Wn.2d at 727.

       In addition, in determining whether a public employee’s statutory right to

privacy is implicated, the court has distinguished between “substantiated” and

“unsubstantiated” allegations. “[W]hen a complaint regarding misconduct during

the course of public employment is substantiated or results in some sort of

discipline, an employee does not have a right to privacy in the complaint.”

Bellevue John Does 1-11 v. Bellevue Sch. Dist. No. 405, 164 Wn.2d 199, 215,

189 P.3d 139 (2008). However, the court has held that public employees have a

statutory right to privacy in their identities in connection with unsubstantiated

allegations of sexual misconduct, “because the unsubstantiated allegations are

matters concerning [the employees’] private lives.” Bainbridge Island Police

Guild, 172 Wn.2d at 413; see also Bellevue John Does, 164 Wn.2d at 215-16.

“An unsubstantiated or false accusation,” the court reasoned, “is not an action

taken by an employee in the course of performing public duties.” Bellevue John

Does, 164 Wn.2d at 215.

       Similarly, our Supreme Court has concluded that whether allegations

against a public employee are substantiated bears on whether disclosure of the

employee’s identity is a matter of “legitimate” public concern. Bainbridge Island

                                         52
No. 83700-1-I/53

Police Guild, 172 Wn.2d at 416; Bellevue John Does, 164 Wn.2d at 221. Thus,

consistent with the PRA’s purpose to enable the public to oversee governmental

agencies, the court determined that the public has no legitimate interest in the

identities of public employees against whom unsubstantiated allegations of

misconduct were asserted. Bellevue John Does, 164 Wn.2d at 220. This is

because, when the allegations are unsubstantiated, precluding disclosure of the

employee’s identity would “not impede the public’s ability to oversee” government

investigations into alleged employee misconduct. Bellevue John Does, 164

Wn.2d at 220. Rather, disclosure in such circumstances, the court reasoned,

“‘serve[s] no interest other than gossip and sensation.’” Bellevue John Does, 164

Wn.2d at 221 (quoting Bellevue John Does 1-11 v. Bellevue Sch. Dist. No. 405,

129 Wn. App. 832, 854, 120 P.3d 616 (2005)).

       The state interest in disclosure pursuant to the PRA is to uphold the

purpose of the statute—that is, to enable the public to ensure “that its public

officials are honest and impartial in the conduct of their public offices.” Cowles

Publ’g Co., 109 Wn.2d at 719 (emphasis added); see also RCW 42.56.030 (“The

people insist on remaining informed so that they may maintain control over the

instruments that they have created.”). To that end, in the context of defining the

scope of statutory exemptions to disclosure, our Supreme Court has determined

that disclosure of the identities of public employees is not permitted when (1) the

allegations asserted against the employees are unsubstantiated and (2) the

conduct did not occur in the course of public service or occur off-duty and impact

the performance of public duties. Bainbridge Island Police Guild, 172 Wn.2d at

                                         53
No. 83700-1-I/54

413; Bellevue John Does, 164 Wn.2d at 213-16, 221; Cowles Publ’g Co., 109

Wn.2d at 726. In other words, in such circumstances, the State does not have

an interest in disclosing the employees’ identities.

        Significantly, in those cases, whether disclosure of the public officials’

identities was precluded was determined pursuant to statutory exemptions, not

premised upon the disclosure’s impingement on constitutional First Amendment

rights. Thus, the public officials’ interests at issue in those cases, not being of

constitutional import, were less significant than those presented here, where the

Does’ First Amendment rights are implicated. Nevertheless, here, as in those

cases, the Does’ alleged misconduct did not occur in the course of their public

duties, and the allegations against the Does were determined to be

unsustained.35 Even when constitutional rights were not implicated by

disclosure, those same circumstances have been deemed by our legislature and

Supreme Court to fall outside the ambit of the state interest in such disclosure.

Thus, here, where the Does’ constitutional rights would be impinged by

disclosure, the state interest cannot be said to be compelling, such that

disclosure would nevertheless be permitted.36

         35 We note that, while some of the OPA’s findings were “not sustained” because the

allegations were determined to be “unfounded,” others were unsustained because the
investigation as to those findings was deemed to be “inconclusive.” However, an “inconclusive”
finding remains a finding that the allegations were unsustained; it neither constitutes a finding
against the officer nor authorizes disciplinary action. Accordingly, we treat the “inconclusive”
unsustained findings in the same manner as the “unfounded” unsustained findings.
         36 Sueoka asserts that the trial court properly determined that the public has a legitimate

interest in disclosure of the Does’ identities in the requested records because OPA Director
Andrew Myerberg may have previously represented one of the Does in a civil rights case. This
purported conflict, Sueoka contends, may have undermined the investigation.
         However, even when only a statutory privacy interest is implicated, Washington courts
have held that complete records need not be disclosed for the public interest of government
oversight to be achieved. See, e.g., Bainbridge Island Police Guild, 172 Wn.2d at 416 (“Although
lacking a legitimate interest in the name of a police officer who is the subject of an

                                                54
No. 83700-1-I/55

        The United States Supreme Court has recognized that “[t]he public is, of

course, entitled to be informed concerning the workings of its government. That

cannot be inflated into a general power to expose where the predominant result

can only be an invasion of the private rights of individuals.” Watkins, 354 U.S. at

200 (footnote omitted). Here, disclosure of the Does’ identities would fulfill only

the “impermissible [objective] of exposure for exposure’s sake.” Uphaus, 360

U.S. at 82 (Brennan, J., dissenting).

        Based on our legislature’s and Supreme Court’s delineation of the

purpose of the PRA’s disclosure mandate, we conclude that the State has no

compelling interest in disclosure of the Does’ identities in the requested records.

Accordingly, because the Does have established a constitutional privacy right

that would be impinged by disclosure, the superior court erred by denying the

Does’ motion for a preliminary injunction precluding such disclosure.37

unsubstantiated allegation of sexual misconduct, the public does have a legitimate interest in how
a police department responds to and investigates such an allegation against an officer.”);
Bellevue John Does, 164 Wn.2d at 220 (“Precluding disclosure of the identities of teachers who
are subjects of unsubstantiated allegations will not impede the public’s ability to oversee school
districts’ investigations of alleged teacher misconduct.”). Indeed, our Supreme Court has made
plain that a public employee’s “right to privacy does not depend on the quality of the [public
employer’s] investigations.” Bellevue John Does, 164 Wn.2d at 223. Here, given the
constitutional right at stake, we hold that the State has no compelling interest in disclosure of the
Does’ identities for this purpose.
          Moreover, “[a]n agency should look to the contents of the document and not the
knowledge of third parties when deciding if the subject of a report has a right to privacy in their
identity.” Bainbridge Island Police Guild, 172 Wn.2d at 414. In Bainbridge Island Police Guild,
our Supreme Court held that notwithstanding the fact that some members of the public might
know the identity of the individual identified in the records, the agency must nevertheless refuse
to disclose those records if an exemption exists. 172 Wn.2d at 414. Otherwise, agencies would
be required to “engage in an analysis of not just the contents of the report” but also of outside
knowledge regarding the incident described therein. Bainbridge Island Police Guild, 172 Wn.2d
at 414. The same logic applies here. Additionally, the City, in evaluating a records request,
cannot be charged with presuming the need to disclose individuals’ identities in investigative
records on the chance of potential conflict of interest of the investigator that is not established in
the records themselves. Such a presumption would gut the disclosure exemptions of the PRA.
          37 The Does sought a preliminary injunction precluding the disclosure of their identities in

the requested records. They did not seek to prevent disclosure of redacted versions of those

                                                 55
No. 83700-1-I/56

                                                (c)

        We recognize that much of the United States Supreme Court’s

jurisprudence establishing a constitutional privacy right to anonymity in political

belief and association, which is grounded in the First Amendment to the United

States Constitution, predates the Court’s modern formulation of the strict scrutiny

standard applicable to governmental action impinging such rights. See Reed v.

Town of Gilbert, Ariz., 576 U.S. 155, 167, 135 S. Ct. 2218, 192 L. Ed. 2d 236

(2015) (recognizing that the Court’s decision in Button, 371 U.S. 415, “predated

[its] more recent formulations of strict scrutiny”).38 However, even applying these

“more recent formulations” of the standard, Town of Gilbert, 576 U.S. at 167, the

result herein remains unchanged.

records. Thus, we do not consider whether the redacted records are subject to disclosure
pursuant to the PRA. We do note, however, that once the Does’ identities and other identifying
information are redacted from the requested records, their constitutional rights are no longer
implicated. Accordingly, it is the PRA, not federal constitutional principles, that dictate whether
the redacted records may be disclosed. As no party seeks to preclude such disclosure, that issue
is not before us.
          However, we note that, when a constitutional right would not thereby be infringed, the
State has an interest in permitting disclosure of public records to enable government oversight,
thus fulfilling the purpose of the PRA. See, e.g., Bainbridge Island Police Guild, 172 Wn.2d at
416 (“Although lacking a legitimate interest in the name of a police officer who is the subject of an
unsubstantiated allegation of sexual misconduct, the public does have a legitimate interest in how
a police department responds to and investigates such an allegation against an officer.”);
Bellevue John Does, 164 Wn.2d at 220 (“Precluding disclosure of the identities of teachers who
are subjects of unsubstantiated allegations will not impede the public’s ability to oversee school
districts’ investigations of alleged teacher misconduct.”). See also RCW 42.56.210 (requiring
disclosure of records when exempted information can be redacted therefrom).
          “[E]ven though the governmental purpose be legitimate and substantial, that purpose
cannot be pursued by means that broadly stifle fundamental personal liberties when the end can
be more narrowly achieved.” Shelton, 364 U.S. at 488. Here, the purposes of the PRA are
achieved through disclosure of the redacted records.
          38 The Court in Button held that a Virginia state law purporting to regulate the legal

profession unconstitutionally infringed on “the [First Amendment] right of the NAACP and its
members and lawyers to associate for the purpose of assisting persons who seek legal redress
for infringements of their constitutionally guaranteed and other rights.” 371 U.S. at 428. This
decision is among those cited by the Court for the proposition that “compelled disclosure, in itself,
can seriously infringe on privacy of association and belief guaranteed by the First Amendment.”
Buckley, 424 U.S. at 64 (citing Gibson, 372 U.S. 539; Button, 371 U.S. 415; Bates, 361 U.S. 516;
Shelton, 364 U.S. 479; NAACP, 357 U.S. 449).

                                                 56
No. 83700-1-I/57

       As demonstrated by the profusion of legislatively enacted exceptions to

our state’s public records law, there is no compelling government interest in

disclosure of the unredacted requested records. Rather, the constitutionally

mandated narrow tailoring here requires precisely the remedy sought by the

Does—the redaction of their names and personal identifying information from the

requested records prior to disclosure. Thus, we hold that, applying the United

States Supreme Court’s modern formulation of the strict scrutiny standard,

disclosure of the requested records in redacted form serves to protect the First

Amendment interests at stake while allowing for the attainment of the

government’s legitimate interest in disclosure.

       The Supreme Court’s modern formulation of the strict scrutiny standard,

as pertinent here, is articulated in Citizens United v. Federal Election

Commission, 558 U.S. 310, 130 S. Ct. 876, 175 L. Ed. 2d 753 (2010), in which

the Court pronounced:

              Speech is an essential mechanism for democracy, for it is
       the means to hold officials accountable to the people. The right of
       citizens to inquire, to hear, to speak, and to use information to
       reach consensus is a precondition to enlightened self-government
       and a necessary means to protect it. . . .
              For these reasons, political speech must prevail against laws
       that would suppress it, whether by design or inadvertence. Laws
       that burden political speech are “subject to strict scrutiny,” which
       requires the Government to prove that the restriction “furthers a
       compelling interest and is narrowly tailored to achieve that interest.”

Citizens United, 558 U.S. at 339-40 (citation omitted) (quoting Fed. Election

Comm’n v. Wisconsin Right to Life, Inc., 551 U.S. 449, 464, 127 S. Ct. 2652, 168

                                         57
No. 83700-1-I/58

L. Ed. 2d 329 (2007)).39 Thus, the Supreme Court’s more recent formulations of

the strict scrutiny standard require that government restrictions on protected

speech be “narrowly tailored” to achieving the government’s compelling interest,

a mandate that was not explicitly articulated in the Court’s previous jurisprudence

establishing a First Amendment privacy right in political belief and association.

See, e.g., Brown, 459 U.S. 87; Gibson, 372 U.S. 539; Bates, 361 U.S. 516;

Shelton, 364 U.S. 479; NAACP, 357 U.S. 449.

        The Citizens United explication of the modern formulation is grounded in

the Court’s historical jurisprudence and finds its genesis in the Court’s statement

in McIntyre that “[w]hen a law burdens core political speech, we apply ‘exacting

scrutiny,’ and we uphold the restriction only if it is narrowly tailored to serve an

overriding state interest.” 514 U.S. at 347.

        As discussed above, our Supreme Court’s decisional authority and the

policies animating the PRA lead to the inexorable conclusion that, here, the

government has no compelling interest in disclosure of the Does’ identities in the

requested records. Rather, the government’s interest in the disclosure of public

records is to uphold the PRA’s purpose of enabling the public to ensure “that its

public officials are honest and impartial in the conduct of their public offices.”

Cowles Publ’g Co., 109 Wn.2d at 719. Further evidencing the absence of a

        39 We acknowledge that differing levels of scrutiny apply to various claims of infringement

on federal constitutional rights. See, e.g., Town of Gilbert, 576 U.S. at 172 (in the context of
federal free speech guarantees, distinguishing between those laws subject to strict scrutiny
analysis and those “subject to lesser scrutiny”); Progressive Democrats for Soc. Just., 588 F.
Supp. 3d at 975-76 (describing differing levels of scrutiny in the context of the First and
Fourteenth Amendments, including rational basis review and strict scrutiny). However, no party
credibly seeks to establish that other such constructs are applicable in this case. We take the
United States Supreme Court at its word in Citizens United, 558 U.S. at 340, that the strict
scrutiny standard applies in cases such as this.

                                                58
No. 83700-1-I/59

compelling state interest in total disclosure of all records, our legislature has

enacted a plethora of exceptions to the PRA’s disclosure mandate—in fact, as of

March 2022, there were 632 such legislatively enacted exceptions.40 Without

question, this proliferation of exceptions to the PRA’s disclosure mandate

renders implausible any argument that a compelling state interest in disclosure of

the Does’ identities exists here. Rather, the government’s interest in disclosure

of the requested records inheres only in making public a redacted version of

those records.

       When applying the modern strict scrutiny standard, we must ensure that

the government’s application of the PRA—the state action at issue here—is

narrowly tailored to serve its legitimate interest in the disclosure of public records.

See Citizens United, 558 U.S. at 340. Such narrow tailoring compels us to

identify the “least restrictive alternative” that will achieve the pertinent state

interest. Ashcroft v. Am. Civ. Liberties Union, 542 U.S. 656, 666, 124 S. Ct.

2783, 159 L. Ed. 2d 690 (2004). “The purpose of [this] test is to ensure that

speech is restricted no further than necessary to achieve the [government’s]

goal, for it is important to ensure that legitimate speech is not chilled or

punished.” Ashcroft, 542 U.S. at 666.

       Here, the very remedy sought by the Does—redaction of their names and

identifying information from the requested records—is precisely the narrow

       40 See Appendix A (“Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee – Sunshine

Committee,” Schedule of Review, updated March 2022). Original available at https://agportal-
s3bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/uploadedfiles/Schedule%20of%20Review%20Update%20March%
202022.pdf.

                                             59
No. 83700-1-I/60

tailoring that serves to protect the First Amendment rights at stake while

simultaneously allowing for the attainment of the government’s legitimate interest

in public records disclosure. Thus, applying the United States Supreme Court’s

more recent formulations of strict scrutiny, which require that governmental

action impinging on speech rights be narrowly tailored to serve a compelling

state interest, we reach the same conclusion as when applying the Court’s earlier

jurisprudence. In both circumstances, we conclude that disclosure of the

unredacted requested records would unconstitutionally impinge on the Does’

federal privacy rights—rights that are grounded in First Amendment guarantees.

The government’s sole legitimate interest in disclosure here is in making public a

redacted version of the requested records that excludes the Does’ names and

other identifying information.41

                                                 C

        Sueoka and the City next assert that, even if the requested records are

exempt from disclosure, the Does are nevertheless entitled to a preliminary

injunction only if they can additionally demonstrate that they are likely to succeed

on the merits of meeting the statutory injunction standard set forth in the PRA.

We disagree.

        When the disclosure of an individual’s identity in public records would

impinge a First Amendment right to privacy, the State may not place on that

individual an additional burden to vindicate that right. In such a circumstance,

        41 An appropriate grant of such relief, as articulated by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals,

would preclude the disclosure of “‘all personally identifying information or information from which
a person’s identity could be derived with reasonable certainty.’” Does 1-10 v. Univ. of Wash., 798
F. App’x 1009, 1010 (9th Cir. 2020).

                                                 60
No. 83700-1-I/61

the establishment of the right itself mandates the issuance of an injunction. This

is consistent with our Supreme Court’s jurisprudence establishing that, when a

statutory right precludes disclosure, the individual seeking to vindicate that right

must demonstrate not only that an exemption to disclosure applies, but also that

the PRA’s injunctive relief standard is satisfied. Mindful as we are that we must,

when possible, read statutes to avoid constitutional infirmity, we hold that the

PRA does not require that its statutory injunctive relief standard be met when a

First Amendment right to privacy precludes the disclosure of public records.

       The PRA provides that “[t]he examination of any specific public record

may be enjoined if . . . the superior court . . . 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.” RCW 42.56.540. This two-part injunctive relief

provision “‘governs access to a remedy’ when records are found to fall within an

exemption” to the PRA’s disclosure mandate. Lyft, 190 Wn.2d at 789 (quoting

PAWS, 125 Wn.2d at 258). Thus, when a statutory exemption to disclosure is

asserted, the trial court may impose an injunction pursuant to RCW 42.56.540

only if the court finds that “a specific exemption applies and that disclosure would

not be in the public interest and would substantially and irreparably damage a

person or a vital government interest.” Soter, 162 Wn.2d at 757.

       Our Supreme Court so held in Lyft, 190 Wn.2d 769, wherein the court

addressed whether the disclosure of certain public records could be enjoined

pursuant to a statutory exemption to the PRA’s disclosure mandate. There, the

                                         61
No. 83700-1-I/62

parties seeking to enjoin disclosure asserted that the records at issue contained

trade secrets protected by the federal Uniform Trade Secrets Act (UTSA),

chapter 19.108 RCW. Lyft, 190 Wn.2d at 773. Our Supreme Court determined

that portions of the public records likely met “the definition of ‘trade secrets’ under

the UTSA.” Lyft, 190 Wn.2d at 777, 780-84. The court nevertheless held that

disclosure of the records could be enjoined only if the PRA’s injunctive relief

standard, set forth in RCW 42.56.540, was also satisfied. Lyft, 190 Wn.2d at

773. Thus, our Supreme Court held that “finding an exemption applies under the

PRA does not ipso facto support issuing an injunction.” Lyft, 190 Wn.2d at 786.

       It is on the basis of this decisional authority that Sueoka and the City

contend that, in order to obtain the relief that they seek, the Does must

demonstrate that they are likely to succeed on the merits of meeting the PRA’s

two-part statutory injunctive relief standard. However, because disclosure of the

Does’ identities in the requested records would impinge their First Amendment

right to privacy, the argument advanced by Sueoka and the City is untenable.

Requiring that parties seeking to vindicate such rights establish not only the First

Amendment right itself, but also the requirements of the PRA’s injunctive relief

standard, would run afoul of the Supremacy Clause of our federal constitution,

which mandates that courts “‘shall’ regard the ‘Constitution,’ and all laws ‘made in

Pursuance thereof,’ as ‘the supreme Law of the Land.’” Armstrong v. Exceptional

Child Ctr., Inc., 575 U.S. 320, 324, 135 S. Ct. 1378, 191 L. Ed. 2d 471 (2015)

(quoting U.S. CONST. art. VI, cl. 2).42 We cannot interpret the PRA in a manner

       42 The Supremacy Clause provides:

                                           62
No. 83700-1-I/63

that would render it unconstitutional. Utter ex rel. State v. Bldg. Indus. Ass’n of

Wash., 182 Wn.2d 398, 434, 341 P.3d 953 (2015) (“We construe statutes to

avoid constitutional doubt.”). Nor does this resolution of the issue do so.

        Rather, we read the PRA as consistent with the federal constitution simply

by recognizing the distinction between a legislatively created statutory right and a

federal constitutional right. When the state legislature creates a right, such as a

statutory exemption from the PRA’s disclosure mandate, the legislature may

impose conditions on the exercise of that right. This is precisely what the

legislature has done in enacting the PRA’s injunctive relief standard, RCW

42.56.540. Thus, as our Supreme Court has held, when a statutory right is

implicated, a finding that an exemption applies “does not ipso facto support

issuing an injunction.” Lyft, 190 Wn.2d at 786. Rather, the two-part standard set

forth in RCW 42.56.540 must also be satisfied, as the legislature has imposed

this statutory condition on the exercise of the statutory right against disclosure.

        However, here, the Does’ claim of right does not depend upon a statutory

exemption, and the disclosure of the unredacted records would not merely

impinge a statutory right. Rather, the Does’ First Amendment right to privacy in

their political beliefs and associations would be impinged. The significance of

this distinction is readily apparent. Our state legislature can impose a condition

on the exercise of a right created by the legislature itself. However, the

                This Constitution, and the laws of the United States which shall be made
       in pursuance thereof; and all treaties made, or which shall be made, under the
       authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the land; and the
       judges in every state shall be bound thereby, any thing in the Constitution or laws
       of any state to the contrary notwithstanding.
U.S. CONST. art. VI, cl. 2.

                                               63
No. 83700-1-I/64

legislature, having created neither the First nor Fourteenth Amendments, cannot

condition the exercise of this federal constitutional right on whether the Does can

satisfy the statutory injunctive relief standard. Put simply, such a requirement

would authorize a state or local government to violate citizens’ constitutional

rights when they establish the impingement of such rights but are unable to also

demonstrate satisfaction of an additional statutory requirement to obtain

injunctive relief.43 The PRA injunction standard cannot serve as a bar to the

City’s obligation under the Fourteenth Amendment to safeguard the First

Amendment rights of Washington citizens in its application of state law. See,

e.g., Seattle Times Co., 170 Wn.2d 581 (discussed infra at 9-10).

        Again, this analysis does not suggest a constitutional infirmity of the PRA.

Rather, recognizing the distinction between legislatively created statutory rights

and the First Amendment constitutional right implicated here, we note that the

        43 This very absurdity appears to be consistent with the City’s understanding of its duty to

Washington’s citizens. In supplemental briefing, the City asserts that it has no “freestanding
obligation to honor” the constitutional rights of our state’s citizens. Specifically, the City contends
that the third party notice provision set forth in the PRA is the proper means for it to address
exceptions to disclosure premised on a constitutional right. The City argues, in other words, that
it has no obligation to independently honor the constitutional rights of third parties in response to
records requests. We do not so hold.
          When, after receiving notice, an individual seeks injunctive relief premised on a
constitutional right, and thereafter establishes both that the right would be impinged by disclosure
and that no sufficient interest of the state permits disclosure, the City plainly has an obligation
under the Fourteenth Amendment not to violate the individual’s constitutional right,
notwithstanding the PRA’s injunction standard. In other words, here, once the constitutional right
is established, the City does not have unfettered discretion to either refuse to disclose the
records, pursuant to the PRA, or to permit disclosure premised upon the RCW 42.56.540’s
standard not being met. Such unfettered discretion of government actors to either honor citizens’
constitutional rights or refuse to honor such rights is anathema to the constitutional rule of law.
          The City need not serve as the lawyer for every individual mentioned in requested public
records. However, when the constitutional right implicated by disclosure of particular requested
records is clear, the City must refuse to disclose the records (or the relevant portions thereof).
The City must then defend against any challenge to the action by the records requestor, unless,
following notice, the individual whose rights are implicated does not object to disclosure. The
City’s supreme obligation is to the federal constitution, not to the state statute. See U.S. CONST.
art. VI, cl.2.

