The bill amends RCW 42.56.140 to enhance the accountability of the public records exemptions accountability committee, which is tasked with reviewing exemptions from public disclosure. The committee will consist of thirteen members appointed by various state officials, including the governor, attorney general, and legislative leaders, with a focus on diversity in viewpoint and geography. The bill specifies that the committee must meet at least four times a year, a change from the previous requirement of meeting once a quarter, and mandates that all meetings be open to the public. Additionally, the committee is required to develop and publish criteria for reviewing public exemptions and to consider input from interested parties.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions that make committee members subject to the regulations outlined in chapter 42.52 RCW, which pertains to the ethics in public service. The committee is also tasked with providing recommendations on whether each public disclosure exemption should be continued, modified, scheduled for sunset review, or terminated, with these recommendations to be submitted annually to the governor, attorney general, and relevant legislative committees.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 42.56.140
Substitute Bill: 42.56.140