The bill aims to enhance the confidentiality of fisheries information collected by other states under the Washington Public Records Act. It establishes a new section that explicitly authorizes the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to protect confidential data received from other coastal states, ensuring that such data remains confidential in accordance with the originating state's laws. The bill amends existing statutes, specifically RCW 42.56.430, to include provisions that exempt from disclosure fisheries-related information collected by another state if it is deemed confidential under that state's laws.

Additionally, the bill outlines various categories of sensitive fish and wildlife data that are exempt from public disclosure, including commercial fishing catch data, personally identifying information of license holders, and specific data related to endangered species. The amendments also clarify the conditions under which sensitive data may be shared with government agencies, tribal governments, and other entities for management and research purposes. The bill includes an expiration date for certain provisions, set for June 30, 2027, and specifies that other sections will take effect on the same date.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 42.56.430
Bill as Passed Legislature: 42.56.430
Session Law: 42.56.430