                                                  64
No. 83700-1-I/65

application of RCW 42.56.540 would necessarily mandate the issuance of an

injunction. Given the State’s paramount interest in affirming the federal

constitutional rights of its citizens, disclosure that would impinge the Does’ First

Amendment right to privacy “would clearly not be in the public interest.” RCW

42.56.540. Moreover, because the Does’ constitutional rights would be impinged

by disclosure of the unredacted records, such disclosure would of necessity

“substantially and irreparably damage” the Does. RCW 42.56.540.

        Thus, when disclosure is precluded by a First Amendment right to privacy,

rather than a statutory exemption, the establishment of that constitutional right

does, indeed, ipso facto mandate the issuance of an injunction. The State has

no lawful authority to impose an additional requirement on parties seeking to

vindicate their constitutional rights in order to trigger its obligations pursuant to

the Fourteenth Amendment. Because disclosure of the unredacted records

would impinge their First Amendment rights, the Does cannot be required to

additionally demonstrate satisfaction of an injunctive relief standard in order to

obtain the relief they seek, unless that standard is one that is ipso facto satisfied

by virtue of the establishment of the First Amendment right. Because the PRA

standard is one such standard, the Does have met their burden.44

                                               IV

        In his cross appeal, Sueoka contends that the trial court erred by denying

his motion to “change the case title and bar the use of pseudonyms” in this

        44 We acknowledge the existence of case law, primarily from lower federal courts, that

occasionally applies non-PRA injunctive relief standards. Our Supreme Court has determined
that PRA disclosure is regulated by only the PRA injunctive relief standard. Lyft, 190 Wn.2d at
784-85.

                                               65
No. 83700-1-I/66

litigation. According to Sueoka, Washington’s open courts principles, emanating

from article I, section 10 of our state constitution, require that the Does litigate

this matter using their actual names. We disagree.

       In seeking to preclude the disclosure of their identities in the requested

records, the Does assert a First Amendment right. Thus, it is federal open courts

jurisprudence, which itself derives from the First Amendment, that here applies.

Such jurisprudence permits litigants to proceed pseudonymously when the injury

litigated against would be incurred as a result of the disclosure of their identities.

Herein, that precise outcome would occur were the Does not permitted to litigate

using pseudonyms.

       Accordingly, we conclude that the trial court did not err in ruling that the

Does could proceed in pseudonym in this litigation. For the same reason, we

decline to grant Sueoka’s request to preclude the use of pseudonyms on appeal.

                                           A

       In these proceedings, both the trial court and our commissioner have

repeatedly entertained Sueoka’s argument that the Does should not be permitted

to litigate pseudonymously. In each instance, they have rejected that argument.

First, Sueoka objected to the Does’ motion to proceed in pseudonym filed

concurrent with their initial complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief. On

March 9, 2021, Judge Cahan granted the Does’ motion. Prior to so doing, Judge

Cahan considered the factors for redaction set forth in Seattle Times Co. v.

Ishikawa, 97 Wn.2d 30, 640 P.2d 716 (1982), and made the findings required

therein. Judge Cahan also determined that the Does had complied with the

                                          66
No. 83700-1-I/67

relevant court rules, including General Rule (GR) 15. Three days later, on March

12, 2021, Judge Widlan denied the Does’ complaint for injunctive relief, and the

Does sought discretionary review.

       Sueoka then filed a “motion to change the case title and bar the use of

pseudonyms” in this court. He subsequently filed a notice of cross appeal,

challenging Judge Cahan’s order permitting the Does to litigate in pseudonym.

Our commissioner denied Sueoka’s motion to change the case title on April 9,

2021. The commissioner explained that there “appear[ed] to be no dispute that

Judge Cahan evaluated the Ishikawa factors in reaching the March 9, 2021

decision and that no party asked Judge Widlan to revisit [that] order.” The

commissioner further reasoned that the “substance of Sueoka’s motion to

change the case title is inextricably tangled up with the merits of his appeal” and

concluded that “maintaining the case name adopted by the trial court . . . appears

to be necessary to allowing [this court] to reach the merits of this case.”

       Following transfer of the appeal from Division One to our Supreme Court,

and that court’s subsequent dismissal of review and remand to the superior

court, Sueoka again filed a “motion to change the case title and bar the use of

pseudonyms.” Sueoka did not therein challenge Judge Cahan’s order granting

the Does’ motion to proceed in pseudonym. Judge Widlan denied Sueoka’s

motion, reasoning that “the purpose of [the Does’] lawsuit is to procure an

injunction to prevent disclosure of their names” and, thus, requiring use of their

names in court filings “would effectively prevent them from seeking any relief.”

                                         67
No. 83700-1-I/68

                                           B

       Washington’s open courts jurisprudence derives from article I, section 10

of our state constitution, which requires that “[j]ustice in all cases shall be

administered openly, and without unnecessary delay.” W ASH. CONST. art. I, § 10.

Because “[t]he openness of our courts ‘is of utmost public importance,’”

Washington courts begin “with the presumption of openness when determining

whether a court record may be sealed from the public.” Hundtofte v.

Encarnacion, 181 Wn.2d 1, 7, 330 P.3d 168 (2014) (quoting Dreiling v. Jain, 151

Wn.2d 900, 903, 93 P.3d 861 (2004)). Whether redaction implicates article I,

section 10’s mandate of open access to courts and court documents “depends

on application of the experience and logic test.” State v. S.J.C., 183 Wn.2d 408,

412, 352 P.3d 749 (2015). When article I, section 10 applies, redaction is

permitted only after consideration of the factors set forth in Ishikawa, 97 Wn.2d

30. When our state constitution is not implicated, GR 15 permits the redaction of

names in pleadings if the court “enters written findings that the specific sealing or

redaction is justified by identified compelling privacy or safety concerns that

outweigh the public interest in access to the court record.” GR 15(c)(2).

       In a recent opinion, our Supreme Court reversed a decision of this court

wherein we had determined that allowing the plaintiffs to litigate using

pseudonyms did not implicate article I, section 10. John Doe G v. Dep’t of

Corr.,190 Wn.2d 185, 191, 410 P.3d 1156 (2018) (citing John Doe G v. Dep’t of

Corr., 197 Wn. App. 609, 627-28, 391 P.3d 496 (2017)). The Supreme Court

therein addressed a privacy right arising from a state statute. The questions

                                          68
No. 83700-1-I/69

presented were (1) whether special sex offender sentencing alternative

evaluations are exempt from disclosure pursuant to statutory exemptions, and (2)

whether “pseudonymous litigation was proper in [that] action.” Doe G, 190

Wn.2d at 189.

       On appeal before this court, we had looked to federal open courts

jurisprudence for “guidance,” recognizing the “parallel rights [to those derived

from article I, section 10] under the First Amendment.” Doe G, 197 Wn. App. at

627. We noted federal court holdings that the use of pseudonyms is appropriate

when “‘the injury litigated against would be incurred as a result of the disclosure

of the plaintiff’s identity.’” Doe G, 197 Wn. App. at 627 (quoting Doe v. Frank,

951 F.2d 320, 324 (11th Cir. 1992)). Based, in part, on this reasoning, we held

that “[e]xperience and logic” demonstrated “that allowing [the] plaintiffs to

proceed under pseudonyms [did] not implicate article I, section 10 where the

public’s interest in the plaintiffs’ names is minimal and use of those names would

chill their ability to seek relief.” Doe G, 197 Wn. App. at 628. Thus, we affirmed

the trial court’s ruling permitting the plaintiffs to litigate using pseudonyms,

notwithstanding that the trial court had not applied the Ishikawa factors. Doe G,

197 Wn. App. at 624.

       Our Supreme Court reversed our decision, holding that “pseudonymous

litigation was improper . . . because the trial court did not adhere to the

requirements of article I, section 10 . . . and [GR] 15.” Doe G, 190 Wn.2d at 189.

In so holding, the court explained that it had “never used [the] analysis” set forth

in the federal appellate court decisions on which we had relied for guidance. Doe

                                          69
No. 83700-1-I/70

G, 190 Wn.2d at 198. Instead, the court held, Washington courts “rely on GR 15

and Ishikawa.” Doe G, 190 Wn.2d at 198.

                                               C

       Citing our Supreme Court’s decision in Doe G, 190 Wn.2d 185, Sueoka

contends that Judge Widlan “used the wrong legal standard” in denying his

motion to preclude the Does from litigating pseudonymously.45 However, in so

asserting, Sueoka misperceives the issue as one of Washington law. 46 It is not.

Accordingly, his argument fails.

       Unlike in Doe G, in this case, the Does assert that disclosure of their

identities would impinge a federal constitutional First Amendment right.

Preventing the Does from proceeding in pseudonym would preclude their ability

to obtain the relief that they seek in this action. In other words, requiring the

Does to use their actual names in the case caption would undermine their ability

to assert the First Amendment right that they seek to vindicate herein. Such a

result would violate the Supremacy Clause, U.S. CONST. art. VI, cl. 2, which

mandates that we must not “give effect to state laws that conflict with federal

laws.” Armstrong, 575 U.S. at 324. When parties who assert that disclosure of

their identities would violate a federal constitutional right seek to litigate

       45 Br. of Resp’t/Cross Appellant at 69-71.
       46 We note that, if Washington law did apply here, Sueoka’s contention would

nevertheless be unavailing. As discussed above, Judge Cahan did apply GR 15 and the
Ishikawa factors in ruling that the Does could proceed in pseudonym. Sueoka does not challenge
Judge Cahan’s findings, which are, therefore, verities on appeal. In re Welfare of A.W., 182
Wn.2d 689, 711, 344 P.3d 1186 (2015); see also Doe AA v. King County, 15 Wn. App. 2d 710,
717, 476 P.3d 1055 (2020) (accepting as true the trial court’s Ishikawa findings that were
unchallenged on appeal). Following Sueoka’s subsequent motion seeking, once again, to
preclude the Does from litigating in pseudonym, Judge Widlan simply declined to revisit Judge
Cahan’s earlier ruling.

                                               70
No. 83700-1-I/71

pseudonymously, it is federal open courts jurisprudence, arising from the First

Amendment itself, that we must apply.

      This holding is consistent with our Supreme Court’s decision in Doe G,

190 Wn.2d 185. There, the litigants seeking to use pseudonyms asserted that

disclosure of their identities in the requested records was precluded by statutory

rights arising from statutory exemptions, including an exemption enumerated

within the PRA itself. Doe G, 190 Wn.2d at 189. Thus, our Supreme Court

properly held that Washington’s open courts jurisprudence applied and that we

had erred by importing federal case law into Washington law. Doe G, 190 Wn.2d

at 189, 198.

      Here, however, the Supremacy Clause requires that First Amendment

jurisprudence be applied, both as to the constitutional right at issue—whether

disclosure of the Does’ identities in the requested records would violate a

constitutional privacy right—and as to the question of whether the Does may use

pseudonyms in seeking to vindicate that right. Accordingly, because the Does

assert an exemption from disclosure premised on a federal constitutional right,

rather than a statutory exemption, the application of federal open courts

jurisprudence does not conflict with our Supreme Court’s decision in Doe G but

does comport with the requirements of the Supremacy Clause.

      Federal courts have made clear that “[p]ublic access [to plaintiffs’ names

in a lawsuit] is more than a customary procedural formality; First Amendment

guarantees are implicated when a court decides to restrict public scrutiny of

judicial proceedings.” Doe v. Stegall, 653 F.2d 180, 185 (5th Cir. 1981); see also

                                        71
No. 83700-1-I/72

Roe II v. Aware Woman Ctr. for Choice, Inc., 253 F.3d 678, 688 (11th Cir. 2001)

(Hill, J., concurrence in part). When federal law applies, “[t]he ultimate test for

permitting a plaintiff to proceed anonymously is whether the plaintiff has a

substantial privacy right which outweighs the ‘customary and constitutionally-

embedded presumption of openness in judicial proceedings.’” Frank, 951 F.2d at

323 (quoting Stegall, 653 F.2d at 186). “A plaintiff should be permitted to

proceed anonymously only in those exceptional cases involving matters of a

highly sensitive and personal nature, real danger of physical harm, or where the

injury litigated against would be incurred as a result of the disclosure of the

plaintiff’s identity.” Frank, 951 F.2d at 324 (emphasis added).

        Thus, the First Amendment both confers privacy rights in political speech

and also, in the standard regulating when a party can proceed in pseudonym,

provides that these substantive rights cannot be extinguished merely because a

party seeks to vindicate them. In other words, it provides that concerns about

public access to the courts cannot be applied to the detriment of First

Amendment rights under federal law, such that the vindication of constitutional

rights would be improperly conditioned on disclosure.47 In this action, the “injury

         47 In NAACP, 357 U.S. at 459-60, the United States Supreme Court relied on this

principle—that federal law not be applied in a manner that precludes the vindication of individuals’
constitutional rights to privacy—in holding that the plaintiff organization had standing to assert the
rights of its members. The Court held that the general principle that parties must assert only
those constitutional rights “which are personal to themselves” is “not disrespected where
constitutional rights of persons who are not immediately before the Court could not be effectively
vindicated except through an appropriate representative before the Court.” NAACP, 357 U.S. at
459.
         There, the NAACP challenged a court order mandating disclosure of its membership lists
to the Alabama Attorney General, asserting that such disclosure would violate its members’
constitutional privacy rights. NAACP, 357 U.S. at 451, 458. The Court held that the “right [was]
properly assertable by the [NAACP],” reasoning that “[t]o require that [the constitutional right] be
claimed by the [NAACP’s] members themselves would result in nullification of the right at the very
moment of its assertion.” NAACP, 357 U.S. at 459. See also Pollard, 283 F. Supp. at 256

                                                 72
No. 83700-1-I/73

litigated against” is disclosure of the Does’ identities in the requested records.

Were the Does not permitted to litigate pseudonymously, the very injury they

seek to litigate against would be incurred. Pursuant to federal open courts

jurisprudence, in this circumstance, “the almost universal practice of disclosure

must give way . . . to the privacy interests at stake.” Stegall, 653 F.2d at 186.

        In summary, the Supremacy Clause prohibits the application of state open

courts jurisprudence to a pending First Amendment claim when such application

would cause the injury litigated against to be incurred, as federal open courts

principles, arising as they do from the First Amendment itself, would not mandate

the disclosure of the parties’ names in that circumstance. If the Does ultimately

prevail, they would be entitled to full protection of their First Amendment rights

against the government—here, protection against disclosure of their identities

within the requested records. State constitutional open courts provisions cannot

be applied in contravention of First Amendment jurisprudence in a manner that

frustrates protection of the citizen’s federal constitutional rights.

        Accordingly, we hold that the Does must be permitted to use pseudonyms

in this action. The trial court did not err by so ruling. We additionally deny

Sueoka’s request that we change the case title in this appeal to require it to

include the Does’ actual names.

(recognizing “recent Supreme Court decisions establish[ing] that an organization made up of
private individuals has standing to protect those individuals from unwarranted invasions of
government of their rights of association and privacy guaranteed by the First and Fourteenth
Amendments”).
         Similarly, here, the Does would be precluded from vindicating their constitutional rights
were they unable to litigate pseudonymously. First Amendment open courts jurisprudence
prohibits disclosure in such circumstances. Frank, 951 F.2d at 324.

                                                 73
No. 83700-1-I/74

                                          D

       The Does seek herein to vindicate rights enshrined in the federal

constitution. Thus, applying the open courts principles arising from article I,

section 10 of our state constitution to determine whether the Does may be

permitted to litigate in pseudonym would contravene the Supremacy Clause’s

mandate of state law supersession. Accordingly, as discussed above, we must

apply federal law to this question. We nevertheless note that application of

Washington open courts law would dictate the same resolution of this issue.

       Again, this is due to the Supremacy Clause’s mandate that we not give

effect to state laws that conflict with federal laws. Precluding the Does from

litigating in pseudonym pursuant to article I, section 10 would itself be a state

action that would compel the disclosure of the Does’ individual political beliefs

and associations. Indeed, application by Washington courts of our state

constitution is itself a state action. Thus, only by demonstrating that the

disclosure of the Does’ identities “‘furthers a compelling interest and is narrowly

tailored to achieve that interest,’” Citizens United, 558 U.S. at 340 (quoting Fed.

Election Comm’n, 551 U.S. at 464), could a Washington court require such

disclosure when a party seeking to litigate in pseudonym asserts a federal First

Amendment claim. Washington courts, too, are subject to the Supremacy

Clause’s mandate.

       Here, as we have discussed, there is no compelling state interest in the

disclosure of the Does’ identities in the requested records. Similarly, there is no

compelling state interest in requiring that the Does litigate using their actual

                                         74
No. 83700-1-I/75

names. Given the profusion of exceptions to the disclosure mandate, this

conclusion is inescapable. Our state law currently includes 632 legislatively

created exceptions to the PRA’s disclosure mandate. See Appendix A. This

proliferation of exceptions undoubtedly demonstrates the absence of a

compelling state interest in the disclosure of the Does’ identities here.

       Moreover, neither our legislature nor our Supreme Court, in permitting

broad categories of persons to retain their anonymity in court records, has

engaged in the particularized analysis that would be required if the disclosure of

those persons’ identities implicated a compelling state interest. For instance, our

legislature has determined that individuals are automatically entitled to anonymity

in certain court records, including records regarding adoptions, RCW 26.33.330;

confidential name changes, RCW 4.24.130(5); child victims of sexual assault,

RCW 10.52.100; juvenile nonoffender records, such as juvenile dependencies,

parental terminations, and truancy, at risk youth, and child in need of services

cases, RCW 13.50.100; juvenile offender records, RCW 13.50.050; mental

illness commitments, RCW 71.05.620; and mental illness commitments of

minors, RCW 71.34.335.

       Similarly, by both court rule and order, Washington courts have deemed

certain categories of persons to be exempt from the general mandate that court

records include the actual names of the litigants. Washington court rule General

Rule 15, consistent with article I, section 10 of our state constitution, “preserves a

long-established principle that the complete names of parties are to be listed with

the actions to which they are parties,” subject to “carefully delimited” exceptions.

                                         75
No. 83700-1-I/76

Hundtofte, 181 Wn.2d at 16 (Madsen, C.J., concurring). These exceptions,

however, are not based on a particularized analysis of each case. Rather, like

the legislative enactments discussed above, they exempt litigants in broad

categories of cases from the disclosure mandate. For instance, in adopting Rule

of Appellate Procedure (RAP) 3.4, our Supreme Court has determined that all

juvenile offenders are entitled to anonymity in court records.48 By order, the

Washington Court of Appeals has similarly required that case titles in certain

appeals—including those regarding adoption, civil commitment, dependency,

termination of parental rights, truancy, at risk youth, child in need of services, and

juvenile offender—use the parties’ initials rather than their full names. Gen. Ord.

for the Ct. of Appeals, In re Changes to Case Title (Wash. Ct. App. Aug. 22,

2018) (effective Sept. 1, 2018).

       Thus, neither our state legislature nor Washington courts, in adopting

exceptions to our state open courts law, have deemed it necessary to conduct a

particularized case-by-case analysis prior to permitting the redaction of parties’

names in court records. Instead, whether by legislative enactment, court rule, or

court order, our state has exempted broad categories of persons from the

general disclosure requirement. Certainly, such broad exemptions do not

indicate the narrow tailoring that would be necessary were the state interest in

the disclosure of litigants’ actual names compelling. Thus, by exempting broad

       48 RAP 3.4 provides:

       In a juvenile offender case, the parties shall caption the case using the juvenile’s
       initials. The parties shall refer to the juvenile by his or her initials throughout all
       briefing and pleadings filed in the appellate court, and shall refer to any related
       individuals in such a way as to not disclose the juvenile’s identity. However, the
       trial court record need not be redacted to eliminate references to the juvenile’s
       identity.

                                                 76
No. 83700-1-I/77

swaths of persons from article I, section 10’s open courts mandate, both the

Washington legislature and Washington courts have impliedly indicated that the

state interest in disclosure of litigants’ actual names is not a compelling one.

       The Supremacy Clause prohibits the application of state open courts

jurisprudence when, as here, the right asserted is established by the federal First

Amendment. Nevertheless, even were we to apply Washington law to the

question of whether the Does may litigate in pseudonym, we would reach the

same conclusion—that not only “may” they so litigate, but that the federal

constitution demands they be permitted to do so. Such a determination by a

Washington court is, itself, state action. The broad exemptions to the open

courts mandate, both enacted by our legislature and adopted by our courts,

demonstrate that the state interest in the disclosure of individuals’ actual names

in court records is not a compelling one. Absent such an interest, and given the

Does’ First Amendment right to anonymity in political belief and association, we

cannot require the Does to litigate using their actual names here.

                                          V

                                          A

       All members of the panel have taken an oath to “‘support the Constitution

of the United States.’” RCW 2.06.085. Each panel member views the methods

of analyses employed herein and the decisions reached as being in accord with

this oath.

       Nevertheless, we are aware of the cultural and political tenor of our times.

This includes an awareness that many Americans despair that judicial decisions

                                         77
No. 83700-1-I/78

have become result-oriented to achieve political ends. To disabuse those so

inclined from defaulting to such a judgment concerning this opinion, and to

assure the general public that its appellate court exists in a reality-based

environment, we choose to acknowledge several of the pertinent facts that

underlie the dispute at issue.

                                               1

                             The 2020 Presidential Election

       1. Joseph R. Biden, Jr. won the 2020 presidential election, receiving

81,283,501 popular votes.49 Donald J. Trump lost the 2020 presidential election,

receiving 74,223,975 popular votes.50 Biden received 7,059,526 more votes than

did Trump.

       2. Biden’s popular vote total was the largest ever received by a candidate

for President of the United States.51

       3. Biden received 51.3 percent of the popular vote.52 This was the

highest percentage of the popular vote attained by a challenger to a sitting

president since 1932, when Franklin Roosevelt defeated Herbert Hoover.53

       49 U.S. FED. ELECTION COMM’N, FEDERAL ELECTIONS 2020: ELECTION RESULTS FOR THE U.S.

PRESIDENT, THE U.S. SENATE, AND THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 5 (Oct. 2022), at 5,
https://www.fec.gov/resources/cms-
content/documents/federalelections2020.pdf [https://perma.cc/5XDB-2XJA]
          50 FEDERAL ELECTIONS 2020, supra, at 5.
          51 Domenico Montanaro, President-Elect Joe Biden Hits 80 Million Votes in Year Of

Record Turnout, NAT’L PUB. RADIO (Nov. 25, 2020),
https://www.npr.org/2020/11/25/937248659/president-elect-biden-hits-80-million-votes-in-year-of-
record-turnout [https://perma.cc/4FZS-AWKK].
          52 FEDERAL ELECTIONS 2020, supra, at 5.
          53 Presidential Election Margin of Victory, AM. PRESIDENCY PROJECT (Mar. 7, 2020),

https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/statistics/data/presidential-election-mandates
[https://perma.cc/9MJG-RAHE]; Share of Electoral College and Popular Votes from Each Winning
Candidate, in All United States Presidential Elections from 1789 to 2020, STATISTA (Dec. 2020),
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1034688/share-electoral-popular-votes-each-president-since-
1789 [https://perma.cc/B5SE-NLLY].

                                              78
No. 83700-1-I/79

       4. Biden earned 306 electoral votes. Trump earned 232.54 In 2016,

Trump earned 306 electoral votes, while Hillary Clinton earned 232.55 Thus,

Biden defeated Trump by the same Electoral College margin as Trump defeated

Clinton.

                                               2

                              The Rally on January 6, 2021

       1. A “Stop the Steal” rally was held on January 6, 2021 on public property

in the District of Columbia. Various permits were sought and obtained,

authorizing use of the public property.56

       2. The theme of the rally was that the election had been “stolen” from

Donald Trump. Thus, Trump and rally organizers urged, Congress should not

finalize Biden’s victory by certifying the Electoral College results (as the law

required).57

       3. Trump, the sitting president, spoke at the rally.58

                                               3

                             The Insurrection at the Capitol

       1. As the rally ended, a civil disturbance began at the Capitol. Hundreds

of persons illegally broke through security lines and eventually into the Capitol

       54 FEDERAL ELECTIONS 2020, supra, at 7.
       55 2016 Presidential Election Results, N.Y. TIMES (Aug. 19, 2017, 9:00 AM),

www.nytimes.com/elections/2016/results/president.
          56 See note 13, supra.
          57 H.R. REP. NO. 117-663, at 231-33, 499-502 (2022),

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GPO-J6-REPORT/pdf/GPO-J6-REPORT.pdf
[https://perma.cc/UH8B-ZQ7D].
          58 H.R. REP. NO. 117-663, at 231-33.

