PDFWAC 174-276-090

Review of denials for public records requests.

(1) Any person who objects to the denial of a request for a public record shall petition for prompt review of such decision by tendering a written request for a review of such denial. Such written request by a person demanding prompt review shall specifically reference the written statement by the college denying that person's request for a public record.
(2) Within two business days after receiving the written request by a person petitioning for prompt review of a decision denying a public record, the president of the college or any of her or his designees, which for the purposes of this section may include the public records officer, shall consider such petition.
(3) During the course of the two business days in which the president or her or his designee reviews the decision of the public records officer denying the request for a public record, the president or designee may conduct an informal hearing. During the course of such informal hearing, the president or designee may require that the person requesting the public record appear in person at a reasonable time and place located on the campus and further explain and identify the exact nature of the public record she or he is seeking. Failure by the person requesting the review hearing to appear at such informal hearing shall be deemed a waiver of that person's right to insist upon completion of the review of his request within two business days. If the petitioner requesting review does appear at such informal hearing, then the period for review by the college shall be extended to a period not exceeding twenty-four hours after such person requesting review has appeared before the president or designee.
(4) During the course of the informal hearing conducted by the president or his or her designee under this section, the hearing officer shall consider the obligations of the college fully to comply with the intent of chapter 42.17 RCW insofar as it requires providing full public access to official records, but shall also consider the exemptions provided in RCW 42.17.310 and the requirement of RCW 42.17.250 insofar as it requires the college to protect public records from damage or disorganization, prevent excessive interference with essential functions of the agency, and to prevent any unreasonable invasion of personal privacy by deleting identifying details.
(5) Administrative remedies shall not be considered exhausted until the college has returned the petition with a decision or until the close of the second business day following denial of inspection, whichever occurs first.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.40.120(12). WSR 97-13-047, § 174-276-090, filed 6/13/97, effective 7/14/97. Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW. WSR 90-04-011, § 174-276-090, filed 1/26/90, effective 2/26/90.]