SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 6353

        AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRADE, TECHNOLOGY &

            ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, FEBRUARY 3, 1994

Brief Description:  Concerning the release of personal financial information obtained by a governmental agency.

SPONSORS: Senators Williams, Bluechel, Sheldon and Pelz

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRADE, TECHNOLOGY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6353 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Skratek, Chairman; Sheldon, Vice Chairman; Bluechel, Cantu, Erwin, M. Rasmussen and Williams.

Staff:  Traci Ratzliff (786‑7452)

Hearing Dates: February 2, 1994; February 3, 1994

BACKGROUND:

The Public Disclosure Act requires state and local agencies to make available for public inspection and copying all public records, unless state law specifically allows agencies to exempt certain records or information from disclosure. Exemptions are usually granted to agencies for sensitive information they need to obtain to deliver program services to their clients.

Firms working with certain state and local government agencies are concerned about sharing information with these agencies regarding finances, operations, marketing, and research, fearing that such information could be subject to public review under the Public Disclosure Act. 

SUMMARY:

The original bill was not considered.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Modifications are made to the public records exemption provisions of the Public Disclosure Act.

Financial and commercial information and records supplied by businesses or individuals during application for economic development loans or program services provided by local government are protected from public disclosure.

Financial, commercial, operations, technical and research information and data provided to  the Clean Washington Center (CWC) in applications for, or delivery of, program services are protected from disclosure.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

Local governments conducting economic development programs in partnership with local businesses and individuals should have the same ability to provide protection for the personal and proprietary information of the business partners as is now provided to state agencies conducting similar programs.  Without such protection, businesses are hesitant to participate in local government programs.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Senator Williams, prime sponsor; Robert Dahms, City of Bellingham; Denise Selfridge, Pierce County; Carol Dickinson, City of Bremerton; David Dougherty, Clean Washington Center