                                              79
No. 83700-1-I/80

Building.59

       2. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate were forced to

adjourn and flee to safety.60

       3. In the riotous melee that ensued over 140 law enforcement officers

were injured.61 According to a U.S. Senate report, seven deaths were attributed

to the violence that took place.62

       4. The common goal of the rioters was to keep Congress from performing

its lawful function—certification of Biden’s presidential election victory. 63 Some

rioters, including those who chanted “Hang Mike Pence,” had other goals, such

as the killing or kidnapping of members of Congress.64

       5. For the first time since the War of 1812, the United States government

lost physical control of the Capitol Building to a group of attackers.65

       59 Audrey Kurth Cronin, The Capitol Has Been Breached Before: This Time It Was

Different, AM. UNIV. SCH. OF INT’L SERV. (Feb. 9, 2021),
https://www.american.edu/sis/centers/security-technology/the-capitol-has-been-attacked-before-
this-time-it-was-different.cfm [https://perma.cc/Y4NJ-7GE3]. See discussion H.R. REP. NO. 117-
663, at 637-88.
          60 H.R. REP. NO. 117-663, at 664-66.
          61 COMM. ON HOMELAND SEC. & GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS & COMM. ON RULES & ADMIN., U.S.

SENATE, EXAMINING THE U.S. CAPITOL ATTACK: A REVIEW OF THE SECURITY, PLANNING, AND
RESPONSE FAILURES ON JANUARY 6, at 33 (June 2021),
https://www.rules.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Jan%206%20HSGAC%20Rules%20Report.pdf
[https://perma.cc/DL5Q-5XT3].
          62 EXAMINING THE U.S. CAPITOL ATTACK, supra, at 1.
          63 EXAMINING THE U.S. CAPITOL ATTACK, supra, at 1.
          64 H.R. REP. NO. 117-663, at 37-39; Cronin, supra.
          65 Cronin, supra; Amanda Holpuch, US Capitol’s Last Breach Was More Than 200 Years
Ago, GUARDIAN (Jan. 6, 2021, 7:59 PM), https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jan/06/us-
capitol-building-washington-history-breach [https://perma.cc/RU25-E3LP]; Amy Sherman, A
History of Breaches and Violence at the US Capitol, POLITIFACT (Jan. 6, 2021),
https://www.politifact.com/article/2021/jan/07/history-breaches-and-violence-us-capitol/
[https://perma.cc/8A7C-5L2H].

                                             80
No. 83700-1-I/81

       6. Over 1,000 persons have been charged with crimes premised on

actions occurring at the Capitol on January 6, 2021.66 Over 630 have, to date,

pleaded guilty or been found guilty after trial.67

       7. Many of the insurrectionists belonged to groups espousing white

supremacist views. Others of the rioters, while not group members, were shown

to possess such views.68

       Given all of these facts, it is easy to understand the concerns motivating

the City and the requesters. Nevertheless, our duty to the United States

Constitution, and the Constitution’s embrace and protection of a right to

anonymity in political activity, lead us to the decisions we announce today.

                                              B

       The trial court’s denial of the Does’ motion for a preliminary injunction is

reversed and remanded.

       The trial court’s issuance of a temporary restraining order is affirmed.

       The trial court’s order denying Sueoka’s motion to preclude the Does’ use

of pseudonyms is affirmed.

       66 The Jan. 6 Attack: The Cases Behind the Biggest Criminal Investigation in U.S.

History, NAT’L PUB. RADIO (May 12, 2023, 5:25 PM),
https://www.npr.org/2021/02/09/965472049/the-capitol-siege-the-arrested-and-their-stories
[https://perma.cc/S38K-B8DK].
          67 The Jan. 6 Attack: The Cases Behind the Biggest Criminal Investigation in U.S.

History, supra.
          68 See discussion H.R. REP. NO. 117-663, at 499-576; Sabrina Tavernise & Matthew

Rosenberg, These Are the Rioters Who Stormed the Nation’s Capitol, N.Y. TIMES (May 12, 2021),
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/07/us/names-of-rioters-capitol.html; Deena Zaru, The Symbols
of Hate and Far-Right Extremism on Display in Pro-Trump Capitol Siege, ABC NEWS (Jan. 14,
2021, 2:01 AM), https://www.abcnewsgo.com/us/symbols-hate-extremism-display-pro-trump-
captiol-siege/story?id=75177671 [https://perma.cc/3T4R-2JRL]; Matthew Rosenberg & Ainara
Tiefenthäler, Decoding the Far-Right Symbols at the Capitol Riot, N.Y. TIMES (Jan. 13, 2021),
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/video/extremist-signs-symbols-capitol-riot.html.

                                              81
No. 83700-1-I/82

      Sueoka’s motion to change the case title is denied.

      Affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded.

WE CONCUR:

                                      82
                                                                           APPENDIX A
                                                     Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee - Sunshine Committee
                                                                       Schedule of Review - Updated March 2022
          "Legislation" = bills with Committee recommendations + other bills related to Committee recommendations (+ some related bills where the Legislature independently introduced legislation)
                                                                                                                       Date *                   Materials                                              Proposed Legislation &
           Category                 RCW (thru 2012)                         Description                                                                                    Recommendation
                                                                                                                      Enacted                   Presented                                                  Related Bills
                                                      Information on individual American ginseng growers                                                                                              SB 5295 (Ch. 128, 2010
1         Agriculture              42.56.380(6)                                                                         1996                    Oct. 2007                      June 2008
                                                      or dealers                                                                                                                                      Laws)
           Personal
         Information -         42.56.360(1)(f); [now Information relating to infant mortality pursuant to                                                                                             SB 5295 (Ch. 128, 2010
2                                                                                                                       1992                    Oct. 2007                       Mar. 2008
     Research Data/Health             (3)(a)]        RCW 70.05.170                                                                                                                                    Laws)
             Care
           Personal
                                                      Medical records collected by a local department of                                                                                              SB 5295 (Ch. 128, 2010
         Information -
3                                    70.05.170        health in the course of conducting a child mortality              1992                    Oct. 2007                       Mar. 2008             Laws); SB 5049 (2011,
     Research Data/Health
                                                      review                                                                                                                                          2012)
             Care
                                                      Definition of "public records" for the senate and the
          Legislative           42.56.010(2); [now    house are limited to definition of legislative records in
4                                                                                                                       1995                    Oct. 2007                       Aug. 2009
           Records                     (3)]           RCW 40.14.100 and budget, personnel, travel
                                                      records and certain reports. [Definition]
                                                                                                                                                                                                      SB 5294 (2009); SB 5049
     Personal Information -                                                                                                              Oct. 2007; March 2008;                                       (2011, 2012); HB 1298
                                                      Applications for public employment, including names,                                                            Mar. 2008; September 2008;
5           Public                 42.56.250(2)                                                                         1987             Sept. 2008; Feb. 2017;                                       (2013); SB 5169 (2013);
                                                      resumes                                                                                                                 May 2017
         Employment                                                                                                                             May 2017                                              HB 1537 (Ch. 229, 2019
                                                                                                                                                                                                      Laws); SB 5246 (2019)
                                   42.56.380(1);      Business records the department of agriculture                                            Nov. 2007
6         Agriculture                                                                                                   1992                                                   June 2008
                                    15.86.110         obtains regarding organic food products                                                   Jan. 2008
                                   42.56.380(2);      Information regarding business operations contained                                       Nov. 2007
7         Agriculture                                                                                                   1987                                                   June 2008
                                    15.54.362         in reports on commercial fertilizer                                                       Jan. 2008
                                                      Production or sales records required to determine
                                                      payments to various agricultural commodity boards                                         Nov. 2007
8         Agriculture              42.56.380(3)                                                                         1996                                                   June 2008
                                                      and commissions (Relates to exemptions in 10                                              Jan. 2008
                                                      commission statutes)

                                                      Consignment information contained on phytosanitary                                        Nov. 2007
9         Agriculture              42.56.380(4)                                                                         1996                                                   June 2008
                                                      certificates issued by the department of agriculture                                      Jan. 2008

                                                      Financial and commercial information and records
                                                      held by the department of agriculture for potential
                                                                                                                                                Nov. 2007
10        Agriculture              42.56.380(5)       establishment of a commodity board or commission                  1996                                           June 2008; November 2012
                                                                                                                                                Jan. 2008
                                                      regarding domestic or export marketing activities or
                                                      individual production information
                                                      Identifiable information collected by department of
                                                      agriculture regarding packers and shippers of fruits                                      Nov. 2007
11        Agriculture              42.56.380(7)                                                                         1996                                                   June 2008
                                                      and vegetables for purposes of inspections and                                            Jan. 2008
                                                      certification
                                                      Financial statements provided to the department of
                                                                                                                                                Nov. 2007
12        Agriculture              42.56.380(8)       agriculture for purposes of obtaining public livestock            2003                                                   June 2008
                                                                                                                                                Jan. 2008
                                                      market license
                                                      (Voluntary) National animal identification systems -                                      Nov. 2007
13        Agriculture              42.56.380(9)                                                                         2006                                                   June 2008
                                                      herd inventory mgmt., animal disease                                                      Jan. 2008

                                                                                                   1 of 38
                                                                             Schedule of Review
                                                             Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                             Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                             Date               Materials                                               Proposed Legislation &
          Category                 RCW                                Description                                                                           Recommendation
                                                                                                            Enacted             Presented                                                   Related Bills
                                                                                                                                Nov. 2007
14       Agriculture        42.56.380(10);16.36 Animal disease reporting                                      2006                                             June 2008
                                                                                                                                Jan. 2008
                                                                                                                           Jan. 2008; *See also       June 2008; November 2012;
                                                Farm plans that are voluntary and developed with                          May 2016, Aug. 2016 &
15       Agriculture          42.56.270(17)
                                                conservation district assistance
                                                                                                              2006
                                                                                                                          Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 &   *See also Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 & 2017: HB 1160/SB 5418
                                                                                                                                trade secrets                trade secrets
                                                Livestock nutrient management information: Certain
                                                information obtained by state and local agencies from
                                                dairies, animal feeding operations not required to                              Nov. 2007
16       Agriculture            42.56.610                                                                 2005 (c510s5)                                        June 2008            ;
                                                apply for a national pollutant discharge elimination                            Jan. 2008
                                                system permit disclosable only in ranges that provide
                                                meaningful information to public
                                                                                                                                Nov. 2007
17       Agriculture           15.49.370(8)     Seeds: operations and production information                  1969                                             June 2008
                                                                                                                                Jan. 2008
                                                                                                                                Nov. 2007
18       Agriculture            15.53.9018      Commercial Feed required reports                              1975                                             June 2008
                                                                                                                                Jan. 2008
                                                Washington Pesticide Control Act: Business
                                                                                                                                Nov. 2007
19       Agriculture          15.58.060(1)(c)   information of a proprietary nature regarding pesticide       1971                                             June 2008
                                                                                                                                Jan. 2008
                                                formulas
                                                Washington Pesticide Control Act: Privileged or
                                                                                                                                Nov. 2007
20       Agriculture           15.58.065(2)     confidential commercial or financial information, trade       1971                                             June 2008
                                                                                                                                Jan. 2008
                                                secrets re: pesticides
                                                Information regarding agricultural marketing
21       Agriculture            15.65.510       agreements (including info from noncompliance                 1961              Feb. 2008                      June 2008
                                                hearings)
                                                Business related information obtained by the
                                                department of agriculture regarding entities certified                          Nov. 2007
22       Agriculture            15.86.110                                                                     1992                                             June 2008
                                                to handle and process organic or transitional food, or                          Jan. 2008
                                                entities applying for such certification
                                                Insect Pests & Plant Diseases (including: trade
                                                secrets or commercial or financial information
                                                                                                                                Nov. 2007
23       Agriculture           17.24.061(2)     obtained by department of agriculture regarding               1991                                             June 2008
                                                                                                                                Jan. 2008
                                                insect pests, noxious weeds, or organisms affecting
                                                plant life
                                                Financial information provided by applicants for a
24       Agriculture           22.09.040(9)                                                                   1987              Feb. 2008                      June 2008
                                                warehouse license to the department of agriculture
                                                Financial information provided by applicants for a
25       Agriculture           22.09.045(7)                                                                   1987              Feb. 2008                      June 2008
                                                grain dealer license to the department of agriculture
                                                Financial and commercial information obtained by the
                                                                                                                                Nov. 2007
26       Agriculture            43.23.270       department of agriculture for export market                   1996                                             June 2008
                                                                                                                                Feb. 2008
                                                development projects
                                                List of nominees for director of work force training &                                                                              SB 5295 (Ch. 128 Laws of
27   Personal Information       28C.18.020                                                                    1991              Feb. 2008                     Sept. 2008
                                                education board [Later eliminated]                                                                                                  2010)
                                                Names of candidates for director of interagency                                                                                     SB 5295 (Ch. 128 Laws of
28   Personal Information       79A.25.150                                                                    1989              Feb. 2008                     Sept. 2008
                                                committee for outdoor recreation [Later eliminated]                                                                                 2010)

                                                                                            2 of 38
                                                                                     Schedule of Review
                                                                     Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                     Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                         Date                   Materials                                     Proposed Legislation &
             Category                   RCW                                   Description                                                                             Recommendation
                                                                                                                        Enacted                 Presented                                          Related Bills
                                                       State investment board criminal history record checks
29     Personal Information        43.33A.025(2)                                                                         1999                   May 2008                 June 2008
                                                       of finalists for board positions
                                                       Address, phone numbers, email addresses, SSNs,
       Personal Information:                           drivers' license numbers, identicard numbers, payroll                               May 2008; Feb. 2016;                              2017: HB 1160/SB 5418;
30                                  42.56.250(4)       deductions, and emergency contact information of               1987; 2020                                          May 2016
     Employment and Licensing                                                                                                                   May 2016                                     HB 1538 (2019)
                                                       public employees or volunteers held by public
                                                                                                                                                                                             2017: HB 1160/SB 5418.
                                                                                                                                                                                             See also HB 1293 (2011);
                                                       Personal information in files for students in public                1973                                                              SB 5314 (2011), HB 2646
                                                       schools, patients or clients of public institutions or    (I-276); Re (2): 2011 c   Nov. 2008; May 2014;                              (2011); HB 1203 (Ch. 220,
31     Personal Information       42.56.230(1)&(2)                                                                                                                  May 2016 (re consent)
                                                       public health agencies, or welfare programs (1);         173 s 1, 2013 c 220 s 1,   Feb. 2016; May 2016                               2013 Laws); SB 5198
                                                       children in listed programs (2)                                2015 c 47 s 1                                                          (2013); SB 5098 (Ch. 173,
                                                                                                                                                                                             2011 Laws); HB 1538
                                                                                                                                                                                             (2019); SB 5246 (2019)
                                                                                                                                                                                             SB 5294 (2009); SB 5049
                                                                                                                                                                                             (2011, 2012); HB 1298
         Public Utilities &                            Personal information in vanpool, carpool, ride-share                                                                                  (2013); SB 5169 (2013);
32                                  42.56.330(3)                                                                         1997                   May 2008          Nov. 2008; November 2012
          Transportation                               programs                                                                                                                              HB 1980 (2015); SB 6020
                                                                                                                                                                                             (2015) HB 1554 (2015) (re
                                                                                                                                                                                             (2))
                                                       Personal information of current or former participants
         Public Utilities &
33                                  42.56.330(4)       or applicants in transit services operated for those              1999                   May 2008                  Oct. 2008
          Transportation
                                                       with disabilities or elderly persons
                                41.04.364 (repealed)
                                - 41.04.362 - also see Personally identifiable information in state employee                                                                                 SB 5295 (Ch. 128, 2010
34     Personal Information                                                                                      1987; 2010 c. 128 s 3     May 2008 (2008 law)       July 2008 (2008 law)
                                    42.56.360(1)(j)    wellness program                                                                                                                      Laws)
                                        (same)
                                                                                                                                                                                             SB 5294 (2009); SB 5295
                                                                                                                                                                                             (Ch. 129, 2010 Laws); SB
                                                                                                                                                                                             5049 (2011); SB 2552
         Public Utilities &                            Personal information of persons who use transit
35                                  42.56.330(5)                                                                      1999; 2012                May 2008                  Oct. 2008          (Ch. 68, 2012 Laws); HB
          Transportation                               passes and other fare payment media
                                                                                                                                                                                             1298 (2013); SB 5169
                                                                                                                                                                                             (2013); HB 1980 (2015);
                                                                                                                                                                                             SB 6020 (2015)
                                                       Agency records relevant to a controversy but which
        Misc. Government                               would not be available to another party under the                 1973
36                                   42.56.290                                                                                                  June 2008                 Nov. 2008          SB 5294 (2009)
            Functions                                  rules of pretrial discovery for causes pending in the            (I-276)
                                                       superior courts
                                                       Information that identifies a person who, while an
                                                       agency employee: (a) Seeks advice, under an
                                                       informal process established by the employing
                                                       agency, in order to ascertain his or her rights in
37     Personal Information         42.56.250(6)                                                                         1992                   Sept. 2008                Oct. 2008          HB 1538 (2019)
                                                       connection with a possible unfair practice under
                                                       chapter 49.60 RCW against the person; and (b)
                                                       requests his or her identity or any identifying
                                                       information not be disclosed

                                                                                                     3 of 38
                                                                                 Schedule of Review
                                                                 Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                 Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                      Date                  Materials                                            Proposed Legislation &
              Category                 RCW                                 Description                                                                                Recommendation
                                                                                                                     Enacted                Presented                                                Related Bills
                                                    Investigative records compiled by an employing                                                                                             SB 5295 (Ch. 128, 2010
                                                    agency conducting a current investigation of a                                                                                             Laws) ; see also HB 2761
                                                                                                                                      Sept. 2008; Feb. 2016;
38     Personal Information        42.56.250(5)     possible unfair practice under chapter 49.60 RCW or                1994                                         Oct. 2008; May 2016        (2012) (employer
                                                                                                                                             May 2016
                                                    of a possible violation of other federal, state, or local                                                                                  investigations);
                                                    laws prohibiting discrimination in employment.                                                                                             2017: HB 1160/SB 5418
                                                    Employee salary and benefit information collected
                                                                                                                                                                                               SB 5295 (Ch. 128, 2010
39     Personal Information        42.56.250(8)     from private employers for salary survey information               1999                 Sept. 2008                   Oct. 2008
                                                                                                                                                                                               Laws)
                                                    for marine employees
                                                                                                                                        Nov. 2008; Jan. 2012;
                                                    Personal information in files on employees,                                        March 2012; Feb. 2014;
                                   42.56.230(3)                                                                                                                                                   2017: HB 1160/SB 5418
40     Personal Information                         appointees, or elected officials if disclosure would           1973 (I-276)       Aug. 2014; Oct. 2014; Feb. Nov. 2012; May 2016 (re consent)
                                   (formerly (2))                                                                                        2015; May 2016 (re
                                                                                                                                                                                                  (re consent)
                                                    violate their right to privacy
                                                                                                                                              consent)
                                                                                                                                                                                               SB 5049 (2011); HB 1297
                                                    Background information regarding a court appointed                                                                                         (2013); SB 5170 (2013)
41      Court Proceedings           13.34.100                                                                          1993                 Oct. 2008                     May-10
                                                    guardian ad litem.                                                                                                                         HB 1298 (2013), HB 1980
                                                                                                                                                                                               (2015); SB 6020 (2015)
                                                    Personally identifying information of persons who use
          Public Utilities &
42                                 42.56.330(7)     transponders and other technology to facilitate                    2005                 Mar. 2009                    May 2009
           Transportation
                                                    payment of tolls
          Public Utilities &                        Personally identifying information on an ID card that
43                                 42.56.330(8)                                                                        2008                 Mar. 2009                    May 2009
           Transportation                           contains a chip to facilitate border crossing.
          Public Utilities &                        Residential addresses and phone numbers in public                                                                                          HB 2114 (2014); SB 6007
44                                 42.56.330(2)                                                                 1987; 2014 c 33 s 1    Mar. 2009; Nov. 2013         Oct. 2009; Nov. 2013
           Transportation                           utility records                                                                                                                            (Ch. 33, 2014 Laws)
                                                    Information obtained by governmental agencies and
          Public Utilities &                        collected by the use of a motor carrier intelligent
45                                 42.56.330(6)                                                                        1999                 Mar. 2009                    May 2009
           Transportation                           transportation system or comparable information
                                                    equipment
          Public Utilities &                        Records of any person belonging to a public utility
46                                  42.56.335                                                                          2007                 Mar. 2009                    May 2009
           Transportation                           district or municipality owned electrical utility
          Public Utilities &                        Valuable commercial information, trade secrets, etc.
47                                 42.56.330(1)                                                                        1987                 Mar. 2009                    Mar. 2009
           Transportation                           supplied to the utilities and transportation commission
                                                    Utility records filed with utilities and transportation
          Public Utilities &
48                                  80.04.095       commission containing valuable commercial                          1987                 Mar. 2009                    Oct. 2009
           Transportation
                                                    information
                                                    Information obtained and exempted by the health
                                                    care authority that is transferred to facilitate
49   Insurance & Financial Inst.   42.56.400(2)                                                                        2003            May 2009; May 2010                May 2010
                                                    development, acquisition, or implementation of state
                                                    purchased health care
                                                    Names of individuals in life insurance policy
50   Insurance & Financial Inst.   42.56.400(3)                                                                        1995            May 2009; May 2010                May 2010
                                                    settlements
                                                    Insurance viatical settlement broker records which
51   Insurance & Financial Inst.   48.102.030       may be required and examined by the insurance                      1995            May 2009; May 2010                May 2010
                                                    commissioner [later repealed]

                                                                                                 4 of 38
                                                                                Schedule of Review
                                                                Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                   Date                   Materials                          Proposed Legislation &
             Category                  RCW                               Description                                                                       Recommendation
                                                                                                                  Enacted                 Presented                              Related Bills
52   Insurance & Financial Inst.   42.56.400(4)    Insurance antifraud plans                                       1995              May 2009; May 2010      May 2010
                                                   Insurance company antifraud plans submitted to the
53   Insurance & Financial Inst.    48.30A.060                                                                     1995              May 2009; May 2010      May 2010
                                                   insurance commissioner
                                                   Insurers' reports on material acquisitions and
54   Insurance & Financial Inst.   42.56.400(5)    disposition of assets, etc. filed with the insurance            1995              May 2009; May 2010      May 2010
                                                   commission
                                                   Information provided to the insurance commissioner
55   Insurance & Financial Inst.   42.56.400(7)                                                                    1997              May 2009; May 2010      May 2010
                                                   regarding service contract providers
                                                   Monthly financial reports made by service contract
56   Insurance & Financial Inst.   48.110.040(3)                                                                   2005              May 2009; May 2010      May 2010
                                                   providers to the insurance commissioner
                                                   Information obtained by the insurance commissioner
57   Insurance & Financial Inst.   42.56.400(8)                                                                    2001              May 2009; May 2010      May 2010
                                                   relating to market conduct examinations
                                                   Documents obtained by the insurance commissioner                                                                         SB 5049 (2012); HB 1298
58   Insurance & Financial Inst.   42.56.400(12)   to perform market conduct examinations. Report is               2007              May 2009; May 2010      May 2010       (2013); SB 5169 (2013) re
                                                   disclosable under RCW 48.37.060.                                                                                         RCW 48.37.060
                                                   Confidential and privileged documents obtained in
59   Insurance & Financial Inst.   42.56.400(13)                                                                   2007              May 2009; May 2010      May 2010
                                                   market conduct examination
                                                   Information provided to the insurance commissioner
60   Insurance & Financial Inst.   42.56.400(14)   by insurance company employees asserting market                 2007              May 2009; May 2010      May 2010
                                                   conduct violations
                                                   Documents related to insurance commissioner's
61   Insurance & Financial Inst.    48.37.080                                                                      2007              May 2009; May 2010      May 2010
                                                   market conduct examination
                                                   Proprietary information provided to the insurance
                                                                                                          2001; 2015 c 122 ss 13 &
62   Insurance & Financial Inst.   42.56.400(9)    commissioner regarding health carrier holding                                     May 2009; May 2010      May 2010
                                                                                                                    14
                                                   companies
                                                   Data filed with the insurance commissioner that                                                                          SB 5049 (2012); HB 1299
63   Insurance & Financial Inst.   42.56.400(10)                                                                   2001              May 2009; Aug. 2010
                                                   reveals identity of claimant, provider, or insurer                                                                       (2013); SB 5171 (2013)
                                                   Documents obtained by insurance commissioner
64   Insurance & Financial Inst.   42.56.400(11)                                                                   2006              May 2009; Aug. 2010     Aug. 2010
                                                   relating to insurance fraud
                                                   Documents obtained by insurance commissioner
65   Insurance & Financial Inst.    48.135.060                                                                     2006              May 2009; Aug. 2010     Aug. 2010
                                                   relating to insurance fraud
                                                   Documents obtained by insurance commissioner                     2007
66   Insurance & Financial Inst.   42.56.400(15)                                                                                     May 2009; Aug. 2010     Aug. 2010
                                                   regarding misconduct by agent/broker                          Eff. 1/1/09

