SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5638

As of February 18, 2003

Title: An act relating to the application of public records laws to state legislative offices.

Brief Description: Revising the definition of "public records" as it applies to state legislative offices.

Sponsors: Senators Rasmussen, Sheahan, Haugen, Spanel, Swecker and Doumit.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 2/18/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)

Background: A public record, for public disclosure purposes, includes any writing containing information relating to the conduct of government or the performance of any governmental or proprietary function prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency. For the office of the Secretary of the Senate, and the office of the Chief Clerk of the House (but not offices of members of the House or Senate), public records means legislative records; all budget and financial records; personnel leave, travel, and payroll records; records of legislative sessions; reports submitted to the Legislature; and any other record designated a public record by any official action of the Senate or the House.

In other words, it appears that there could be a different standard for public disclosure of records in the possession of individual legislators than there is for records in the possession of the Senate and House of Representatives as institutions.

Summary of Bill: The same standard for disclosure of public records applies to each senator and representative as applies to the Secretary of the Senate and the Chief Clerk of the House.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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