Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government, Elections & Information Technology Committee |
HB 1829
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Concerning the exemption from public disclosure of information regarding public and private computer and telecommunications networks.
Sponsors: Representatives Hudgins, Johnson, Goodman, Klippert, Smith, Dolan, Haler, Koster, Volz, Kraft, Irwin, Stanford, Tarleton, Muri, Ormsby and McBride.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/7/17
Staff: Megan Palchak (786-7105).
Background:
The public is entitled to access some government records under the Public Records Act. Exemptions to the Act include, but are not limited to, records containing information related to protecting public safety and security. For example, records regarding terrorist acts, vulnerability assessments, transportation emergency response plans, and comprehensive safety plans for schools, may not be disclosed.
Information regarding the infrastructure and security of computer and telecommunications networks is also exempt from disclosure. This means information such as security passwords, access codes for secure software, recovery plans, risk assessments, security test results, and programs that identify system vulnerabilities may not be disclosed to the public. Nor shall information that may risk confidentiality, integrity, or availability of agency security, information technology infrastructure, or assets.
Summary of Bill:
This act specifies that information regarding both public and private infrastructure and computer and telecommunications networks are exempt from public disclosure for security purposes. Information that risks the availability of security may not be disclosed to the public.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 6, 2017.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.