                                                   Information obtained by insurance commissioner in
67   Insurance & Financial Inst.   48.17.595(6)                                                                    2007              May 2009; Aug. 2010     Aug. 2010
                                                   investigation of misconduct by agent/broker

                                                   Documents that provide background for actuarial
68   Insurance & Financial Inst.    42.56.403                                                                      2006              May 2009; Aug. 2010     Aug. 2010
                                                   opinion filed with insurance commissioner
                                                   Formulas, statistics, assumptions, etc. used by
                                                   insurance companies to create rates; such
69   Insurance & Financial Inst.    48.02.120                                                                      1985              May 2009; Aug. 2010     Aug. 2010
                                                   information that is submitted to the insurance
                                                   commissioner
                                                   Statement of actuarial opinion is a public record.
                                                   Documents that provide background for statement of
70   Insurance & Financial Inst.   48.05.385(2)                                                                    2006              May 2009; Aug. 2010     Aug. 2010
                                                   actuarial opinion filed with insurance commissioner
                                                   are exempt

                                                                                               5 of 38
                                                                                  Schedule of Review
                                                                  Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                  Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                     Date                 Materials                            Proposed Legislation &
             Category                   RCW                                Description                                                                     Recommendation
                                                                                                                    Enacted               Presented                                Related Bills
                                                      Examinations and investigations by state insurance
71   Insurance & Financial Inst.   48.03.040(6)(a)                                                                    1937           May 2009; Aug 2010       Aug. 2010
                                                      commissioner
                                                      Examinations and investigations by state insurance
72   Insurance & Financial Inst.      48.03.050                                                                       1937                May 2009            Oct. 2009       SB 5049 (2011)
                                                      commissioner
                                                      Insurance companies risk based capital (RBC)
73   Insurance & Financial Inst.      48.05.465                                                                       1995           May 2009; Aug. 2010      Aug. 2010
                                                      reports and plans
                                                      Insurance companies risk based capital (RBC)
74   Insurance & Financial Inst.    48.43.335(1)      reports and plans (should not be used to compare                1998           May 2009; Aug. 2010      Aug. 2010
                                                      insurance companies and are therefore confidential)
                                                      Proof of nonresident pharmacy licensure used by
75   Insurance & Financial Inst.      48.20.530                                                                       1991           May 2009; Aug. 2010      Aug. 2010
                                                      insurance companies to provide drugs to residents
                                                      Proof of nonresident pharmacy licensure used by
76   Insurance & Financial Inst.      48.21.330                                                                       1991           May 2009; Aug. 2010      Aug. 2010
                                                      insurance companies to provide drugs to residents
                                                      Proof of nonresident pharmacy licensure used by
77   Insurance & Financial Inst.      48.44.470                                                                       1991           May 2009; Aug. 2010      Aug. 2010
                                                      insurance companies to provide drugs to residents
                                                      Proof of nonresident pharmacy licensure used by
78   Insurance & Financial Inst.      48.46.540                                                                       1991           May 2009; Aug. 2010      Aug. 2010
                                                      insurance companies to provide drugs to residents
                                                      Source of consideration (identity of the lender) for
79   Insurance & Financial Inst.   48.31B.015(2)(b)                                                                   1993           May 2009; Aug. 2010      Aug. 2010
                                                      loan associated with acquiring an insurance company
                                                      Local government self-insurance liability reserve
80   Insurance & Financial Inst.    48.62.101(2)                                                                      1991           May 2009; Aug. 2010      Aug. 2010
                                                      funds
81          Placeholder
                                                      Summary of reasoning for insurance commissioner's
82   Insurance & Financial Inst.    48.94.010(5)                                                                      1993           May 2009; Aug. 2010      Aug. 2010
                                                      refusal to issue reinsurance intermediary license
                                                      Records of the interstate insurance product regulation
83   Insurance & Financial Inst.     48.130.070       compact involving privacy of individuals and insurers'          2005           May 2009; Aug. 2010      Aug. 2010
                                                      trade secrets
                                                      Examination and proprietary records of potential
                                                      insurers obtained by the director of the Washington                                                                     SB 5049 (2011, 2012);
                                                      state pollution liability insurance agency when                                                                         HB1298 (2013); SB 5169
84   Insurance & Financial Inst.    70.148.060(1)                                                              1989; 2015 c224 s 5   May 2009; Aug. 2010   Aug. 2010-modify
                                                      soliciting bids to provide reinsurance for owners of                                                                    (2013); HB 1980 (2015);
                                                      underground storage tanks                                                                                               SB 6020 (2015)

                                                      Business and proprietary information of insurers
                                                      obtained by the director of the Washington state
85   Insurance & Financial Inst.     70.149.090                                                                       1995           May 2009; Aug. 2010      Aug. 2010
                                                      pollution liability insurance agency, to provide
                                                      insurance to owners of heating oil tanks
                                                      Examination reports and information obtained by the
86   Insurance & Financial Inst.     42.56.400(6)     department of financial institutions from banking               1997                Oct. 2010           Sept. 2011
                                                      institutions
                                                      Reports and information from department of financial
87   Insurance & Financial Inst.      21.20.855                                                                       1988                Oct. 2010           Sept. 2011
                                                      services examinations
                                                      Information obtained by the director of financial
88   Insurance & Financial Inst.     30.04.075(1)     institutions when examining banks and trust                     1977                Oct. 2010           Sept. 2011
                                                      companies
                                                      Information obtained during investigations of out of
89   Insurance & Financial Inst.   30.04.230(4)(a)                                                                    1983                Oct. 2010           Sept. 2011
                                                      state banks

                                                                                                6 of 38
                                                                                   Schedule of Review
                                                                   Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                   Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                    Date            Materials                                    Proposed Legislation &
              Category                   RCW                                Description                                                                   Recommendation
                                                                                                                   Enacted          Presented                                         Related Bills
                                                      Examination reports and information obtained by the
90    Insurance & Financial Inst.    31.12.565(1)     director of financial institutions while examining credit     1984            Oct. 2010                Sept. 2011
                                                      unions
                                                      Information from examinations of mutual savings
91    Insurance & Financial Inst.    32.04.220(1)                                                                   1977            Oct. 2010                Sept. 2011
                                                      banks
                                                      Information from examinations of savings and loan
92    Insurance & Financial Inst.    33.04.110(1)                                                                   1977            Oct. 2010                Sept. 2011
                                                      associations
                                                      Findings disapproving conversion from mutual
93    Insurance & Financial Inst.    32.32.228(3)                                                                   1989            Oct. 2010                Sept. 2011
                                                      savings bank to capital stock savings bank
                                                      Information applicants deem confidential relating to
94    Insurance & Financial Inst.     32.32.275       conversion of mutual savings bank to capital stock            1981            Oct. 2010                Sept. 2011
                                                      savings bank
95    Insurance & Financial Inst.      7.88.020       Financial institution compliance review documents             1997            Oct. 2010                Sept. 2011
                                                      Information obtained from a financial institution's
96    Insurance & Financial Inst.     9A.82.170       records pursuant to subpoena under the criminal               1984            Oct. 2010                Sept. 2011
                                                      profiteering act
                                                      Reports and information from department of financial
97    Insurance & Financial Inst.     21.30.855                                                                     1988            Oct. 2010                Sept. 2011
                                                      services examinations
98    Insurance & Financial Inst.    30.04.410(3)     Findings related to disapprovals of bank acquisitions         1989            Oct. 2010                Sept. 2011
                                                      Name of lender financing the acquisition of a savings
99    Insurance & Financial Inst.   33.24.360(1)(d)                                                                 1973            Oct. 2010                Sept. 2011
                                                      and loan, if requested by the applicant
                                                      Personal information on check cashers and sellers
100   Insurance & Financial Inst.     42.56.450                                                                   1991; 1995        Oct. 2010                Sept. 2011
                                                      licensing applications and small loan endorsements
101   Insurance & Financial Inst.     31.35.070       Reports on examinations of agricultural lenders               1990            Oct. 2010                Sept. 2011
                                                      Addresses and phone numbers and trade secrets of
102   Insurance & Financial Inst.    31.45.030(3)                                                                   1991            Oct. 2010                Sept. 2011
                                                      applicants of a check casher or seller license
                                                      Addresses, phone numbers and trade secrets of
103   Insurance & Financial Inst.    31.45.077(2)     applicants for a small loan endorsement to a check            1995            Oct. 2010                Sept. 2011
                                                      cashers or sellers license
                                                      Trade secrets supplied by licensed check cashers
104   Insurance & Financial Inst.     31.45.090       and sellers as part of the annual report to director of       2003            Oct. 2010                Sept. 2011
                                                      financial institutions
                                                      Information in employer's records obtained by labor &
105      L&I-Injured workers         51.16.070(2)                                                                   1957            Oct. 2010                Aug.2011
                                                      industries under industrial insurance
                                                      Information and records of injured workers contained
106      L&I-Injured workers          51.28.070                                                                     1957            Oct. 2010                Aug.2011
                                                      in industrial insurance claim files
                                                      Information (including patients' confidential
107      L&I-Injured workers         51.36.110(1)     information) obtained in audits of health care                1994            Oct. 2010                Aug. 2011
                                                      providers under industrial insurance
                                                                                                                                                                                SB 5049 (2011); HB 1298
                                                      Credit card numbers, debit card numbers, electronic
                                     42.56.230(5)                                                                                                                               (2013); SB 5169 (2013);
108     Personal Information                          check numbers, and other financial information,                               Aug. 2010         Aug.2010; November 2012
                                     (formerly (3))                                                                                                                             HB 1980 (2015); HB 1980
                                                      except when disclosure is required by other law
                                                                                                                                                                                (2015)
                                                      Certain taxpayer information if it would violate
109     Personal Information         42.56.230(4)                                                                   1973       Feb., May, Aug. 2016     May 2016 (re consent)
                                                      taxpayers right of privacy

                                                                                                   7 of 38
                                                                              Schedule of Review
                                                              Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                              Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                              Date              Materials                                   Proposed Legislation &
              Category               RCW                               Description                                                                   Recommendation
                                                                                                             Enacted            Presented                                       Related Bills
                                                 Personal and financial information related to a small
110     Personal Information     42.56.230(5)    loan or any system of authorizing a small loan in            2009         May 2016 (re consent)   May 2016 (re consent)
                                                 section 6 of this act (RCW 31.45.---)
                                                 Personal information required to apply for a driver’s
111     Personal Information     42.56.230(6)                                                                 2008         May 2016 (re consent)   May 2016 (re consent)
                                                 license or identicard
                                                 Name of employee of company seeking industrial
112      L&I-Injured workers     49.17.080(1)                                                                 1973              Aug. 2011               Aug. 2011
                                                 safety & health act
                                                 Trade secrets reported to labor & industries under
113      L&I-Injured workers      49.17.200                                                                   1973              Aug. 2011               Aug. 2011
                                                 Washington industrial safety & health act
                                                 Identification of employer or employee in labor &
114      L&I-Injured workers      49.17.210                                                                   1973              Aug. 2011               Aug. 2011
                                                 industries studies
                                                 Info obtained by labor & industries from employer-
115      L&I-Injured workers     49.17.250(3)    requested consultation re. industrial safety & health        1991              Aug. 2011               Aug. 2011
                                                 act
                                                 Labor & industries investigative reports on industrial
116      L&I-Injured workers      49.17.260                                                                   1973              Aug. 2011               Aug. 2011
                                                 catastrophes
                                                 Financial or valuable trade info from health care
117      L&I-Injured workers      51.36.120                                                                   1989              Aug. 2011               Aug. 2011
                                                 providers
                                                 Board of industrial insurance records pertaining to
118      L&I-Injured workers     42.56.400(1)                                                                                   Aug. 2011               Aug. 2011
                                                 appeals of crime victims’ compensation claims
                                                 Commercial fishing catch data provided to the
                                                                                                                           May 2017; Aug. 2017;
119        Fish & Wildlife       42.56.430 (1)   department of fish and wildlife that would result in
                                                                                                                           Oct. 2017; Feb. 2018
                                                 unfair competitive disadvantage
                                                 Sensitive wildlife data obtained by the department of                     May 2017; Aug. 2017;
120        Fish & Wildlife       42.56.430 (2)
                                                 fish and wildlife                                                         Oct. 2017; Feb. 2018
                                                 Personally identifying information of persons who                         May 2017; Aug. 2017;
121        Fish & Wildlife       42.56.430 (3)
                                                 acquire recreational or commercial licenses                               Oct. 2017; Feb. 2018
                                                 Information subject to confidentiality requirements of
                                                                                                                           May 2017; Aug. 2017;
122        Fish & Wildlife       42.56.430(4)    Magnuson-Stevens fishery conservation and                2008 c 252 s 1
                                                                                                                           Oct. 2017; Feb. 2018
                                                 management reauthorization act of 2006
                                                 Test questions, scoring keys, and other exam
                                                                                                                           May 2021; Aug. 2021;
123   Employment and Licensing   42.56.250(1)    information used on licenses, employment or                  1973
                                                                                                                                Oct. 2021
                                                 academics
                                                                                                                                                                           HB 2764 (2013); HB 2663
                                                 Records of LCB showing individual purchases of
124     Personal Information      66.16.090                                                                   1933              Jun. 2013               Jun. 2013          (Ch. 182, 2016 Laws) -
                                                 liquor-confidential
                                                                                                                                                                           Repealed
                                                 Personally identifying information collected by law
          Investigative, law
                                                 enforcement agencies pursuant to local security
125    enforcement and crime     42.56.240(9)                                                             2012 c 288 s 1
                                                 alarm system programs and vacation crime watch
               victims
                                                 programs
                                                 Identity of state employee or officer who files a
          Investigative, law
                                                 complaint with an ethics board under RCW 42.52.420
126    enforcement and crime     42.56.240(11)                                                            2013 c 190 s 7
                                                 or reports improper governmental action to the
               victims
                                                 auditor or other official
                                                 Criminal history record checks for investment board
127   Employment and Licensing   42.56.250(7)                                                                 2010
                                                 finalist candidates

                                                                                             8 of 38
                                                                                Schedule of Review
                                                                Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                    Date                  Materials                                        Proposed Legislation &
               Category                RCW                               Description                                                                             Recommendation
                                                                                                                   Enacted                Presented                                            Related Bills
                                                   Employee salary and benefit information collected
128   Employment and Licensing      42.56.250(7)   from private employers for salary survey information             1999
                                                   for maritime employees
                                                                                                                                                                                         HB 2447 (2010); See also
                                                                                                                                                                                         HB 2259 (criminal justice
                                                   Photographs, month/year of birth in personnel files of                                                                                agency/employee info)
129   Employment and Licensing      42.56.250(8)                                                                 2010; 2020
                                                   public employees; news media has access                                                                                               and HB 1317 (Ch. 257,
                                                                                                                                                                                         2010 Laws) (amending
                                                                                                                                                                                         .230);
                                                   Real estate appraisals for agency acquisition or sale
                                                                                                                                                                                         HB 1431 (Ch. 150, 2015
130     Real estate Appraisals       42.56.260     until project or sale abandoned, but no longer than 3     1973; 2015 c 150 s 1    Aug. 2014; Oct. 2014            Oct. 2014
                                                                                                                                                                                         Laws); SB 5395
                                                   years in all cases
                                                                                                                                                                                         Burglar alarm info - HB
                                                   Specific intelligence and investigative information
                                                                                                                                    Jan. 2012; March 2012;                               2896 (2010); HB 1243
          Investigative, law                       completed by investigative, law enforcement, and
                                                                                                                                    May 2012; March 2013;                                (Ch. 88, 2012 Laws); SB
131    enforcement and crime        42.56.240(1)   penology agencies, and state agencies that discipline            1973                                             Oct .2019
                                                                                                                                    June 2013; Feb. 2014;                                5244 (2011); SB 5344
               victims                             members of professions, if essential to law
                                                                                                                                     Oct. 2014; Oct. 2019                                (2011). Traffic stop info -
                                                   enforcement or a person’s right to privacy*
                                                                                                                                                                                         SB 6186 (2009)
                                                   Identity of witnesses, victims of crime, or persons who
                                                                                                                                    Jan. 2012; March 2012;
          Investigative, law                       file complaints, if they timely request nondisclosure                                                                                 HB 2764 (2013); see also
                                                                                                                                    March 2013; June 2013;
132    enforcement and crime        42.56.240(2)   and disclosure would endanger their life, personal                                                                                    HB 2610 (2010), SB 6428
                                                                                                                                    Sept. 2013; May 2014;
               victims                             safety, or property—does not apply to PDC                                                                                             (2010) (to amend .230))
                                                                                                                                         August 2014
                                                   complaints
                                                   Records of investigative reports prepared by any law
          Investigative, law
                                                   enforcement agency pertaining to sex offenses or                                 Jan. 2012; March 2012;
133    enforcement and crime        42.56.240(3)
                                                   sexually violent offenses which have been transferred                                  June 2013
               victims
                                                   to WASPC
          Investigative, law
                                                   Information in applications for concealed pistol
134    enforcement and crime        42.56.240(4)                                                                    1988            May 2011; March 2013            May, 2011
                                                   licenses
               victims
                                                                                                                                     May 2011; Feb. 2015;
                                                                                                                                                                                         SB 5049 (2012); HB 1299
          Investigative, law                                                                                                         May 2015; Aug. 2015;
                                                   Identifying information regarding child victims of                                                                                    (2013); SB 5171 (2013);
135    enforcement and crime        42.56.240(5)                                                                    1992             Aug. 2018; Oct. 2018;    Sept. 2011; August 2015
                                                   sexual assault                                                                                                                        HB 1980 (2015); SB 6020
               victims                                                                                                               Feb. 2019; May 2019;
                                                                                                                                                                                         (2015)
                                                                                                                                     Aug. 2019; Oct. 2019
                                                                                                                                                                                         SB 5049 (2012); HB 1299
          Investigative, law
                                                                                                                                                                                         (2013); SB 5171 (2013);
136    enforcement and crime        42.56.240(6)   Statewide gang database in RCW 43.43.762                         2008                  May, 2011          Sept. 2011; November 2012
                                                                                                                                                                                         HB 1980 (2015); SB 6020
               victims
                                                                                                                                                                                         (2015)
          Investigative, law
                                                   Data from electronic sales tracking system
137    enforcement and crime        42.56.240(7)                                                                    2010                  May, 2011                 May, 2011
                                                   (pseudoephedrine)
               victims
          Investigative, law                       Person's identifying info submitted to sex offender
138    enforcement and crime        42.56.240(8)   notification and registration system to receive notice           2010                  May, 2011                 May, 2011
               victims                             regarding registered sex offenders
                                                   Information filed with department of licensing or open
               Personal                            to department of licensing inspection under
139   Information/proprietary and   82.36.450(3)   agreement is personal information under RCW                      2007                  Sept. 2011
            tax information                        42.56.230(3) (b) and exempt from public inspection
                                                   and copying

                                                                                               9 of 38
                                                                                    Schedule of Review
                                                                    Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                    Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                    Date               Materials                                             Proposed Legislation &
               Category                  RCW                                 Description                                                                         Recommendation
                                                                                                                   Enacted             Presented                                                 Related Bills
                                                       Information filed with department of licensing or open
               Personal                                to department of licensing inspection under
140   Information/proprietary and    82.38.310(3)      agreement is personal information under RCW                  2007               Sept. 2011
            tax information                            42.56.230(3) (b) and exempt from public inspection
                                                       and copying
141       Lists of Individuals       42.56.070(9)      Lists of individuals for commercial purposes.                1973          Feb. 2017; May 2017
                                                       Information provided to court for preliminary
142             Juries                2.36.072(4)                                                                   1993
                                                       determination of statutory qualification for jury duty
                                                       Personal information required to apply for a driver’s                     Nov. 2013; Dec. 2013;
143      Personal Information       42.56.230 (7)(a)                                                            2008 c 200 s 5                           Feb. 2014; May 2016 (re consent) 2017: HB 1160/SB 5418
                                                       license or identicard                                                     May 2016 (re consent)
                                                       Persons who decline to register for selective service
144      Personal Information       42.56.230 (7)(b)                                                            2011 c 350 s 2   May 2016 (re consent)         May 2016 (re consent)        2017: HB 1160/SB 5418
                                                       under RCW 46.20.111
                                                       Valuable formulae, designs, drawings and research                         *May 2016, Aug. 2016 &
      Financial, Commercial, and                       obtained by agency within 5 years of request for                          Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 &   *Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 & trade
145                                  42.56.270(1)                                                                1973 (I-276)                                                               2017: HB 1160/SB 5418
        Proprietary Information                        disclosure if disclosure would produce private gain                       trade secrets/proprietary    secrets/proprietary info
                                                       and public loss                                                                     info
                                                                                                                                 *May 2016, Aug. 2016 &
      Financial, Commercial, and                       Financial information supplied by a bidder on ferry                       Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 &   *Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 & trade
146                                  42.56.270(2)                                                                   1983                                                                    2017: HB 1160/SB 5418
        Proprietary Information                        work or highway construction                                              trade secrets/proprietary    secrets/proprietary info
                                                                                                                                           info
                                                                                                                                 *May 2016, Aug. 2016 &
      Financial, Commercial, and                       Financial information and records filed by persons                        Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 &   *Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 & trade
147                                  42.56.270(3)                                                                   1986                                                                    2017: HB 1160/SB 5418
        Proprietary Information                        pertaining to export services                                             trade secrets/proprietary    secrets/proprietary info
                                                                                                                                           info
                                                                                                                                 *May 2016; Aug. 2016 &
      Financial, Commercial, and                       Financial information in economic development loan                        Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 &   *Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 & trade
148                                  42.56.270(4)                                                                   1987                                                                    2017: HB 1160/SB 5418
        Proprietary Information                        applications                                                              trade secrets/proprietary    secrets/proprietary info
                                                                                                                                           info
                                                                                                                                 *May 2016, Aug. 2016 &
      Financial, Commercial, and                       Financial information obtained from business and                          Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 &   *Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 & trade
149                                  42.56.270(5)                                                                   1989                                                                    2017: HB 1160/SB 5418
        Proprietary Information                        industrial development corporations                                       trade secrets/proprietary    secrets/proprietary info
                                                                                                                                           info
                                                                                                                                   May 2015; Aug. 2015;
                                                                                                                                 *May 2016, Aug. 2016 & Aug. 2015; see also *Oct. 2016 -    SB 6170 (Chap. 8, 2016
      Financial, Commercial, and                       Financial information on investment of retirement
150                                  42.56.270(6)                                                                   1989         Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 &          42.56.270 & trade         Laws 1st Sp. Sess.);
        Proprietary Information                        moneys and public trust investments
                                                                                                                                 trade secrets/proprietary    secrets/proprietary info      2017: HB 1160/SB 5418
                                                                                                                                           info
                                                                                                                                 *May 2016, Aug. 2016 &
      Financial, Commercial, and                       Financial and trade information supplied by and under                     Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 &   *Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 & trade
151                                  42.56.270(7)                                                                   1989                                                                    2017: HB 1160/SB 5418
        Proprietary Information                        industrial insurance coverage                                             trade secrets/proprietary    secrets/proprietary info
                                                                                                                                           info
                                                                                                                                  May 2016, Aug. 2016 &
                                                       Financial information obtained by the clean
      Financial, Commercial, and                                                                                                 Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 &   *Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 & trade
152                                  42.56.270(8)      Washington center for services related to marketing          1994                                                                    2017: HB 1160/SB 5418
        Proprietary Information                                                                                                  trade secrets/proprietary    secrets/proprietary info
                                                       recycled products
                                                                                                                                           info
                                                                                                                                 *May 2016, Aug. 2016 &
      Financial, Commercial, and                       Financial and commercial information requested by                         Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 &   *Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 & trade
153                                  42.56.270(9)                                                                   1997                                                                    2017: HB 1160/SB 5418
        Proprietary Information                        public stadium authority from leaser                                      trade secrets/proprietary    secrets/proprietary info
                                                                                                                                           info

