House Bill Analysis

HB 2810

Title: AN ACT Relating to exempting information obtained in connection with liquor, lottery, and gambling licenses from public disclosure.

Brief Description: Protecting information from liquor, lottery, and gambling licensing.

Sponsor: McMorris, Haigh.

Brief Summary

CExempts financial or criminal history information obtained in connection with gambling, liquor, and lottery licenses from public disclosure.

House State Government Committee

Staff: Jim Morishima  (786-7191)

Background:

I.  Public Records Disclosure

Initiative 276, approved by the voters in 1972, requires that all state agencies make all public records available for public inspection and copying unless they fall within certain statutory exceptions.  The provisions requiring public records disclosure must be interpreted liberally and the exceptions narrowly in order to effectuate a general policy favoring disclosure. 

Examples of statutory exceptions to the public records disclosure law include i) personal information in agency files, the disclosure of which would violate an individual's right to privacy, ii) financial and commercial information supplied by individuals applying for various programs, and iii) residential addresses and telephone numbers of state agency employees.

II.  Gambling, Liquor, and Lottery Licenses

The Washington State Gambling Commission, the Liquor Control Board, and the Director of the State Lottery issue gambling, liquor, and lottery licenses respectively.  In the course of applying for such licenses, applicants must provide a variety of financial and criminal history information.

Summary:

Financial or criminal history information obtained in connection with the issuance or renewal of gambling, liquor, and lottery licenses is exempt from public inspection and copying.

Rule Making Authority: No express authority.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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