WA media seek overdue fix to public records rules | The Free Press Initiative. Seventeen media outlets are asking AG Bob Ferguson to revise the state’s Model Public Records Act Rules.

By Brier Dudley , The Courier Herald, October 29, 2024

A coalition of 17 media outlets, organized by The Seattle Times, is asking Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson to correct this by revising the state’s Model Public Records Act Rules. 

“Without insight into what government is doing how is the public supposed to know, first of all, what is happening, and secondly, why and who is calling those shots, and thirdly, who to elect into or out of office?” said Times Executive Editor Michele Matassa Flores, who organized the coalition. “Especially during an election season, I felt like this was a good time to bring this issue to the forefront.” 

The rules aren’t binding but provide guidance to state and local governments and courts. 

Requested changes mostly add terms like “promptly,” since the underlying law requires promptness, but the rules are vague about urgency. 

Some of the suggestions should also help agencies more efficiently handle records requests and clear backlogs. They clarify that simple requests can be quickly fulfilled without waiting for complex requests in the queue.