                                                                                                   10 of 38
                                                                                      Schedule of Review
                                                                      Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                      Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                             Date                    Materials                                              Proposed Legislation &
               Category                   RCW                                  Description                                                                                      Recommendation
                                                                                                                            Enacted                  Presented                                                  Related Bills
                                                                                                                                              *May 2016, Aug. 2016 &
                                                         Financial information supplied for application for a
      Financial, Commercial, and                                                                                                              Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 &     *Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 & trade
154                                  42.56.270(10)       liquor, gambling, lottery retail or various marijuana           2014 c 192 s 6                                                                    2017: HB 1160/SB 5418
        Proprietary Information                                                                                                               trade secrets/proprietary      secrets/proprietary info
                                                         licenses
                                                                                                                                                        info
                                                         Proprietary data, trade secrets, or other information                                *May 2016, Aug. 2016 &
      Financial, Commercial, and                         submitted by any vendor to department of social and                                  Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 &     *Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 & trade
155                                  42.56.270(11)                                                                                                                                                         2017: HB 1160/SB 5418
        Proprietary Information                          health services for purposes of state purchased                                      trade secrets/proprietary      secrets/proprietary info
                                                         health care                                                                                    info
                                                                                                                                              *May 2016, Aug. 2016 &
                                                         Financial or proprietary information supplied to
      Financial, Commercial, and                                                                                                              Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 &     *Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 & trade
156                                42.56.270(12)(a)(i)   DCTED in furtherance of the state’s economic and                 1993, 1989                                                                       2017: HB 1160/SB 5418
        Proprietary Information                                                                                                               trade secrets/proprietary      secrets/proprietary info
                                                         community development efforts
                                                                                                                                                        info
                                                                                                                                              *May 2016, Aug. 2016 &
                                                      Financial or proprietary information provided to the
      Financial, Commercial, and                                                                                                              Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 &     *Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 & trade
157                              42.56.270(12)(a)(ii) DCTED regarding businesses proposing to locate in                      1999                                                                          2017: HB 1160/SB 5418
        Proprietary Information                                                                                                               trade secrets/proprietary      secrets/proprietary info
                                                      the state
                                                                                                                                                        info
                                                                                                                                               May 2016, Aug. 2016 &
                                                         Financial, commercial, operations, and technical and
      Financial, Commercial, and                                                                                                              Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 &     *Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 & trade
158                                  42.56.270(14)       research information obtained by the life sciences          2005 (c424s6)7/25/2006                                                                2017: HB 1160/SB 5418
        Proprietary Information                                                                                                               trade secrets/proprietary      secrets/proprietary info
                                                         discovery fund authority
                                                                                                                                                        info
                                                                                                                                              *May 2016, Aug. 2016 &
                                                         Financial and commercial information submitted to or
      Financial, Commercial, and                                                                                                              Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 &     *Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 & trade
159                                  42.56.270(20)       obtained by the University of Washington relating to            2009 c 384 s 3                                                                    2017: HB 1160/SB 5418
        Proprietary Information                                                                                                               trade secrets/proprietary      secrets/proprietary info
                                                         investments in private funds
                                                                                                                                                        info
                                                                                                                                              *May 2016, Aug. 2016 &
      Financial, Commercial, and                         Market share data submitted by a manufacturer under                                  Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 &     *Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 & trade
160                                  42.56.270(21)                                                                      2013 c 305 s 14                                                                    2017: HB 1160/SB 5418
        Proprietary Information                          RCW 70.95N.190(4)                                                                    trade secrets/proprietary      secrets/proprietary info
                                                                                                                                                        info
                                                         Preliminary drafts, notes, recommendations, and intra-
         Preliminary records
                                                         agency memos where opinions are expressed or
161     containing opinions or         42.56.280                                                                          1973 (I-276)         May 2021; Oct. 2021
                                                         policies formulated or recommended, unless cited by
         policy formulations
                                                         an agency
                                                         Information identifying the location of archaeological
162      Archaeological sites         42.56.300(3)                                                                    1976; 2014 c 165 s 1
                                                         sites
163         Library records            42.56.310         Library records disclosing the identity of a library user           1982
                                                         Financial disclosures filed by private vocational
164    Educational Information        42.56.320(1)                                                                           1986
                                                         schools
                                                         Financial and commercial information relating to the
165    Educational Information        42.56.320(2)
                                                         purchase or sale of tuition units
                                                         Individually identifiable information received by the
166    Educational Information        42.56.320(3)
                                                         WFTECB for research or evaluation purposes
                                                         Information on gifts, grants, or bequests to institutions
167    Educational Information        42.56.320(4)                                                                           1975              May 2021; Oct. 2021
                                                         of higher education (1975)
                                                         The annual declaration of intent filed by parents for a
168    Educational Information        42.56.320(5)                                                                       2009 c 191 s 1
                                                         child to receive home-based instruction

                                                                                                     11 of 38
                                                                                      Schedule of Review
                                                                      Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                      Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                          Date                   Materials                                    Proposed Legislation &
              Category                     RCW                                 Description                                                                             Recommendation
                                                                                                                         Enacted                 Presented                                        Related Bills
                                                         Membership lists and lists of owners of interests in
                                                                                                                                                                                             2019: HB 1537 (repealed
      Timeshare, condominium                             timeshare projects, condominiums, land                                            Feb. 2017; May 2017;
169                                     42.56.340                                                                          1987                                           Aug. 2017          exemption) (Ch. 229, 2019
            owner lists                                  developments, or common-interest communities,                                           Aug.2017
                                                                                                                                                                                             laws)
                                                         regulated by the department of licensing
                                                         SSNs of health care professionals maintained in files
170      Health Professionals          42.56.350(1)                                                                        1993
                                                         of the department of health
                                                         Residential address and telephone numbers of health
171      Health Professionals          42.56.350(2)      care providers maintained in files of the department of           1993
                                                         health
                                                         Records pertaining to license plates, drivers' licenses
           Investigative, law
                                                         or identicards that may reveal undercover work,
172     enforcement and crime         42.56.230(7)(c)                                                                 2013 c 336 s 3
                                                         confidential public health work, public assistance
                victims
                                                         fraud, or child support investigations
                                                         Criminal justice agency employee/worker residence
173   Employment and Licensing        42.56.240(13)                                                                    2015 c 91 s 1
                                                         GPS data
                                                         Information and documents created, collected, and
                                                         maintained by the health care services quality
174          Health Care              42.56.360(1)(c)                                                                      1995
                                                         improvement program and medical malpractice
                                                         prevention program
                                                                                                                                           *See also May 2016,
                                                         Proprietary financial and commercial information
                                                                                                                                          Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
175          Health Care              42.56.360(1)(d)    provided to department of health relating to an                   1997
                                                                                                                                            42.56.270 & trade
                                                         antitrust exemption
                                                                                                                                          secrets/proprietary info
176          Health Care             42.56.360 (1) (e)   Physicians in the impaired physicians program               1987, 1994, 2001
                                                         Information relating to infant mortality pursuant to
                                    RCW 70.05.170(3) -                                                             1992; Amended 2010 c
177          Health Care                                 former RCW 70.05.170/RCW 42.56.360 - See 184                                         2008 (2008 law)        March 2008 (2008 law)
                                   see also 42.56.360(3)                                                                  128 s 3
                                                         and 185
                                                                                                                                           *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial, and                                                                                                          Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
178                                   42.56.270(23)      Notice of crude oil transfers                                2015 c 274 s 24
        Proprietary Information                                                                                                             42.56.270 & trade
                                                                                                                                          secrets/proprietary info
                                                         Complaints filed under the health care professions
179          Health Care              42.56.360(1)(f)                                                                      1997
                                                         uniform disciplinary act
                                                                                                                                           *See also May 2016,
                                                         Certain information supplied to the liquor and
      Financial, Commercial, and                                                                                                          Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
180                                   42.56.270(24)      cannabis board per RCW 69.50.325, 9.50.331,                  2015 c 178 s 2
        Proprietary Information                                                                                                             42.56.270 & trade
                                                         69.50.342 and 69.50.345
                                                                                                                                          secrets/proprietary info
                                                         Information collected by the department of health
181          Health Care              42.56.360(1)(i)                                                                  2009 c 1 s 1
                                                         under chapter 70.245 RCW.
                                                         Claims data and information provided to the statewide
182          Health Care              42.56.360(1)(k)    all-payer health care claims database that is exempt         2014 c 223 s 17
                                                         under RCW 43.373.040
                                     42.56.360(2) and    Health care information disclosed to health care
183          Health Care                                                                                                   1991
                                          70.02          provider without patients permission

                                                                                                    12 of 38
                                                                                   Schedule of Review
                                                                   Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                   Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                          Date                      Materials                            Proposed Legislation &
               Category                  RCW                                Description                                                                                 Recommendation
                                                                                                                         Enacted                    Presented                                 Related Bills
                                                                                                                                              *See also May 2016,
                                                      Certain information and data submitted to or obtained
      Financial, Commercial, and                                                                                                             Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
184                                 42.56.270(24)     by the liquor and cannabis board re applications for        2016 1st sp.s. c 9 s 3
        Proprietary Information                                                                                                                42.56.270 & trade
                                                      licenses or reports required under RCW 69.50.372
                                                                                                                                             secrets/proprietary info
                                                      Records in medical marijuana authorization database
185     Health Care; Marijuana        42.56.625                                                                      2015 c 70 s 22
                                                      I RCW 69.51A.230
                                                      Client records of community sexual assault program
186       Domestic Violence           42.56.370       or services for underserved populations [amended            1991; 2012 c 29 s 13               Check                  Check
                                                      2012]
                                                      Results of animal testing from samples submitted by                                     Aug. 2017; Oct. 2017;
187    Agriculture and Livestock    42.56.380(10)                                                                  2012 c 168 s 1(10)                                     Aug. 2018
                                                      the animal owner                                                                        May 2018; Aug. 2018
                                                      Records of international livestock importation that are                                 Aug. 2017; Oct. 2017;
188    Agriculture and Livestock    42.56.380(11)                                                                  2012 c 168 s 1(11)                                     Aug. 2018
                                                      not disclosable by the U.S.D.A. under federal law.                                      May 2018; Aug. 2018
                                                      Records related to entry of prohibited agricultural
                                                                                                                                              Aug. 2017; Oct. 2017;
189    Agriculture and Livestock    42.56.380(12)     products imported into Washington that are not               2012 c 168 s 1(12)                                     Aug. 2018
                                                                                                                                              May 2018; Aug. 2018
                                                      disclosable by the U.S.D.A. under federal law
                                                      Names of individuals residing in emergency or
      Emergency or Transitional
190                                   42.56.390       transitional housing furnished to the department of                 1997
             Housing
                                                      revenue or a county assessor
                                                      Documents, materials, or information obtained by the
191   Insurance & Financial Inst.   42.56.400(16)     insurance commissioner under RCW 48.102.­051 (1)              2009 c 104 s 37
                                                      and 48.102.­140 (3) and (7)(a)(ii))
                                                      Documents, materials, or information obtained by the
192   Insurance & Financial Inst.   42.52.400(17)     insurance commissioner under RCW 48.31.025 and                  2010 c 97 s 3
                                                      48.99.025
                                                      Documents, material, or information relating to
193   Insurance & Financial Inst.   42.56.400(18)     investment policies obtained by the insurance                 2011 c 188 s 21
                                                      commissioner under RCW 48.13.151
                                                      Data from (temporary) study on small group health
194   Insurance & Financial Inst.   42.56.400(19)                                                                    2010 c 172 s 2
                                                      plan market
                                    42.56.400(20);    Information in a filing of usage-based component of
195   Insurance & Financial Inst.                                                                                    2012 c 222 s 1
                                    48.19.040(5)(b)   the rate pursuant to RCW 48.19.040(5)(b)
                                    42.56.400(21);
                                    42.56.400(22);                                                                2012 2nd sp. s. c 3 s 8;
                                                      Data, information, and documents submitted to or
196   Insurance & Financial Inst.   42.56.400(23);                                                              2013 c 65 s 5; 2013 c 277
                                                      obtained by the insurance commissioner
                                    42.56.400(24);                                                               s 5; 205 c 17 ss 10 & 11
                                    42.56.400(25)
                                                      Most records and information supplied to the
197     Employment Security           42.56.410
                                                      employment security department
198            Security              42.56.420(1)     Records relating to criminal terrorist acts
                                                      Records containing specific and unique vulnerability
199            Security              42.56.420(2)     assessments and emergency and escape response                  2009 c 67 s 1
                                                      plans – adds civil commitment facilities
                                                      Comprehensive safe school plans that identify
200            Security              42.56.420(3)
                                                      specific vulnerabilities

                                                                                                    13 of 38
                                                                               Schedule of Review
                                                               Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                               Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                   Date                 Materials                             Proposed Legislation &
               Category               RCW                               Description                                                                         Recommendation
                                                                                                                  Enacted               Presented                                 Related Bills
                                                  Information regarding infrastructure and security of
201            Security            42.56.420(4)   computer and telecommunications networks to the                  1999                 Feb. 2014             Feb. 2014
                                                  extent that they identify specific system vulnerabilities
                                                  Security sections of transportation security plans for
202            Security            42.56.420(5)
                                                  fixed guideway systems
                                                  Information regarding individual claim resolution
203      Personal Information      42.56.230(8)   settlement agreements submitted to the board of              2014 c 142 s 1
                                                  industrial insurance appeals
204   Veterans’ discharge papers    42.56.440     Veterans’ discharge papers
                                                  Records and reports produced under state fireworks
205     Fireworks, Explosives       42.56.460     law, chapter 70.77 RCW and the Washington state                  1995
                                                  explosives act, chapter 70.74 RCW
        Correctional industries                   Records pertaining to correctional industries class I
206                                 42.56.470                                                                      2004
               workers                            work programs
                                                                                                                                                                             HB 2764 (2013); HB 2663
                                                  Contracts files by railroad companies with the utilities
207       Inactive programs        42.56.480(1)                                                                    1984                 Jun. 2013              Jun. 2013     (Chap. 282, 2016 Laws)
                                                  & transportation commission prior to 7/28/91
                                                                                                                                                                             (repealed)
                                                  Personal information in international contact data                                                                         HB 2663 (Chap. 282,
208       Inactive programs        42.56.480(2)                                                               1996 c 253 s 502          Jun. 2013              Jun. 2013
                                                  base                                                                                                                       2016 Laws) (repealed)
                                                  Data collected by department of social and health                                                                          HB 2764 (2013); HB 2663
209       Inactive programs        42.56.480(3)   services pertaining to payment systems for licensed              2003                 Jun. 2013              Jun. 2013     (Chap. 282, 2016 Laws)
                                                  boarding homes                                                                                                             (repealed)
                                                  Enumeration data used by office of financial
210       Enumeration Data          42.56.615     management for population estimates per RCW                  2014 c 14 s 1
                                                  43.43.435
                                                                                                                                  *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial, and
                                                  Reports submitted by marijuana research licensees                              Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
211     Proprietary Information;    42.56.620                                                                  2015 c. 71 s 4
                                                  that contain proprietary information                                             42.56.270 & trade
               Marijuana
                                                                                                                                 secrets/proprietary info
                                                  Records of mediation communications that are
212   Mediation Communication       42.56.600                                                                 2005 c 424 s 16
                                                  privileged under the uniform mediation act
213         Code Reviser            1.08.027      Code Reviser drafting services                                   1951                 Feb. 2015             Feb. 2015
                                                  Judicial conduct commission investigations and initial
214     Judicial - Investigative    2.64.111                                                                       1989
                                                  proceedings
                                                  Hospital review committee records on professional
215    Health Care Professions      4.24.250                                                                       1971           Sept. 2020; Oct. 2020
                                                  staff
                                                                                                                                  *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial, and                  Trade secrets and confidential research, development                           Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
216                                 4.24.601                                                                       1994
        Proprietary Information                   or commercial information                                                        42.56.270 & trade
                                                                                                                                 secrets/proprietary info

                                                                                                                                  *See also May 2016,
                                                  Trade secrets, confidential research, development or
      Financial, Commercial, and                                                                                                 Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
217                                 4.24.611      commercial information concerning products or                    1994
        Proprietary Information                                                                                                    42.56.270 & trade
                                                  business methods
                                                                                                                                 secrets/proprietary info

                                                                                              14 of 38
                                                                                     Schedule of Review
                                                                     Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                     Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                           Date                      Materials                             Proposed Legislation &
              Category                    RCW                                Description                                                                                 Recommendation
                                                                                                                          Enacted                    Presented                                  Related Bills
                                                        Information in centralized risk management claim
218            Claims                   4.92.210                                                                           1989
                                                        tracking system
                                                        General statements of privileged communications
                                                        between persons & various professionals, e.g.,
219           Privileges                5.60.060                                                                    1954 & later dates
                                                        attorneys or physicians – presumably applies to
                                                        records (see also # 276)
220   Mediation Communication           5.60.070        Materials used in any court ordered mediation                      1991                Feb. 2017; May 2017;
221   Mediation Communication          7.07.050(5)      Mediation communications                                           2005                Feb. 2017; May 2017
222   Mediation Communication           7.07.070        Mediation communications                                           2005                Feb. 2017; May 2017
                                                        The director may examine records of health care
223      Health Care Records         7.68.080(9)(a)     provider notwithstanding any statute that makes the          2011 c 346 s 501
                                                        records privileged or confidential
                                                                                                                                                See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial, and                        At the request of health care contractor, department                                  Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
224                                   7.68.080(10)                                                                   2011 c 346 s 501
        Proprietary Information                         must keep financial and trade information confidential                                  42.56.270 & trade
                                                                                                                                              secrets/proprietary info
          Crime Victims and                             Records re. Victims of crimes confidential & not open
225                                     7.68.140                                                                           1973                      May 2021
              Witnesses                                 to inspection
                                                                                                                                              Feb. 2015; May 2015;
                                                                                                                                              Aug. 2015; Aug. 2018;
          Crime Victims and                             Name, address, or photograph of child victim or child
226                                   7.69.A.030(4)                                                                        1985               Oct. 2018; Feb. 2019;         Oct. 2019     HB 2485 (2019)
              Witnesses                                 witness
                                                                                                                                              May 2019; Aug. 2019;
                                                                                                                                                    Oct. 2019
227   Mediation Communication           7.75.050        County or city dispute resolution center records                   1984
      Financial, Commercial, and
228                                  7.88.020 & .30     Financial institution compliance review documents                  1997
        Proprietary Information
                                                        General statement of fundamental right to
229          Health Care                9.02.100                                                                           1991
                                                        reproductive privacy – could apply to records
       Health Care - Concealed                          Mental health info provided on persons buying pistols
230                                    9.41.097(2)                                                                         1994
               Pistols                                  or applying for concealed pistol licenses
231       Concealed Pistols             9.41.129        Concealed pistol license applications                              1994
          Crime Victims and                             Name of confidential informants in written report on
232                                     9.73.230                                                                           1989
              Witnesses                                 wire tapping
                                   72.09.710 (recod eff                                                          1991 - Recod 2008 c 231
          Crime Victims and                             Names of witnesses notified when drug offenders
233                                8/1/09) (See also #                                                           s 26, 56 (See dispositions
              Witnesses                                 released (formerly 9.94A.610)
                                          451)                                                                             table)
234          Placeholder
                                   72.09.712 (recod eff Names of victims, next of kin, or witnesses who are      1985 - Recod 2008 c 231
          Crime Victims and
235                                8/1/09) (See also # notified when prisoner escapes, on parole, or             s 27, 56 (see dispositions
              Witnesses
                                          451)          released (formerly 9.94A.610)                                      table)
236           Privileges                5.60.060        Alcohol or drug addiction sponsor privilege               2016 st sp. ss. c 24 s 1
                                                                                                                                               *See also May 2016,
                                                        Records of the interstate commission for adult
                                                                                                                                              Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
237      Offender Information          9.94A.745        offender supervision that would adversely affect                   2002
                                                                                                                                                42.56.270 & trade
                                                        personal privacy rights or proprietary interests
                                                                                                                                              secrets/proprietary info

                                                                                                  15 of 38
                                                                                      Schedule of Review
                                                                      Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                      Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                            Date                     Materials                             Proposed Legislation &
               Category                    RCW                                  Description                                                                              Recommendation
                                                                                                                           Enacted                   Presented                                  Related Bills
                                                         Information regarding victims, survivors of victims, or
          Crime Victims and
238                                     9.94A.885        witnesses that are sent clemency hearing notices                   1999
              Witnesses
                                                         may not be released to offender
                                                         Sex offender registration information given to high
239     Offender Information            9A.44.138        school or institution of higher education regarding an        2011 c 337 s 4
                                                         employee or student is confidential
       Criminal Proceedings -
240                                     10.27.090        Grand jury testimony                                               1971               Sept. 2020; Oct. 2020
            Investigative
                                                                                                                                               Sept. 2020; Oct. 2020;
       Criminal Proceedings -
241                                     10.27.160        Grand jury reports                                                 1971               Feb. 2021; May 2021;
            Investigative
                                                                                                                                               Aug. 2021; Oct. 2021
                                                                                                                                                 Check on any prior
           Public Utilities &                            Electric utilities may not disclose private or proprietary
242                                    19.29A.100                                                                   2015 3rd sp. S. c 21 s 1   Committee discussion re
            Transportation                               customer information                                                                         utilities
                                                         Filing by controlling person of insurer seeking to
243   Insurance & Financial Inst.    48.31B.015(1)(b)    divest its controlling interest is confidential until         2015 c 122 s 3
                                                         conclusion of transaction
          Investigative, law
244    enforcement and crime          42.56.240(14)      Body worn camera recordings                                   2016 c 163 s 2
               victims
          Investigative, law
                                                         Records and info in the statewide sexual assault kit
245    enforcement and crime          42.56.240(14)                                                                    2016 c. 173 s 8
                                                         tracking system under RCW 43.43.
               victims
                                                                                                                                               Aug. 2018; Oct. 2018;
          Crime Victims and
246                                     10.52.100        Identity of child victims of sexual assault                        1992               Feb. 2019; May 2019;
              Witnesses
                                                                                                                                               Aug. 2019; Oct. 2019
                                                         Information about victims, next of kin, or witnesses
          Crime Victims and
247                                     10.77.205        requesting notice of release of convicted sex or                   1990
              Witnesses
                                                         violent offenders
248     Offender Information            10.77.210        Records of persons committed for criminal insanity                 1973                     May 2021
                                                         Privacy of criminal records, including criminal history
          Crime Victims and                              information on arrests, detention, indictment,
249                                       10.97                                                                             1977
              Witnesses                                  information, or other formal criminal charges made
                                                         after 12/31/77 unless dispositions are included
                                                                                                                                               Aug. 2018; Oct. 2018;
          Crime Victims and                              Names of victims of sexual assaults who are 18 years                                                                             HB 1505 (Ch.300, 2019
250                                     10.97.130                                                                           1992               Feb. 2019; May 2019;          2018
              Witnesses                                  of age or younger                                                                                                                Laws); HB 2484 (2019)
                                                                                                                                               Aug. 2019; Oct. 2019
                                                         Information given by persons to determine eligibility
251   Judicial - Indigent Defense       10.101.020                                                                          1989
                                                         for indigent defense
                                                                                                                                               Aug. 2018; Oct. 2018;
         Crime Victims and                               Sources of confidential information in dispositional
252                                     13.40.150                                                                           1977               Feb. 2019; May 2019;
        Witnesses - Juvenile                             hearings on juvenile offenses
                                                                                                                                                    Aug. 2019
                                                       Information about victims, next of kin, or witnesses                                    Aug. 2018; Oct. 2018;
         Crime Victims and
253                                 13.40.215 and .217 requesting notice of release of juvenile convicted of                1990               Feb. 2019; May 2019;
        Witnesses - Juvenile
                                                       violent sex offense or stalking                                                              Aug. 2019

