Is Washington an open records state?

Is Washington an open records state?

Washington law (Chapter 42.56 RCW) requires that identifiable public records be made available to members of the public for inspection and copying upon request. Only records that are exempt by law may be withheld from disclosure.

What falls under the Freedom of Information Act?

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides public access to all federal agency records except for those records (or portions of those records) that are protected from disclosure by any of nine exemptions or three exclusions (reasons for which an agency may withhold records from a requester).

What is the Public Records Act in Washington state?

The Public Records Act (PRA) is a law of the U.S. state of Washington requiring public access to all records and materials from state and local agencies. It was originally passed as a ballot initiative by voters in 1972 and revised several times by the state legislature.

What does the Freedom of Information Act do?

Since 1967, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) has provided the public the right to request access to records from any federal agency. It is often described as the law that keeps citizens in the know about their government.

What information can be requested under Freedom of information Act 2000?

You can ask for any information you think a public authority may hold. The right only covers recorded information which includes information held on computers, in emails and in printed or handwritten documents as well as images, video and audio recordings.

Are 911 calls public record in Washington?

They are generally public. State law says 911 call recordings and transcripts cannot be released unless the agency or a court determines that the public interest in disclosure out weights the interest in nondisclosure.

What is FOIA 6 exemption?

Exemption 6 protects. information about individuals in “personnel and medical files and similar files” when the. disclosure of such information “would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal. privacy.”3.

What information can be requested under Freedom of Information Act 2000?

What organizations are covered under Washington’s Public Records Act?

Local agencies are covered, including counties, cities, school districts, municipal corporations, districts, political subdivisions, or any board, commission or agency thereof; other local public agencies; or nonprofit entities that are legislative bodies of a local agency. See California Government Code §6252(a).

Are freedom of information requests confidential?

So, in summary, public authorities shouldn’t publish or disclose the requests made by a named individual without their consent, unless there is a strong public interest in doing so.

Who does FOI Act apply to?

Which organisations are covered by the Freedom of Information Act? The Act covers central government departments and the executive agencies and public bodies they sponsor. It also covers parliament, the armed forces, devolved administrations, local authorities, the NHS, schools, universities and police forces.