Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
State Government Committee

HB 2028

Brief Description:  Exempting certain records relating to port districts from public disclosure.

Sponsors:  Representatives D. Schmidt and Romero.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Exempts from public inspection and copying information supplied by parties for the purpose of qualifying to submit a bid or proposal for a port district project, or to use or lease port property or facilities.

Hearing Date:  2/19/01

Staff:  Catherine Blinn (786‑7114).

Background: 

The Public Disclosure Act (PDA) requires agencies to make available for public inspection and copying all public records, unless the record falls within a specific exemption.  The PDA is liberally construed, and its exemptions narrowly construed, to promote a public policy of keeping the public informed and allowing the public to maintain control of state agencies.  The current exemptions are specific, and generally focus on personal privacy, personal safety, or vital governmental interests.  The list of exemptions includes:

1)  Financial information supplied by or on behalf of a person, firm, or corporation for the purpose of qualifying to submit a bid or proposal for a ferry system or highway construction or repair contract;

2)  Financial and commercial information and records supplied by businesses or individuals in applications for loans or program services provided by the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development or any local agency; and

3)  Financial and commercial information requested by the public stadium authority from any person or organization that leases or uses the stadium and exhibition center.

Summary of Bill: 

Financial and commercial information and records supplied by or on behalf of a person, firm, or corporation for the purpose of qualifying to submit a bid or proposal for a port district project or for the purpose of negotiating the use or lease of port properties or facilities are exempt from public inspection and copying under the Public Disclosure Act.

Rulemaking Authority:  No express authority.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

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