                                                                                                       16 of 38
                                                                                     Schedule of Review
                                                                     Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                     Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                       Date                    Materials                                            Proposed Legislation &
              Category                   RCW                                  Description                                                                                Recommendation
                                                                                                                      Enacted                  Presented                                                 Related Bills
                                                        Electronic research copy of juvenile records
                                                                                                               2009 c 440 s 1; 2014 c
254      Juvenile Records            13.50.010(12)      maintains same level of confidentiality and anonymity
                                                                                                                       117 s 5
                                                        as juvenile records in judicial information system
                                                        Information in records released to the Washington
                                                                                                               2009 c 440 s 1; 2014 c
255      Juvenile Records            13.50.010(13)      state office of public defense retain confidential
                                                                                                              117 s 5; 2016 c 72 s 109
                                                        nature
256      Juvenile Records            13.50.050(3)       Records on commission of juvenile crimes                  1979; Oct. 2019                                            Oct. 2019             HB 2484 (2019)
                                                        Records of juveniles who receive a pardon are
257      Juvenile Records          13.50.010(14)(b)     confidential, including the existence or nonexistence      2011 c 338 s 4
                                                        of the record
                                                                                                                                          Re 42.56.380(6) - Oct.
                                                        Juvenile justice or care agency records not relating to
258      Juvenile Records            13.50.100(2)                                                                      1979              2007; May 2019; Aug.       Re. 42.56.380(6) - Jun. 2008
                                                        commission of juvenile crimes
                                                                                                                                            2019; Oct. 2019
                                                                                                                                         See # 1 on Schedule of
                                                        Information on purchases, sales, or production of
                                                                                                                                         Review; Aug. 2017; Oct.   See # 1 on Schedule of Review    See # 1 on Schedule of
259   Agriculture and Livestock        15.19.080        ginseng by individual growers or dealers (see also             1998
                                                                                                                                          2017; May 2018; Aug.               Aug. 2018                     Review
                                                        42.56.380 (6))
                                                                                                                                                  2018
                                                        Financial statement info in public livestock market                               Aug. 2017; Oct. 2017;
260   Agriculture and Livestock     16.65.030(1)(d)                                                                    2003                                                  Aug. 2018
                                                        license applications                                                              May 2018; Aug. 2018
                                                        Complaints filed under uniform disciplinary act for
261   Health Care Professions      18.130.095(1)(a)                                                                    1997
                                                        health professionals
                                                        Summary and stipulations in complaints against
262   Health Care Professions        18.130.172(1)                                                                     1993
                                                        health care professionals
                                                        Voluntary substance abuse records on health care
263   Health Care Professions        18.130.175(4)                                                                     1988
                                                        professionals
                                                       Disciplining authority may not disclose information in
                                  18.130.057 ( c 157 s a file that contains confidential or privileged
264   Health Care Professions                                                                                     2011 c 157 s 1
                                        1(2)(b)        information regarding a patient other than the person
                                                       making the complaint or report
                                                        Information counselors acquire and
265         Counselors                 18.19.180                                                                       1987
                                                        acknowledgement of practice disclosure statements
                                                        Identity of individual or name of boarding homes from
266       Boarding Homes               18.20.120                                                                       1959               Sept. 2020; Oct. 2020
                                                        boarding home licensing records
                                                        Information and documents created, collected and
267   Health Care Professions          18.20.390                                                                       2004
                                                        maintained by a quality assurance committee
                                                        Implication that information in dentistry registration
                                                        records is only accessible by the registered person                              Sept. 2020; Oct. 2020;
268   Health Care Professions          18.32.040                                                                       1937
                                                        unless disclosure would compromise the examination                                     Oct. 2021
                                                        process
269         Placeholder
                                                        Personal information in applications for escrow agent
270   Health Care Professions        18.44.031(2)                                                                      1999
                                                        licenses
                                                        Information on maternity homes received by                                       Sept. 2020; Oct. 2020;
271   Health Care Professions          18.46.090        department of health identifying individuals or                1951              Feb. 2021; May 2021;
                                                        maternity homes                                                                        Aug. 2021

                                                                                                  17 of 38
                                                                                   Schedule of Review
                                                                   Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                   Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                    Date                 Materials                                              Proposed Legislation &
              Category                  RCW                                 Description                                                                             Recommendation
                                                                                                                   Enacted               Presented                                                  Related Bills
                                                                                                                                   May 2021; Aug. 2021;
272    Health Care Professions        18.53.200       Information and records of optometrists                        1975
                                                                                                                                        Oct. 2021
                                                      Records obtained by department of health regarding
273    Health Care Professions        18.64.420                                                                      1991
                                                      various insurance companies
274    Health Care Professions       18.71.0195       Contents of physician disciplinary report                      1979
275    Health Care Professions        18.71.340       Entry records under impaired physician program                 1987
                                   18.83.110 - also   Communications between client and
276           Privileges                                                                                             1955          Sept. 2020; Oct. 2020
                                   5.60.060 (# 219)   psychologist—could apply to records
         Other Professions -                          Info obtained from contractors on plumbing trainee
277                                 18.106.320(2)                                                                    2002
             Plumbers                                 hours
                                                      Complaints filed under uniform disciplinary act for
278    Health Care Professions     18.130.095(1)(a)                                                                  1997
                                                      health professionals
                                                      Summary and stipulations in complaints against
279    Health Care Professions      18.130.172(1)                                                                    1993
                                                      health care professionals
                                   18.130.095(1)(a)   Complaint of unprofessional conduct against health
280    Health Care Professions                                                                                       1997
                                   (Repealed 2019)    profession licensee
                                                      Voluntary substance abuse records on health care
281    Health Care Professions      18.130.175(4)                                                                   1988
                                                      professionals
                                                      Substance abuse treatment records of licensed
282    Health Care Professions      18.130.175(4)
                                                      health professionals
                                                      On referral disclosure statement, must include
283   Elderly Adults - Referrals   18.330.050(2)(f)   statement that agency will need client authorization to   2011 c 357 s 6
                                                      obtain or disclose confidential information
                                                      Master license service program licensing information
         Other Professions -
284                                   19.02.115       is confidential and privileged except as provided in      2011 c 298 s 12
         Business Licenses
                                                      this section
                                                                                                                                   *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial and                                                                                                   Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
285                                   19.16.245       Collection agency financial statements                         1973
              Proprietary                                                                                                           42.56.270 & trade
                                                                                                                                  secrets/proprietary info
         Other Professions -                          Info obtained from electrical contractors on electrical
286                                   19.28.171                                                                      1996
             Electrical                               trainee hours
         Other Professions -                          Information obtained from electrical contractor by
287                                   19.28.171                                                                      1996
             Electrical                               department of licenses
288   Security - Electronic Keys      19.34.240       Private keys under the electronic authentication act           1996
289   Security - Electronic Keys      19.34.420       Electronic authentication info                                 1998
                                                                                                                                  *May 2016, Aug. 2016 &
      Financial, Commercial and                                                                                                   Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 &     *Oct. 2016 - 42.56.270 & trade
290                                    19.108         Trade Secrets Act                                              1981                                                                      2017: HB 1160/SB 5418
        Proprietary Information                                                                                                   trade secrets/proprietary      secrets/proprietary info
                                                                                                                                            info
                                                      Records released by the court to the state office of
291       Juvenile Records          13.50.010(14)                                                               2015 c 262 s 1
                                                      civil legal aid
                                                                                                                                   *See also May 2016,
                                                      Chapter 42.56 RCW relating to supervisory
      Financial, Commercial and                                                                                                   Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
292                                 19.146.370(4)     information or information subject to subsection (1) of   2009 c 528 s 15
        Proprietary - Mortgages                                                                                                     42.56.270 & trade
                                                      this section is superseded by this section
                                                                                                                                  secrets/proprietary info

                                                                                                  18 of 38
                                                                                    Schedule of Review
                                                                    Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                    Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                      Date                   Materials                             Proposed Legislation &
               Category                  RCW                                 Description                                                                          Recommendation
                                                                                                                     Enacted                 Presented                                 Related Bills
      Other Professions - Money
293                                   19.230.190       Money transfer licensing information                           2003
            Transfer Co's.
                                                                                                                                       *See also May 2016,
                                                       Confidential technology information used in
      Financial, Commercial and                                                                                                       Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
294                                  19.330.080(5)     manufacturing products sold in state is subject to a       2011 c 98 s 8
        Proprietary Information                                                                                                         42.56.270 & trade
                                                       protective order
                                                                                                                                      secrets/proprietary info
                                                                                                                                      Sept. 2020; Oct. 2020;
295     Investigative Records          21.20.480       Security act investigations                                    1959
                                                                                                                                            Feb. 2021
                                                                                                                                       *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial and
                                                       Some information obtained by the department of                                 Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
296    Proprietary information -       21.30.170                                                                      1986
                                                       financial institutions                                                           42.56.270 & trade
            Investigations
                                                                                                                                      secrets/proprietary info
297          Placeholder
                                                                                                                                        *See also May 2016,
                                                                                                                                      Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
      Financial, Commercial and                        Information in interrogatories of nonprofit
                                                                                                                                         42.56.270 & trade
298    Proprietary information -       24.06.480       miscellaneous and mutual corporations by secretary        1969; Feb 2021
                                                                                                                                      secrets/proprietary info;
         Nonprofits & Mutuals                          of state
                                                                                                                                       Sept. 2020; Oct. 2020;
                                                                                                                                       Feb. 2021; May 2021
          Crime Victims and                            Marriage applications and records about participants
299                                    26.04.175                                                                      1991
              Witnesses                                in address confidentiality program
                                                       Divorce mediation proceedings—may apply to
300   Mediation Communications         26.09.015                                                                      1986
                                                       records of the proceedings
                                                       Superior court may order family court files closed to                          Sept. 2020; Oct. 2020;
301      Judicial - Court Files        26.12.080                                                                      1949
                                                       protect privacy                                                                      Feb. 2021
302    Child Support Records          26.23.120(1)     Records concerning persons owing child support                 1987
                                                       Social security numbers collected by licensing
303    Child Support Records           26.23.150                                                                      1998
                                                       agencies not to be disclosed
                                                      Adoption records (except by order of the court under
                                   26.33.330 & .340 &
304       Adoption Records                            showing of good cause); adoption contact preference      1984; 2013 c 321 s 1
                                          .345
                                                      form and parent medical history
                                       27.53.070       Communications on location of archaeological sites
305    Archaeological Records                                                                                         1975             May 2021; Oct. 2021
                                      (42.56.300)      not public records
                                                                                                                                       *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial and                        Financial disclosures provided to HEC Board by                                 Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
306                                  28B.85.020(2)                                                                    1996
        Proprietary Information                        private vocational schools                                                       42.56.270 & trade
                                                                                                                                      secrets/proprietary info
                                                                                                                                       *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial and                                                                                                       Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
307                                 28C.10.050(2)(a)   Financial disclosures by private vocational schools            1986
        Proprietary Information                                                                                                         42.56.270 & trade
                                                                                                                                      secrets/proprietary info
                                                                                                                                       Oct. 2017; Feb. 2018;
          Voter and Election
308                                   29A.08.710       Original voter registration forms or their images              1991             May 2018; Aug. 2018;
             Information
                                                                                                                                             Oct. 2018

                                                                                                  19 of 38
                                                                                      Schedule of Review
                                                                      Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                      Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                           Date                     Materials                             Proposed Legislation &
              Category                    RCW                                  Description                                                                              Recommendation
                                                                                                                          Enacted                   Presented                                 Related Bills
                                                                                                                                              Oct. 2017; Feb. 2018;
          Voter and Election                             The department of licensing office at which any
309                                   29A.08.720                                                                            1994              May 2018; Aug. 2018;
             Information                                 particular individual registers to vote
                                                                                                                                                    Oct. 2018
                                                                                                                                              Oct. 2017; Feb. 2018;
          Voter and Election       29A.20.191; recod to Minor party and independent candidate nominating
310                                                                                                                2004; 2013 c 11 s 93(4)    May 2018; Aug. 2018;
             Information               29A.56.670       petitions
                                                                                                                                                    Oct. 2018
                                                                                                                                              Oct. 2017; Feb. 2018;
          Voter and Election                             Argument or statement submitted to secretary of state
311                                    29A.32.100                                                                           1999              May 2018; Aug. 2018;
             Information                                 for voters' pamphlet
                                                                                                                                                    Oct. 2018
                                                         Chapter 42.56 RCW relating to disclosure of                                          *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial and
                                                         supervisory information or any information described                                Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
312    Proprietary Information -      31.04.274(4)                                                                    2009 c 120 s 26
                                                         in subsection (1) of this section is superseded by this                               42.56.270 & trade
              Mortgages
                                                         section                                                                             secrets/proprietary info
                                                         Rail fixed guideway system security and emergency
313            Security               35.21.228(4)                                                                          1999
                                                         preparedness plan
                                                         Rail fixed guideway system security and emergency
314            Security               35A.21.300(4)                                                                         1999
                                                         preparedness plan
                                                         Rail fixed guideway system security and emergency
315            Security               36.01.210(4)                                                                          1999
                                                         preparedness plan
316          Placeholder
                                                         Rail fixed guideway system security and emergency
317            Security               36.57.120(4)                                                                          1999
                                                         preparedness plan
                                                         Rail fixed guideway system security and emergency
318            Security               36.57A.170(4)                                                                         1999
                                                         preparedness plan
                                                                                                                                              *See also May 2016,
                                                         Financial info on master tenant, concessioners, team
      Financial, Commercial and                                                                                                              Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
319                                    36.102.200        affiliate, or sublease of a public stadium authority’s             1997
        Proprietary Information                                                                                                                42.56.270 & trade
                                                         facilities
                                                                                                                                             secrets/proprietary info
                                                        Trade secrets & proprietary information from                                          *See also May 2016,
                                   39.10.100 (2) recod.
      Financial, Commercial and                         contractors under alternative public works; proposals                                Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
320                                 as 39.10.470 (2);                                                                       1994
        Proprietary Information                         from design-build finalists for alternative public works                               42.56.270 & trade
                                      39.10.470(3)
                                                        until selection is made or terminated                                                secrets/proprietary info
      Financial, Commercial and                          Competitive bids subject to chapter 42.56 RCW
321    Proprietary Information -      39.26.030(2)       except exempt from disclosure until apparent                  2012 c 224 s 4         Aug. 2016; Oct. 2016         Oct. 2016     2017: HB 1160/SB 5418
                  Bids                                   successful bidder announced
                                                                                                                                             May 2012; August 2012;
322       Archive Records             40.14.030 (2)      Records transferred to state archives                              2003                                          Aug. 2012
                                                                                                                                                   June 2013
                                                         Sex offender records transferred to Washington
323       Offender Records           40.14.070 (2)(c )                                                                      1999
                                                         association of sheriffs and police chiefs
324     Bill Drafting Records           40.14.180        Bill drafting records of the code reviser’s office           1971                          Feb. 2015             Feb. 2015
                                                         Names of persons in domestic violence or sexual
          Crime Victims and                                                                                  1999; 1991; 2015 c 190 s
325                                     40.24.070        assault programs; and records in address
              Witnesses                                                                                                 2
                                                         confidentiality program
         Public Employment                               Salary and fringe benefit info identifying private
326                                     41.06.160                                                                     1981
            Information                                  employer from department of personnel salary survey

                                                                                                    20 of 38
                                                                                    Schedule of Review
                                                                    Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                    Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                       Date                       Materials                             Proposed Legislation &
               Category                  RCW                                 Description                                                                               Recommendation
                                                                                                                      Enacted                     Presented                                 Related Bills
         Public Employment                             Salary and fringe benefit rate info collected from
327                                    41.06.167                                                                        1980
            Information                                private employers
                                                       Collective bargaining authorization cards of adult
328     Collective Bargaining         41.56.029(2)                                                                      2007
                                                       family home provider workers
        Personal Information -                         Personally identifiable public records used in scientific
329                                 42.48.020 & .040                                                                    1985
             Research                                  research
                                                       Crisis referral services communications and
330     Health Care Records            43.01.425                                                                    2009 c 19 s 2
                                                       information are confidential
                                                       Investigative records of office of family and children’s
331     Investigative Records         43.06A.050                                                                        1996
                                                       ombudsman
                                                                                                                                            *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Proprietary and                       Info from businesses deemed confidential held by                                    Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
332                                    43.07.100                                                                        1895
       Commercial Information                          bureau of statistics in secretary of state                                            42.56.270 & trade
                                                                                                                                           secrets/proprietary info
       Investigative Records -                         Identity of person and documents in report to toll-free
333                                   43.09.186(4)                                                                      2007
           Whistleblower                               efficiency hotline - state auditor
                                                       Certain financial information supplied to department
      Financial, Proprietary and
334                                  42.56.270(22)     of financial institutions or a portal to obtain an          2014 c 144 s 6
       Commercial Information
                                                       exemption from state securities registration
                                                       Child welfare records that may assist in meeting the
335       Juvenile Records           13.50.010(15)                                                                  2016 c 71 s 2           May 2019; Aug. 2019
                                                       educational needs of foster youth
336          Placeholder
                                                       Print jobs contracted with private vendors must
        Personal Information -                         require vendor to enter into a confidentiality
337                                    43.19.736                                                              2011 c 43 1st sp. s. s 309
          Printing Vendors                             agreement if materials contain sensitive or personally
                                                       identifiable information
                                    43.41.350 Recod                                                           1989; 2011 1st sp. s. c 43
338            Claims                                  Risk management loss history information
                                       43.19.781                                                                       s 535
                                                       Marijuana transport, vehicle and driver ID data and
      Financial, Proprietary and
                                                       account numbers or unique access identifiers issued
339   Commercial Information -       42.56.270(25)                                                                 2016 c 178 s 2
                                                       for traceability system access per RCW 69.50.325,
             Marijuana
                                                       9.50.331, 69.50.342, 69.50.345
                                                                                                                                             *See also May 2016,
                                                                                                                                           Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
      Financial, Commercial and                        Information on unique production processes given to                                    42.56.270 & trade
340                                   43.21A.160                                                                        1970
        Proprietary Information                        the DOE                                                                             secrets/proprietary info;
                                                                                                                                            Sept. 2020; Oct. 2020;
                                                                                                                                                  Feb. 2021
                                                                                                                                             *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial and                        Proprietary information received by the state energy                                Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
341                                  43.21F.060(1)                                                                      1976
        Proprietary Information                        office                                                                                 42.56.270 & trade
                                                                                                                                           secrets/proprietary info
                                                       Employer labor statistics reports provided to the
342   Employer - Labor Statistics      43.22.290                                                                        1901                Sept. 2020; Oct. 2020
                                                       department of labor & industries

                                                                                                  21 of 38
                                                                                    Schedule of Review
                                                                    Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                    Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                      Date                   Materials                            Proposed Legislation &
              Category                   RCW                                 Description                                                                         Recommendation
                                                                                                                     Enacted                 Presented                                 Related Bills
                                                                                                                                       *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial and                                                                                                       Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
343                                   43.22.434        Info obtained from contractors through an audit                2002
        Proprietary Information                                                                                                         42.56.270 & trade
                                                                                                                                      secrets/proprietary info
        Deliberative Process -
                                                       Confidential reports made to the governor by director                          Sept. 2020; Oct. 2020;
344     Records Provided to           43.41.100                                                                       1969
                                                       of office of financial management                                              Feb. 2021; May 2021
              Governor

                                                       Washington state patrol information in records
345     Investigative Records         43.43.710                                                                       1972             May 2021; Aug. 2021
                                                       relating to the commission of any crime by any person

                                      43.43.762 –
346     Investigative Records        referenced in     Information in criminal street gang database             2008 c 276 s 201
                                     42.56.240(6)
                                                       Washington state patrol organized crime Investigative
347     Investigative Records         43.43.856                                                                       1973                   May 2021
                                                       information
                                                       Financial information provided to operating agencies                            *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial and                        in bid forms and experience provided by a contractor                           Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
348                                   43.52.612                                                                       1982
        Proprietary Information                        to a joint operating agency regarding bids on                                    42.56.270 & trade
                                                       constructing a nuclear project                                                 secrets/proprietary info
                                                       Health care related data identifying patients or
349         Health Care              43.70.050(2)                                                                     1989
                                                       providers obtained by state agencies
350         Health Care               43.70.052        American Indian health data                             1995; 2014 c 220 s 2
                                                       Hospital reports and information on health care-
351         Health Care            43.70.056(2)(e)(ii)                                                                2007
                                                       associated infections
                                                       Info and documents relating to maternal mortality
352         Health Care           42.56.360(4); 70.54                                                            2016 c 238 s 2
                                                       reviews per RCW 70.54
      Health Care Professions -                        Identity of whistleblower who makes a complaint to
353                                   43.70.075                                                                       1995
           Whistleblower                               the department of health re: improper care
                                                       Information and documents created, collected and
354    Health Care Professions        43.70.510                                                                       2005
                                                       maintained by a quality assurance committee
                                                       Healthcare workforce surveys identifying individual
355    Health Care Professions       43.70.695(5)                                                                     2006
                                                       providers
                                                       Complaint and investigation records of long-term care
356     Investigative Records         43.190.110                                                                      1983
                                                       ombudsman

        Employment Records,                            Criminal justice training commission records from
357                                   43.101.400                                                                   2001; 2021
        Investigative Records                          initial background investigations

       Investigative Records -
358                                 43.235.040(1)      Domestic violence fatality review info                         2000
           Fatality Review
                                                                                                                                       *See also May 2016,
                                                       Protocols may not require release of information that
      Financial, Commercial and                                                                                                       Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
359                                   43.330.062       associate development organization client company         2011 c 286 s 1
        Proprietary Information                                                                                                         42.56.270 & trade
                                                       has requested remain confidential
                                                                                                                                      secrets/proprietary info

                                                                                                  22 of 38
                                                                                   Schedule of Review
                                                                   Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                   Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                       Date                   Materials                             Proposed Legislation &
              Category                  RCW                                 Description                                                                            Recommendation
                                                                                                                      Enacted                 Presented                                  Related Bills
                                                      Individual identification in released health care data
360         Health Care             43.370.050(2)                                                                       2007
                                                      for studies and analysis
        Motor Vehicle/Driver      46.12.380(1) Recod Names and addresses of motor vehicle owners
361                                                                                                              1984; 2016 c 80 s 2
             Records                  46.12.635      except for "business" & other purposes
362        Placeholder                                Check codified citation                                    2010 c 161 s 1210
        Motor Vehicle/Driver                          Info on physically or mentally disabled person                                   Sept. 2020; Oct. 2020;
363                                   46.20.041                                                                         1965
             Records                                  demonstrating ability to drive                                                         Feb. 2021
        Motor Vehicle/Driver
364                                   46.20.118       Photos on drivers’ licenses & identicards                         1981
             Records
        Motor Vehicle/Driver                                                                                                            May 2021; Aug. 2021;
365                                   46.52.065       Blood sample analyses done by state toxicology                    1971
             Records                                                                                                                         Oct. 2021
        Motor Vehicle/Driver
366                                46.52.080 & .083   Most info in police accident reports                              1937                  Feb. 2021
             Records
        Motor Vehicle/Driver                                                                                                            Feb. 2021; May 2021;
367                                   46.52.120       Individual motor vehicle driver records                           1937
             Records                                                                                                                         Aug. 2021
        Motor Vehicle/Driver
368                                   46.52.130       Abstracts of motor vehicle driver records
             Records
        Motor Vehicle/Driver                                                                                                            Feb. 2021; May 2021;
369                                   46.70.042       Application for vehicle dealer licenses, for 3 years              1967
             Records                                                                                                                    Aug. 2021; Oct. 2021
        Motor Vehicle/Driver                          Information obtained by a court order pursuant to
370                                46.35.030(1)(a)                                                                 2009 c 485 s 3
             Records                                  discovery is not subject to public disclosure
                                                                                                                                        *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial and                       Info supplied to department of transportation to qualify                         Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
371                                   47.28.075                                                                         1981
        Proprietary Information                       contractors for highway construction                                               42.56.270 & trade
                                                                                                                                       secrets/proprietary info
                                                                                                                                        *See also May 2016,
                                                                                                                                       Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
      Financial, Commercial and                       Financial info submitted to qualify to submit bid for                               42.56.270 & trade
372                                   47.60.760                                                                         1983
        Proprietary Information                       ferry construction contracts                                                     secrets/proprietary info;
                                                                                                                                       and RCW39.26.030 (bid
                                                                                                                                             information)
                                                      Personally identifiable info of employees and other
                                                      security info of a private cloud service provider that
373     Personal Information         42.56.420(6)                                                                  2016 c 152 s 1
                                                      has entered into a criminal justice information
                                                      services agreement
                                                      Information provided in the course of an insurance
374     Insurance Information        48.02.065(1)                                                                       2007
                                                      commissioner examination
375     Insurance Information        48.05.510(4)     Insurer's reports to insurance commissioner                       1995
                                                      Information related to investment policies provided to
                                                                                                                  2011 c 188 s 16
376     Insurance Information         48.13.151       the insurance commissioner is confidential and not a
                                                                                                                    (eff 7/1/12)
                                                      public record
                                                      Commissioner info relating to supervision of any
377     Insurance Information        48.31.405(1)                                                                       2005
                                                      insurer
                                                      Information obtained in the course of an actuarial
378     Insurance Information        48.74. __(6)                                                                  2016 c 142 s 6
                                                      examination/investigation

