WSR 21-09-049
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
[Filed April 15, 2021, 2:26 p.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Public records, WAC 162-04-030 and 162-04-035.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 42.56.120, 42.56.040.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The public records rules for this agency are out of date, and do not contain current information on the charges that can be imposed for the copying of public records. The public records rules need to be updated to reflect the Public Records ActModel rules, chapter 44-14 WAC, and to reflect the costs incurred by the agency in providing copies of public records. The subject of WAC 162-04-035 is no longer relevant, and the process does not conform to current records release exemptions.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Attorney general's office; the attorney general's office has drafted model rules related to the Public Records Act. This agency is utilizing the model rules in updating our own public records WAC. In addition, this agency is in consultation with its assistant attorneys general regarding this rule making.
Process for Developing New Rule: Public hearing and opportunity for written public comment.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Laura Lindstrand, 711 South Capitol Way, Suite 402, P.O. Box 42490, Olympia, WA 98504-2490, phone 360-878-4106, fax 360-586-2282, email policy@hum.wa.gov, website www.hum.wa.gov.
April 8, 2021
Laura Lindstrand
Policy Analyst