SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6676

As of February 5, 2002

Title:  An act relating to the exemption of certain documents from public inspection and copying.

Brief Description:  Exempting certain documents from public inspection and copying.

Sponsors:  Senators Haugen, McCaslin, Rasmussen and Regala.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government:  2/6/02.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Staff:  Diane Smith (786-7410)

Background:  Except for records specifically exempt, all public records must be made available for public inspection and copying.  One specific exemption concerns records, the disclosure of which would have a substantial likelihood of threatening public safety, in the context of protection from and response to terrorism.

Summary of Bill:  Exempt from the requirement of public inspection and copying are technical data about, including the use, location and functioning of, equipment essential to the provision of vital public services.  Vital public services include those necessary to the public in conducting their daily lives and employment, such as utilities, police, fire protection, transportation and communications.  The information about these vital public services must have reasonable potential to be of material aid to someone intending sabotage, interruption or damage, or to someone planning to use the information in the commission of a criminal act, to qualify for the exemption.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.