                                                                                                  23 of 38
                                                                                   Schedule of Review
                                                                   Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                   Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                        Date                   Materials                            Proposed Legislation &
              Category                  RCW                                 Description                                                                            Recommendation
                                                                                                                       Enacted                 Presented                                 Related Bills
                                                      Request for examination into insurer's financial
379     Insurance Information       48.32.110(2)                                                                        1971             May 2021; Oct. 2021
                                                      condition
                                                      Reports of material transactions by certified health
380     Insurance Information       48.43.200(4)                                                                        1995
                                                      plans
                                                      Reports of material transactions by health care
381     Insurance Information       48.44.530(4)                                                                        1995
                                                      service contractors
                                                      Current licensure of nonresident pharmacies through
382     Insurance Information         48.46.540                                                                         1991
                                                      which an insurer provides coverage
                                                      Reports of material transactions by health
383     Insurance Information       48.46.600(4)                                                                        1995
                                                      maintenance organizations
                                                      Documents and evidence provided regarding life
       Insurance Information -
384                                48.102.140(5)(a)   settlement act fraud investigations are confidential         2009 c 104 s 17
            Investigations
                                                      and not public records
385     Insurance Information       48.104.050(1)     Holocaust insurance company registry records                      1999
       Workers Compensation                           Labor & industries investigative reports on industrial                             May 2021; Aug. 2021;
386                                   49.17.260                                                                         1973
             Records                                  catastrophes                                                                            Oct. 2021
                                                      Option for human rights commission complaints not
387     Investigative Records         49.60.240                                                                         1993
                                                      to be made public
                                                      Name of employee seeking records of agricultural                                   Aug. 2017; Oct. 2017;
388   Agriculture and Livestock    49.70.119(6)(a)                                                                      1973                                         Aug. 2018
                                                      pesticide applications                                                             May 2018; Aug. 2018
         Crime Victims and                            Employee’s information regarding domestic violence
389                                   49.76.040                                                                    2008 c 286 s 4
             Witnesses                                is confidential
                                                      Domestic violence leave information in files and
         Crime Victims and
390                                   49.76.090       records of employees is confidential and not open to         2008 c 286 s 10
             Witnesses
                                                      public inspection
        Employment Security
391                                 50.13.060(8)      Welfare reform info in WorkFirst program                          2000
             Records
                                                                                                                                         *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial and                       Financial & commercial info & records supplied to                                 Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
392                                   53.31.050                                                                         1986
        Proprietary Information                       port district export trading company                                                42.56.270 & trade
                                                                                                                                        secrets/proprietary info
                                                                                                                                         *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial and                       Info relating to unclaimed property that is furnished to                          Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
393                                   63.29.380                                                                         1983
        Proprietary Information                       the department of revenue                                                           42.56.270 & trade
                                                                                                                                        secrets/proprietary info
394     Insurance Information         48.43.730       Provider compensation agreements are confidential            2013 c 277 s 1
                                                      Material obtained during an examination under RCW
      Financial, Commercial and
395                                 63.29.300(4)      63.29 is confidential and may not be disclosed except 2015 3rd sp s c 6 s 2107
        Proprietary Information
                                                      per RCW 63.29.380
      Health Care; Investigative
396                                   68.50.105       Records of autopsies and post mortems                      1953; 2013 c 295 s 1
              Records
                                                      Certain information released to tissue or organ
397         Health Care               68.64.190                                                                    2008 c 139 s 21
                                                      procurement organization is confidential

                                                                                                 24 of 38
                                                                                     Schedule of Review
                                                                     Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                     Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                        Date                Materials                             Proposed Legislation &
              Category                    RCW                                   Description                                                                      Recommendation
                                                                                                                       Enacted              Presented                                  Related Bills
      Financial, Commercial and       69.41.044;        Records and information supplied by drug                                     *See also May 2016,
        Proprietary Information;    42.56.360(1)(a);    manufacturers, and pharmaceutical manufacturer info 1987; 1989; 2013 c 19 s Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
398
      Health Professions; Health    42.56.360(1)(b);    obtained by the pharmacy quality assurance                    47              42.56.270 & trade
                 Care                  69.45.090        commission                                                                  secrets/proprietary info
                                                        Info on legend drugs obtained by the pharmacy
399          Health Care               69.41.280                                                                        1989
                                                        quality assurance commission
                                                        Opinion and memo submitted to the insurance
400     Insurance Information         48.74.--(1)(a)                                                                2016 c 142 s 7
                                                        commissioner under RCW 48.74.025
                                                        Names of persons participating in controlled
401          Health Care               69.51.050                                                                        1979
                                                        substances therapeutic research programs
                                   70.02.020, .050, et. Health care info disclosed to heath care provider w/o
402          Health Care                                                                                                1991
                                           al.          patients permission
                                                        Info gathered by health care workers from interviews
403          Health Care               70.24.022                                                                        1988
                                                        re. sexually transmitted diseases
404          Placeholder
                                                        Records on hearings on dangerous sexual behavior
405          Health Care               70.24.034                                                                        1988
                                                        of sexually transmitted disease carriers
406          Placeholder
407          Health Care               70.28.020        Tuberculosis records                                            1899                Feb. 2021
408          Health Care               70.41.150        Department of health info on inspections of hospitals           1955          Feb. 2021; May 2021
                                                        Info maintained by a health care services quality
409    Health Care Professions        70.41.200(3)                                                                      1986
                                                        improvement committee
                                                        Hospital records restricting practitioner’s privileges in
410    Health Care Professions         70.41.220                                                                        1986
                                                        possession of medical disciplinary board
                                                        Identity of person from whom specimens of material
411          Health Care               70.42.210                                                                        1989
                                                        were taken at a medical test site
412          Health Care               70.47.150        Records of medical treatment                                    1990
413       Law Enforcement              70.48.100        Jail register records                                           1977
414          Health Care               70.54.250        Cancer registry program                                         1990
                                                        Info on birth & manner of delivery kept in birth
415          Health Care              70.58.055(2)                                                                      1991
                                                        certificate records
416           Fireworks                70.77.455        Fireworks license records                                       1995
                                                                                                                                      *See also May 2016,
                                                                                                                                     Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
      Financial, Commercial and                         Info provided to DOE on processes or if may affect
417                                    70.94.205                                                                        1967           42.56.270 & trade
        Proprietary Information                         competitive position relating to air quality
                                                                                                                                     secrets/proprietary info;
                                                                                                                                      May 2021; Oct. 2021
                                                        Guidelines for proprietary info on solid waste                                *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial and                         management practices in possession of DOE [Since                             Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
418                                    70.95.280                                                                        1989
        Proprietary Information                         this addresses guidelines, not clear if it is an                               42.56.270 & trade
                                                        exemption.]                                                                  secrets/proprietary info

                                                                                                    25 of 38
                                                                               Schedule of Review
                                                               Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                               Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                    Date                   Materials                            Proposed Legislation &
              Category                RCW                               Description                                                                            Recommendation
                                                                                                                   Enacted                 Presented                                Related Bills
                                                                                                                                     *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial and                   Proprietary info re. waste reduction in possession of                             Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
419                               70.95C.040(4)                                                                     1988
        Proprietary Information                   DOE                                                                                 42.56.270 & trade
                                                                                                                                    secrets/proprietary info
                                                                                                                                     *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial and                                                                                                     Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
420                               70.95C.220(2)   Waste reduction plans                                             1990
        Proprietary Information                                                                                                       42.56.270 & trade
                                                                                                                                    secrets/proprietary info
                                                                                                                                     *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial and                   Some info in executive summaries of waste reduction                               Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
421                               70.95C.240(1)                                                                     1990
        Proprietary Information                   efforts                                                                             42.56.270 & trade
                                                                                                                                    secrets/proprietary info
                                                                                                                                     *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial and                                                                                                     Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
422                               70.95N.140(4)   Proprietary info in electronic product recycling reports          2006
        Proprietary Information                                                                                                       42.56.270 & trade
                                                                                                                                    secrets/proprietary info
423         Placeholder
424         Health Care            70.104.055     Reports on pesticide poisoning                                    1989
                                                                                                                                     *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial and                   Manufacturing or business info re: Hazardous waste                                Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
425                                70.105.170                                                                       1983
        Proprietary Information                   management in possession of DOE                                                     42.56.270 & trade
                                                                                                                                    secrets/proprietary info
                                                                                                                                     *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial and                   Trade secret info re: On-site sewage disposal in                                  Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
426                                70.118.070                                                                       1994
        Proprietary Information                   possession of DOE                                                                   42.56.270 & trade
                                                                                                                                    secrets/proprietary info

       Investigative Records -                    Name of whistleblower in nursing home or state
427                                70.124.100                                                                       1997
           Whistleblower                          hospital
         Crime Victims and                        By implication records of community sexual assault
428                                70.125.065                                                                1981; 2012 c 29 s 11
             Witnesses                            program or underserved populations provider
429         Placeholder
430         Health Care            70.127.190     Hospice records                                                   1988
                                                  Personal and clinical records of long-term care
431         Health Care            70.129.050                                                                       1994
                                                  residents
                                                                                                                                     *See also May 2016,
                                                  Tobacco product manufacturers’ information required
      Financial, Commercial and                                                                                                     Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
432                                70.158.050     to comply with chapter 70.58 RCW is confidential and              2003
        Proprietary Information                                                                                                       42.56.270 & trade
                                                  shall not be disclosed
                                                                                                                                    secrets/proprietary info
                                                  Limitations on disclosure of reports made by hospital
433         Health Care            70.168.070                                                                       1990
                                                  trauma care on-site review teams
                                                  Patient records and quality assurance records
434         Health Care            70.168.090                                                                       1990
                                                  associated with trauma care facilities
435         Health Care            70.170.090     Charity care information in hospitals                             1989

                                                                                             26 of 38
                                                                                    Schedule of Review
                                                                    Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                    Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                         Date                   Materials                         Proposed Legislation &
              Category                   RCW                                 Description                                                                         Recommendation
                                                                                                                        Enacted                 Presented                             Related Bills
                                                       Ambulatory surgical facilities data related to the
436         Health Care               70.230.110                                                                         2007
                                                       quality of patient care
                                                       Information received by department of health
437         Health Care               70.230.170                                                                         2007
                                                       regarding ambulatory surgical facilities
                                                       Persons receiving notice and the notice of release or
438         Health Care                71.05.425       transfer of a person committed following dismissal of        2013 c 289 s 6
                                                       offense
439         Health Care               71.05.620        Records on mental health treatment                        1989; 2013 c 200 s 34
       Investigative Records;       74.34.035(10);     Investigation relating to vulnerable adult; attorney
440                                                                                                                 2013 c 263 s 2
      Attorney Client Privilege       74.34.067        client privilege
                                                       Names of victims, next of kin, or witnesses who are
         Crime Victims and
441                                  71.09.140(2)      notified when sexually violent predator escapes, on               1995
             Witnesses
                                                       parole, or released
442         Health Care             71.24.035(5)(g)    Mental retardation records                                        1982
443         Health Care               71.34.340        Records on mental treatment of minors                             1985
444         Health Care               71.34.335        Mental health court records are confidential                      1985
                                                      Information furnished pursuant to the Medicaid fraud
      Health Care; Investigative                      false claims act is exempt until final disposition and
445                              74.66.030; 74.66.120                                                            2012 c 241 s 203, 212
              Records                                 all seals are lifted; records and testimony provided
                                                      under civil investigative demand
                                                      Confidential info re. developmentally disabled
446          Health Care             71A.14.070                                                                          1988                   May 2019
                                                      persons
447          Health Care             72.05.130(1)     Reports regarding children with behavioral problems                1951              Feb. 2021; May 2021
                                                       Info from correctional industries work program
448       Offender Records             72.09.116                                                                         2004
                                                       participant or applicant
449       Offender Records           72.09.345(4)      Certain info on sex offenders held in custody             1997; 2011 c 338 s 5
                                                       Personally identifiable info used to develop quarterly
450     Personal Information           70.39A.--       expenditure reports for certain long term care           2016 1st sp s. c 30 s 3
                                                       services
                                        [Former
          Investigative, law        9.94A.610(1)(b)]                                                            1991; Recod 2008 c 231
                                                       Names of witnesses notified when drug offenders
451    enforcement and crime      72.09.710 (recod eff                                                          s 26 9 (see dispositions
                                                       released
               victims            8/1/09) (see also ##                                                                   table)
                                     233 and 235)
452         Placeholder
                                        [Former
          Investigative, law                           Names of victims, next of kin, or witnesses who are
                                     9.94A.612(1)]                                                              1995; Recod 2008 c 231
453    enforcement and crime                           notified when prisoner escapes, on parole, or
                                  72.09.712 (recod eff                                                                   s 27
               victims                                 released
                                         8/1/09)
454         Placeholder
                                                       Limited access to information in department of social
455       Public Assistance        74.04.060 & .062    and health services registry concerning parents of                1941                  Feb. 2021
                                                       dependent children
456       Public Assistance            74.20.280       Child support records                                             1963                  Feb. 2021
457       Public Assistance            74.04.520       Names of recipients of food stamps                                1969                  Feb. 2021

                                                                                                  27 of 38
                                                                                    Schedule of Review
                                                                    Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                    Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                         Date                    Materials                            Proposed Legislation &
              Category                   RCW                                  Description                                                                            Recommendation
                                                                                                                        Enacted                  Presented                                Related Bills
458         Health Care              74.09.290(1)      Medical records of persons on public assistance                    1979
                                                       A juvenile’s status as a sexually aggressive youth and
                                                       related information are confidential and not subject to
459       Juvenile Records           74.13.075(5)                                                                    2009 c 250 s 2
                                                       public disclosure by department of social and health
                                                       services
                                                     Child fatality reports are subject to disclosure but
460       Juvenile Records            74.13.640                                                                       2011 c 61 s 2        May 2019; Aug. 2019
                                                     confidential information may be redacted
                                  [Former 74.13.121] Info from adoptive parents of kids receiving public
461       Juvenile Records                                                                                        1971; 2009 c 520 s 95    May 2019; Aug. 2019
                                  74.13A.045 (recod) assistance
462         Placeholder
                                  [Former 74.13.133]
463       Juvenile Records                           Adoption support records                                     1971; 2009 c 520 s 95    May 2019; Aug. 2019
                                  74.13A.065 (recod)
464          Placeholder
465       Juvenile Records           74.13.280(2)      Info on child in foster care & child’s family                      1990             May 2019; Aug. 2019
      Juvenile Records; Public                                                                                                             May 2019; Aug. 2019;
466                                74.13.500 - .525    Disclosure of child welfare records                                1997
             Assistance                                                                                                                    Oct. 2019; Feb. 2020
       Personal information -                          Personal info maintained by the department of
467                                  74.18.127(1)                                                                         2003
                clients                                services for the blind
      Juvenile Records; Public
468                               74.20A.360 & .370    Certain records in division of child support                       1997             May 2019; Aug. 2019
             Assistance
           Whistleblower;
          Investigative, law                           Identity of person making report on abuse of
469                                   74.34.040                                                                           1984
       enforcement and crime                           vulnerable adult
               victims
          Investigative, law
                                                       Identity of persons in records of abused vulnerable
470    enforcement and crime          74.34.090                                                                           1984
                                                       adults
               victims
          Investigative, law
471    enforcement and crime         74.34.095(1)      Info concerning the abuse of vulnerable adults                     1999
               victims
                                                       Name of whistleblower reporting abuse of vulnerable
472        Whistleblower             74.34.180(1)                                                                         1997
                                                       adults in various facilities
          Investigative, law
                                                       Files, etc. used or developed for vulnerable adult
473    enforcement and crime          74.34.300                                                                     2008 c 146 s 10
                                                       fatality reviews
               victims

474         Health Care               74.42.080        Records on nursing home residents                                  1979

                                                       Information and documents created, collected and
475      Health Professions           74.42.640                                                                           2005
                                                       maintained by a quality assurance committee
                                                                                                                                           *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial and                                                                                                           Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
476                                  78.44.085(5)      Surface mining info                                                2006
        Proprietary Information                                                                                                             42.56.270 & trade
                                                                                                                                          secrets/proprietary info

                                                                                                       28 of 38
                                                                                     Schedule of Review
                                                                     Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                     Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                             Date                    Materials                             Proposed Legislation &
              Category                    RCW                                  Description                                                                                Recommendation
                                                                                                                            Enacted                  Presented                                 Related Bills
                                                                                                                                               *See also May 2016,
                                                                                                                                              Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
      Financial, Commercial and                         Well logs on oil capable of being produced from a
477                                     78.52.260                                                                            1951               42.56.270 & trade
        Proprietary Information                         “wildcat” well
                                                                                                                                              secrets/proprietary info;
                                                                                                                                               Feb. 2021; May 2021
                                                                                                                                               *See also May 2016,
                                   [Former 79.76.230] -
      Financial, Commercial and                         Geothermal records filed w. department of natural                                     Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
478                                    recodified as                                                                 1974 - Recodified 2003
        Proprietary Information                         resources                                                                               42.56.270 & trade
                                         78.60.230
                                                                                                                                              secrets/proprietary info
          Investigative, law
                                                        Certain boating accident reports provided to the parks
479    enforcement and crime           79A.60.210                                                                            1984
                                                        & recreation commission
               victims
          Investigative, law
480    enforcement and crime           79A.60.220       Boating accident reports/coroner                                     1987
               victims
                                                        Rail fixed guideway system security and emergency
481            Security               81.104.115(4)                                                                   1999; 2016 c 33 s 8
                                                        preparedness plan
                                                        Rail fixed guideway system security and emergency
482            Security               81.112.180(4)                                                                          1999
                                                        preparedness plan
                                                                                                                                               *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial and                                                                                                               Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
483    Proprietary Information -      82.32.330(2)      Certain tax return and tax information                           At least 1935          42.56.270 & trade
               Tax Info                                                                                                                       secrets/proprietary info;
                                                                                                                                               Feb. 2021; Aug. 2021
                                                                                                                                               *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial and                         Taxpayer info supplied for survey is not disclosable.
                                                                                                                                              Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
484    Proprietary Information -        82.32.585       Amt of tax deferral is not subject to 82.32.330               2010 c 114 s 102(4)
                                                                                                                                                42.56.270 & trade
               Tax Info                                 confidentiality provisions
                                                                                                                                              secrets/proprietary info
485          Placeholder
                                                                                                                                               *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial and
                                                        Info from tribes or tribal retailers received by the state                            Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
486    Proprietary Information -      82.38.310(4)                                                                           2007
                                                        under a special fuel taxes agreement                                                    42.56.270 & trade
               Tax Info
                                                                                                                                              secrets/proprietary info
                                                                                                                                               *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial and                         Taxpayer info supplied for survey is not disclosable.
                                                                                                                                              Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
487    Proprietary Information -                        Amt of tax deferral is not subject to 82.32.330                  2008 c 15 s 2
                                                                                                                                                42.56.270 & trade
               Tax Info                                 confidentiality provisions
                                                                                                                                              secrets/proprietary info
      Financial, Commercial and
                                                        Amounts less than $10,00 claimed in a tax                    2012 snd sp s. c 13 s
488    Proprietary Information -        82.32.808
                                                        preference; exceptions                                              1702
               Tax Info
                                                        Tax info obtained by department of revenue if highly                                   *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial and
                                                        offensive to a reasonable person and not a legitimate                                 Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
489    Proprietary Information -        84.08.210                                                                            1997
                                                        concern to public or would result in unfair competitive                                 42.56.270 & trade
               Tax Info
                                                        disadvantage                                                                          secrets/proprietary info

                                                                                                     29 of 38
                                                                                    Schedule of Review
                                                                    Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                    Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                           Date                     Materials                             Proposed Legislation &
              Category                   RCW                                 Description                                                                                 Recommendation
                                                                                                                          Enacted                   Presented                                  Related Bills
                                                                                                                                              *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial and
                                                       Income data for retired or disabled persons seeking                                   Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
490    Proprietary Information -      84.36.389                                                                            1974
                                                       property tax exemptions                                                                 42.56.270 & trade
               Tax Info
                                                                                                                                             secrets/proprietary info
                                                                                                                                              *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial and
                                                                                                                                             Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
491    Proprietary Information -      84.40.020        Confidential income data in property tax listings                   1973
                                                                                                                                               42.56.270 & trade
               Tax Info
                                                                                                                                             secrets/proprietary info
                                                                                                                                              *See also May 2016,
                                                       Utilities & transportation commission records                                         Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
      Financial, Commercial and
492                                   84.40.340        containing commercial info a court determines                       1961                42.56.270 & trade
        Proprietary Information
                                                       confidential                                                                          secrets/proprietary info;
                                                                                                                                              May 2021; Oct. 2021
                                                                                                                                              Aug. 2017; Oct. 2017;
493   Agriculture and Livestock       90.64.190        Livestock producer info                                             2005
                                                                                                                                              Feb. 2018; May 2018
                                                                                                                                              *See also May 2016,
                                                     Names and identification data from participants in
      Financial, Commercial and 2007 c 522 § 149 (3)                                                                                         Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
494                                                  survey to identify factors preventing the widespread                  2007
        Proprietary Information     (uncodified)                                                                                               42.56.270 & trade
                                                     availability and use of broadband technologies
                                                                                                                                             secrets/proprietary info
495          Health Care           70.02.220 - .260    Health care information                                    2013 sp. S c 200 ss 6-10
                                                       Information relating to infant mortality pursuant to
496          Health Care            42.56.360(1)(f)                                                                        1992
                                                       RCW 70.05.170
                                                       Certain information obtained by state and local
                                                       agencies from dairies, animal feeding operations not
       Dairies, Animal Feeding                                                                                                                Aug. 2017; Oct. 2017;
497                                   42.56.610        required to apply for a national pollutant discharge            2005 (c510s5)
              Operations                                                                                                                      Feb. 2018; May 2018
                                                       elimination system permit disclosable only in ranges
                                                       that provide meaningful information to public
          Investigative, law                           Information regarding victims, survivors of victims, or
498    enforcement and crime           9.95.260        witnesses that are sent pardon hearing notices may                  1999
               victims                                 not be released to offender
                                                                                                                                              *See also May 2016,
      Financial, Commercial and                        Instrument creating a charitable trust, possibly only if                              Aug. 2016 & Oct. 2016 -
499    Proprietary Information -      11.110.075       the instrument creates a trust for both charitable and              1971                42.56.270 & trade
                 Trusts                                non-charitable purposes                                                               secrets/proprietary info;
                                                                                                                                              Feb. 2021; May 2021
                                                       Information on juvenile conviction by adult criminal
                                      13.04.155;
500       Juvenile Records                             court given to school principal and received by school           1997; 2020
                                    28A.320.163(5)
                                                       district staff
                                                       Records of the interstate compact for juveniles that
501       Juvenile Records            13.24.011        would adversely affect personal privacy rights or                   2003
                                                       proprietary interests
                                                       Sources of confidential information in dispositional
502       Boarding Homes              13.40.150                                                                            1977
                                                       hearings on juvenile offenses

