The Washington State Public Records Act of is a state law that provides the public with access to government records. Originally enacted in 1972, the Public Records Act is codified in Chapter 42.56 of the Revised Code of Washington.  At Stevens Clay, we provide training around this topic including:

1. Introduction to the Public Records Act: This includes an overview of the Act's purpose, scope, and applicability.

2. Records Covered by the Act: This covers what records are considered public records, what records are exempt from disclosure, and what records may be disclosed in part.

3. Access to Public Records: This covers the procedures for requesting public records, the timeframes for responses, and the fees that may be charged.

4. Exemptions: This covers the specific exemptions to the Public Records Act, such as records that involve personal privacy, education records, and attorney-client privilege.

5. Redaction: This covers the process of redacting or segregating exempt information from records that are subject to disclosure.

6. Retention and Disposition: This covers the retention and disposition of public records, including the establishment of a records retention schedule and procedures for destruction.

7. Penalties and Enforcement: This covers the penalties for noncompliance with the Act, as well as the enforcement mechanisms available to the public, including legal action and filing a complaint with the Attorney General's Office.

8. Best Practices: This covers best practices for responding to public records requests, including how to respond in a timely manner, how to communicate with requesters, and how to ensure compliance with the Act.

9. Review of Case Studies: This includes a review of recent case law and practical examples of how the Act has been applied in real-world situations.

By covering these topics in a training on the Washington State Public Records Act, employees and officials will gain a better understanding of the law's requirements and how to ensure compliance.