                                                                                                   30 of 38
                                                                                       Schedule of Review
                                                                       Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                       Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                          Date                 Materials                            Proposed Legislation &
               Category                    RCW                                 Description                                                                        Recommendation
                                                                                                                         Enacted               Presented                                Related Bills
503          Placeholder
                                      50.13.015, .020,
                                                          Most info supplied to employment security
504     Employment Security          .040, .050, .100 &                                                                   1977
                                                          department
                                             110
      Financial, Commercial and                           Financial or valuable trade info from health care
505                                      51.36.120                                                                        1989
        Proprietary Information                           providers, if request
506          Health Care                 70.05.170        Medical records re. Child morality review                       1992
                                                          Information regarding a youth subject to RCW 13.34
507       Juvenile Records               13.34.046        is confidential except as required under lawful court      2013 c 182 s 5       May 2019; Aug. 2019
                                                          order
508          Placeholder
          Investigative, law
                                        79A.60.210        Certain boating accident reports provided to the parks
509    enforcement and crime                                                                                              1984
                                        79A.60.220        & recreation commission
               victims
          Investigative, law
                                                          Felony firearm offense conviction database of felony
510    enforcement and crime           42.56.240(10)                                                                 2013 c 183 s 1
                                                          firearm offenders established in RCW 43.43.822
               victims
          Investigative, law
                                                          Security threat group information collected and
511    enforcement and crime           42.56.240(12)                                                                 2013 c 315 s. 2
                                                          maintained by department of corrections
               victims
         Legal proceedings;         7.77.140; 7.77.150; Confidentiality of collaborative law proceedings;
512                                                                                                                2013 c 119ss 15 - 18
             Privilege              7.77.160; 7.77.170 privilege
                                    38.32; 42.56.230(9);                                                                                                                           SB 1980 (2015); Ch. 224,
513    Emergency Information                             Enhanced 911 Call information                              2015 c 224 s 2, 6     Feb. 2014; Feb. 2015      Feb. 2015
                                    38.52.575; 38.52.577                                                                                                                           2015 Laws
          Investigative, law
                                                          Campus sexual assault/domestic violence
514    enforcement and crime           42.56.240(16)                                                                  2017 c 72 s 3
                                                          communications and records
               victims
          Investigative, law
515    enforcement and crime           42.56.240(17)      Law enforcement information from firearms dealers          2016 c 261 s 7
               victims
516   Employment and Licensing         42.56.250(3)       Professional growth plans                                   2017 c 16 s 1
                                                          GPS data of public employees or volunteers using
517   Employment and Licensing         42.56.250(10)                                                                  2017 c 38 s 1
                                                          GPS system recording device
      Financial, Commercial and                           Trade secrets etc. re to licensed marijuana business,
518                                    42.56.270(28)                                                                 2017 c 317 s 7
        Proprietary Information                           submitted to LCB
          Public Utilities and                            Personally identifying information in safety complaints
519                                    42.56.330(9)                                                               2017 c 333 s 7
           Transportation                                 submitted under ch. 81-61 RCW
                                                          Non public personal health information obtained by,
520   Insurance & Financial Inst.      42.56.400(26)      discussed to, or in custody of the insurance            2017 c 193 s 2
                                                          commissioner
                                                          Data, information, documents obtained by insurance 2017 3rd sp. sess. c 30 s
521   Insurance & Financial Inst.      42.56.400(27)
                                                          commissioner under RCW 48.02                                  2
                                                                                                                                          May 2017; Aug. 2017;
                                                                                                                                          Oct. 2017; May 2018;
                                       42.56.430(3);      Damage prevention agreement, non lethal                                         Aug. 2018; Feb. 2019;
522         Fish & Wildlife                                                                                          2017 c 246 s 1
                                        77.12.885         preventative/measures to minimize wolf interactions                             Aug. 2020; Feb. 2021;
                                                                                                                                          May 2021; Aug. 2021;
                                                                                                                                          Oct. 2021; Nov. 2021

                                                                                                    31 of 38
                                                                                     Schedule of Review
                                                                     Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                     Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                          Date                   Materials                           Proposed Legislation &
               Category                   RCW                                   Description                                                                         Recommendation
                                                                                                                         Enacted                 Presented                               Related Bills
                                                                                                                                            May 2017; Aug. 2017;
                                                                                                                                            Oct. 2017; May 2018;
                                      42.56.430(4);                                                                                         Aug. 2018; Feb. 2019;
523         Fish & Wildlife                             Reported depredation by wolves on pets or livestock           2017 c 246 s 1
                                       77.12.885                                                                                            Aug. 2020; Feb. 2021;
                                                                                                                                            May 2021; Aug. 2021;
                                                                                                                                            Oct. 2021; Nov. 2021
                                                        Tribal fish & shellfish harvest information -                                       May 2017; Aug. 2017;
524         Fish & Wildlife           42.56.430(7)                                                                    2017 c 71 s 1
                                                        department of fish & wildlife                                                             Oct. 2017
                                                        Commercial shellfish harvest information -
525         Fish & Wildlife           42.56.430(8)                                                                    2017 c 71 s 1         Aug. 2017; Oct. 2017
                                                        department of fish & wildlife
                                                        Health/safety information from DYF to department of
526       Juvenile Records            13.50.010(16)     commerce re youth in foster care admitted to                  2017 c 272 s 1        May 2019; Aug. 2019
                                                        CRCs/HOPE centers
                                                        DYF disclosures re child abuse/neglect, and for
527       Juvenile Records            13.50.010(17)                                                              2017 3rd sp. s. c 6 5312   May 2019; Aug. 2019
                                                        health care coordination
                                                                                                                 2017 c 306 s 2; 2017 2nd
528      Personal Information          40.26.020        Biometric identifiers
                                                                                                                       sp. s. c 1 s 1
                                                        Information used to develop an individual health
529     Insurance Information          48.02.230                                                                 2017 3rd sp. s. c 30 s 1
                                                        insurance market stability program

530          Health Care            50A.04.195(4)&(5)   Family/medical leave                                     2017 3rd sp. s. c 5 s 29
531          Health Care            50A.04.080(2)(b)    Family/medical leave from employer records               2017 3rd sp. s. c 5 s 33
                                                                                                                 2017 3rd sp. sess. c 5 s
532          Health Care               50A.04.205       Family/medical leave ombuds surveys
                                                                                                                           88
          Voter and Election
                                                        Personally Identifiable voter registration information
533     Information - Personal        42.56.230(10)                                                                       2018
                                                        for individuals under 18
              Information
      Religious Beliefs; Personal                       Personal identifying information about an individual's                              Oct. 2018; Feb. 2019;
534                                    42.56.235                                                                          2018                                        Aug. 2019
              Information                               religious beliefs                                                                   May 2019; Aug. 2019
           Investigative, law
                                                        Audio and video recordings of child interviews
535       enforcement, crime          42.56.240(18)                                                                       2018
                                                        regarding child abuse or neglect
      victims; Juvenile Records
          Voter and Election
      Information - Employment                          Personally Identifiable voter registration information
536                                   42.56.250(11)                                                                       2018
       and Licensing; Personal                          for individuals under 18
             Information
                                                        Financial, commercial, operations, technical, and
                                                        research information submitted to the Andy Hill
      Financial, Commercial and
537                                   42.56.270(29)     cancer research endowment program pertaining to                   2018
        Proprietary Information
                                                        grants under chapter 43.348 RCW, that if revealed
                                                        would result in private loss
      Financial, Commercial and
                                                        Proprietary information filed with the department of
538     Proprietary Information;      42.56.270(30)                                                                       2018
                                                        health
             Health Care

                                                                                                   32 of 38
                                                                                     Schedule of Review
                                                                     Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                     Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                    Date     Materials                    Proposed Legislation &
               Category                   RCW                                 Description                                                Recommendation
                                                                                                                   Enacted   Presented                        Related Bills
                                                        Information obtained from the federal government if
                                                        exempt from disclosure under federal law and
539    Agriculture and Livestock      42.56.380(13)                                                                 2018
                                                        personal financial information or proprietary data
                                                        obtained by the department of agriculture
540    Agriculture and Livestock      42.56.380(14)     Hop grower lot numbers and lab results                      2018
                                                        An insurer's corporate governance annual disclosure
541   Insurance & Financial Inst.     42.56.400(28)     and related information obtained by the insurance           2018
                                                        commissioner
                                                        Claims, health care, and financial information
      Insurance & Financial Inst.;
542                                   42.56.400(28)     submitted by school districts to the office of the          2018
             Health Care
                                                        insurance commissioner and health care authority
                                                        Records regarding a person's voluntary waiver of
543            Firearms                9.41.350(6)                                                                  2018
                                                        firearm rights
                                                        Information obtained from the federal government if
544    Agriculture and Livestock      15.135.100(1)                                                                 2018
                                                        exempt from disclosure under federal law
       Agriculture and Livestock;
         Personal Information;                          Personal financial information or proprietary data
545                                   15.135.100(2)                                                                 2018
      Financial, Commercial, and                        obtained by the department of agriculture
        Proprietary Information
         Child Abuse; Juvenile
                                                        Recorded child interviews regarding child abuse or
546      Records; Investigative         26.44.187                                                                   2018
                                                        neglect
                Records
         Parentage; Personal                            Personally identifiable information of the child and
547                                    26.26A.050                                                                   2018
             Information                                others in parentage proceedings
          Elections; Personal                           The personally identifiable voter registration
548                                  29A.08.720(2)(b)                                                               2018
              Information                               information of individuals under 18
                                                        The personally identifiable voter registration
          Elections; Personal
549                                    29A.08.770       information of individuals under 18 maintained by the       2018
              Information
                                                        secretary of state and county auditors
                                                        Personal information supplied to obtain a driver's
          Elections; Personal
550                                    29A.08.359       license or identicard and used to certify registered        2018
              Information
                                                        voters
                                                        A plaintiff's filing of an action regarding equal voting
551            Elections              29A.92.100(3)                                                                 2018
                                                        rights under the Washington voting rights act of 2018
                                                        Claims, health care, and financial information
552    School District Insurance      41.05.890(2)      submitted by school districts to the office of the          2018
                                                        insurance commissioner and health care authority
                                                        Oversight board for children, youth, and families
553       State Government           43.216.015(15)     records, only the information if otherwise confidential     2018
                                                        under state or federal law
                                                        Information regarding investigations exchange
          State Government;
554                                   43.06C.060(3)     between the office of the corrections ombuds and the        2018
        Investigative Records
                                                        department of corrections

                                                                                                   33 of 38
                                                                                 Schedule of Review
                                                                 Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                 Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                               Date     Materials                    Proposed Legislation &
               Category                 RCW                               Description                                               Recommendation
                                                                                                              Enacted   Presented                        Related Bills
                                                    An insurer's corporate governance annual disclosure
555     Insurance Information       48.195.040(1)   and related information submitted to the insurance         2018
                                                    commissioner
        Unwanted Medication
         Disposal; Financial,                       Proprietary information submitted to the department
556                                  69.48.170                                                                 2018
           Commercial and                           of health regarding unwanted medication disposal
        Proprietary Information
      Financial, Commercial, and                    Financial and proprietary information submitted to or
557                                 42.56.270(13)
        Proprietary Information                     obtained by the department of ecology
                                                    Financial and commercial information provided as
      Financial, Commercial, and
558                                 42.56.270(15)   evidence to the department of licensing from special
        Proprietary Information
                                                    fuel licensees or motor vehicle fuel licensees
                                                    Financial, commercial, operations, and technical and
      Financial, Commercial, and
559                                 42.56.270(18)   research information submitted to health sciences
        Proprietary Information
                                                    and services authorities if private loss would result
                                                    Information that can be identified to a particular
      Financial, Commercial, and
560                                 42.56.270(19)   business that was gathered as part of agency rule
        Proprietary Information
                                                    making
                                                    Information distributed to a health profession board or
      Health Care Professionals;
561                                  42.56.355      commission by an interstate health professions             2017
             Health Care
                                                    licensure compact
                                                    Registration information of members of medical
562           Marijuana              42.56.630      marijuana cooperatives submitted to the liquor and         2015
                                                    cannabis board
        Health Professionals;                       Personal identifying information of vulnerable
563                                  42.56.640                                                                 2017
        Personal Information                        individuals and in-home caregivers
                                                    Court-ordered mental health treatment records
564          Health Care            71.05.445(4)                                                               2000
                                                    received by the department of corrections
      Health Care Professionals;
565                                 74.09.315(2)    Identity of whistleblower
            Whistleblower
        Personal Information;
566                                 43.185C.030     Personal information collected in homeless census
          Public Assistance
567       Juvenile Records          26.44.125(6)    Child abuse or neglect review hearings                     2012
568       Juvenile Records          74.13.285(4)    Information on a child in foster care or child's family    2007
        Health Professionals;                       Personal information of vulnerable adults and in-
569                                 74.39A.275(5)                                                              2016
        Personal Information                        home care providers
        Health Professionals;                       Personal information of vulnerable individuals and in-
570                                  43.17.410                                                                 2017
        Personal Information                        home caregivers
         Health Care; Personal                      Personal identifying information of complainant and
571    Information; Investigative   74.39A.060(6)   residents in a complaint against a long-term care
                Records                             facility
       Health Care; Financial,
          Commercial, and
572                                  41.05.026      Health care contractor proprietary information
       Proprietary Information;
            Trade Secret

                                                                                                34 of 38
                                                                                      Schedule of Review
                                                                      Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                      Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                    Date     Materials                    Proposed Legislation &
               Category                   RCW                                  Description                                               Recommendation
                                                                                                                   Enacted   Presented                        Related Bills
                                                         Collective bargaining authorization cards of public
573      Collective Bargaining         41.56.510                                                                    2010
                                                         employees
                                                         Information submitted to state regarding people self-
574      Personal Information        42.56.230(11)       excluding themselves from gambling activities under        2019
                                                         RCW 9.46.071 and 67.70.040
                                                         Personal information of individuals who participated in
        Personal Information;
575                                  42.56.230(12)       the bump-fire stock buy- back program under RCW            2019
             Firearms
                                                         43.43.920
                                                         Confidential, valuable, commercial information filed
      Financial Commercial, and
576                                  42.56.270(31)       with the Department of Ecology regarding the               2019
        Proprietary Information
                                                         architectural paint stewardship program
       Agriculture and Livestock;
                                                         Trade secrets, commercial information, and other
      Financial, Commercial, and
577                                  42.56.380(15)       confidential information obtained by the federal Food      2019
        Proprietary Information;
                                                         and Drug Administration by contract
             Trade Secret
       Agriculture and Livestock;
                                                         Trade secrets, commercial information, and other
      Financial, Commercial, and
578                                    15.130.150        confidential information obtained by the federal Food      2019
        Proprietary Information;
                                                         and Drug Administration by contract
             Trade Secret
                                                         Findings and orders that disapprove the acquisition of
579   Insurance & Financial Inst.    42.56.400(29)                                                                  2019
                                                         a state trust company
        Personal Information;  42.56.660 (effective Agency employee records if the requester sexually
580                                                                                                                 2019
      Employment and Licensing      7/1/2020)       harassed the agency employee
        Personal Information;  42.56.675 (effective Lists of agency employees compiled by agencies to
581                                                                                                                 2019
      Employment and Licensing      7/1/2020)       administer RCW 42.56.660
                                      42.56.650,         Data submitted by health carriers to the Health
582          Health Care                                                                                            2019
                                    41.05.410(3)(b)      Benefit Exchange and Health Care Authority
         Court Proceedings;           11.130.300(3)      Visitor report and professional evaluation regarding
583                                                                                                                 2019
             Guardian               (effective 1/1/21)   appointment of guardian for an adult
         Court Proceedings;           11.130.410(3)      Visitor report and professional evaluation regarding
584                                                                                                                 2019
           Conservator              (effective 1/1/21)   conservatorship of a minor
                                                         Information submitted to the attorney general
585          Health Care               19.390.070        regarding potential anticompetitive conduct in the         2019
                                                         health care market
586            Placeholder
         Personal Information;
                                                         Information provided to multidisciplinary child
           Investigative, law
587                                   26.44.175(5)       protection team members in the course of a child           2019
       enforcement, and crime
                                                         abuse or neglect investigation
                  victims
       Insurance and Financial
                                                         Department of Financial Institutions' records in
         Institutions; Financial
588                                   30B.44B.170        connection to involuntary liquidation of a state trust     2019
            Commercial and
                                                         company
               Proprietary

                                                                                                     35 of 38
                                                                                      Schedule of Review
                                                                      Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                      Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                     Date     Materials                    Proposed Legislation &
              Category                     RCW                                 Description                                                Recommendation
                                                                                                                    Enacted   Presented                         Related Bills
       Insurance and Financial
                                                         Department of Financial Institutions' findings and
         Institutions; Financial
589                                   30B.53.100(3)      order on the disapproval of a proposed acquisition of       2019
           Commercial and
                                                         a state trust company
               Proprietary
                                                         Broadband service provider confidential business and
          State Government;
                                                         financial information submitted as part of an objection
590   Financial Commercial, and      43.155.160(6)(g)                                                                2019
                                                         to an application for a grant to expand access to
        Proprietary Information
                                                         broadband service
                                                         Modification hearing information on the suspension or
591       State Government            42.17A.120(3)      modification of campaign finance reporting                  2019
                                                         requirements under 42.17A.710
      State Government; Health                           Pharmacy benefit manager information reported to
592                                   43.71C.030(2)                                                                  2019
               Care                                      the Health Care Authority
      State Government; Health       43.71C.050(7);      Prescription drug manufacturer information reported
593                                                                                                                  2019
                Care                 060(5); 070(3)      to the Health Care Authority
      State Government; Health
594                                    43.71C.100        Health Care Authority prescription drug data                2019
                Care
       Insurance; Health Care;                           Nonpublic personal health information held by health
595                                    48.43.505(4)                                                                  2019
         Personal Information                            carriers and insurers
                                                         Licensed marijuana business's financial and
      Financial, Commercial, and
                                                         proprietary information supplied during consultative
596     Proprietary Information;       69.50.561(6)                                                                  2019
                                                         services by the Washington State Liquor and
               Marijuana
                                                         Cannabis Board
      State Government; Health                           Information submitted to the prescription monitoring
597                                   70.225.040(1)                                                                  2019
               Care                                      program
          State Government;                              Confidential, valuable, commercial information filed
598   Financial Commercial, and        70.375.130        with the Department of Ecology regarding the                2019
        Proprietary Information                          architectural paint stewardship program
      State Government; Health       70.58A.400(5)       Sealed birth records with adoption decrees under
599                                                                                                                  2019
               Care                 (effective 1/1/21)   chapter 26.33 RCW
      State Government; Health       70.58A.500(3)
600                                                      Sealed live birth records                                   2019
               Care                 (effective 1/1/21)
                                                    Certification of birth or fetal death, including
      State Government; Health                      certification of birth resulting in stillbirth, that includes
601                            70.58A.530(15), (16)                                                                  2019
               Care                                 information from the confidential section of the birth or
                                                    fetal death record
      State Government; Health 70.58A.540 (effective
602                                                  Vital records, reports, statistics, and data                    2019
                  Care                1/1/21)
           Employment and
                                                     Personal demographic details voluntarily submitted by
603       Licensing; Personal      42.56.250(11)                                                                     2020
                                                     state employees
              Information
      Financial, Commercial, and                     Commercial information obtained by the Liquor and
604                                42.56.270(32)                                                                     2020
        Proprietary Information                      Cannabis Board in connection with distiller licensing
                                                     Certain student information received by school
605     Educational Information      42.56.315                                                                       2020
                                                     districts
                                  42.56.360(1)(I);   Medical information about members of retirement
606           Health Care                                                                                            2020
                                     41.04.830       plans

                                                                                                    36 of 38
                                                                                     Schedule of Review
                                                                     Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                     Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                          Date             Materials                    Proposed Legislation &
               Category                   RCW                                 Description                                                              Recommendation
                                                                                                                         Enacted           Presented                        Related Bills
                                                        Health care information held by the Health Care Cost
607          Health Care             70.390.030(7)                                                                        2020
                                                        Transparency Board that could identify a patient
                                       42.56.375;
       Educational Information;
                                    28B.112.060(3);     Identifying information regarding sexual misconduct
608       Crime Victim and                                                                                                2020
                                    28B.112.070(2);     complainants and witnesses
             Witnesses
                                    28B.112.080(5)
                                     42.56.400(31);
        Insurance and Financial                         Contracts with health care benefit managers filed with
609                                   48.200.040;                                                                         2020
       Information; Health Care                         the Insurance Commissioner
                                       48.43.731
                                                        Mental health information received in connection with
610     Firearms; Health Care        9.41.111(1)(c)     a firearm frame or receiver purchase or transfer                  2020
                                                        application
          Juvenile Records;
                                                        Confidential information and sealed records accessed
           Investigative, law
611                                  13.50.260(12)      through the Washington state identification system by             2020
        enforcement and crime
                                                        criminal justice agencies
                victims
       Juvenile Records; Public                         Reports, reviews, and hearings involving certificates
612                                   74.13.730(7)                                                                        2020
              Assistance                                of parental improvement
                                                        Data collected by the Undocumented Student
613     Education Information        28B.96.020(8)                                                                        2020
                                                        Support Loan Program
         Motor Vehicle/Driver                           Confidential information obtained by the Cooper
614                                  43.59.156(6)(a)                                                                      2020
              Records                                   Jones Active Transportation Safety Council
         Motor Vehicle/Driver         46.20.117(6);     Self-attestations and data provided for identicard and
615                                                                                                                       2020
              Records                 46.20.161(6)      driver's license designations
                                                        Confidential information received by the work group
616       Juvenile Records           28A.300.544(6)     on students in foster care and/or experiencing                    2020
                                                        homelessness
                                                        Gas pipeline company reports submitted to the UTC
          Public Utilities and
617                                   81.88.160(7)      that contain proprietary data or where disclosure                 2020
           Transportation
                                                        would affect public safety
                                                       Financial and proprietary information provided to the
      Financial, Commercial, and
618                              42.56.270(12)(a)(iii) Department of Commerce in connection with the                      2021
        Proprietary Information
                                                       industrial waste coordination program
                                                        Certain information obtained from the federal Food
      State Government; Public                          and Drug Administration by Department of Health
619                                  42.56.380(16)                                                                        2021
               Health                                   public health laboratories for monitoring food supplies
                                                        for contaminants
620            Elections              42.56.420(7)      Certain election security information                             2021
                                                        Personal information obtained by the Department of
621      Personal Information          42.56.680        Commerce from residential real property notices of           2021 c 151 s 12
                                                        default
                                                        State agency information technology security reports
                                       42.56.422;                                                                 2021 c 291 s 8; 2021 c
622            Security                                 and information compiled in connection with the
                                    43.105.450(7)(d)                                                                     291 s 1
                                                        Office of Cybersecurity

                                                                                                  37 of 38
                                                                                                      Schedule of Review
                                                                                      Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee
                                                                                                      Sunshine Committee
                                                                                                                                         Date                    Materials                                               Proposed Legislation &
                               Category                    RCW                                 Description                                                                                  Recommendation
                                                                                                                                        Enacted                  Presented                                                   Related Bills
                         Personal information;                           Confidential party information forms accompanying
        623                                            7.105.105(2)                                                                 2021 c 215 s 14
                            Crime Victims                                petitions for civil protection orders
                                                                         Trade secrets and proprietary information submitted
                      Financial, Commercial, and
                                                                         by bidders, offerors, and contractors in connection
        624             Proprietary Information;     36.32.234(7)(a)                                                                 2021 c 224 s 1
                                                                         with electric ferry design and procurement, when
                             Trade Secret
                                                                         requested and county concurs
                          State Government;
                                                                         Electric ferry procurement documents, until
        625           Financial, Commercial, and     36.32.234(7)(b)                                                                 2021 c 244 s 1
                                                                         notification of finalist made or selection terminated
                        Proprietary Information
                         Personal Information;                           Information and records containing personal and
        626              Motor Vehicle/Driver           46.22.010        identity information obtained by the Department of           2021 c 93 s 4
                              Records                                    Licensing to administer driver and vehicle records
                                                                         During public health emergencies, certain personally
                         Personal Information;
        627                                            49.17.062(3)      identifiable information regarding employees of the         2021 c 252 s 2
                             Health Care
                                                                         Department of Labor and Industries
                                                                         Records obtained or created relating to partnership
        628                   Health Care              70.14.065(4)      agreements for production, distributing, and                2021 c 274 s 1
                                                                         purchasing generic prescription drugs and insulin
                                                                         Communications, records, and files of the Office of
                                                        71.40.140;                                                               2021 c 202 s 12; 2021 c
        629                   Health Care                                Behavioral Health Consumer Advocacy, and related
                                                       71.40.120(3)                                                                     202 s 14
                                                                         organizations and advocates
                                                                         Reports and information submitted to the Department
        630                State Government          70A.245.030(2)      of Ecology by producers of certain plastic products,        2021 c 313 s 4
                                                                         when requested
                                                                         The report detailing the Office of Cybersecurity's
        631           Security; State Government        42.56.422        independent security assessment of state agency                  2021
                                                                         information technology security program audits
                                                                         Information relating to individual claim resolution
                         Industrial Insurance;
        632                                           51.04.063(13)      settlement agreements submitted to the board of                  2014
                            Injured Worker
                                                                         industrial insurance appeals

*For subsequent legislative history, see statutes online on the state legislative's website; see also Code Reviser's Office list ("Exemptions from Public Records Disclosure and Confidential Records") available on Sunshine Committee web page.

                                                                                                                    38 of 38