The bill amends the Open Public Meetings Act in Washington State to allow governing bodies of public agencies to hold executive sessions specifically for the purpose of discussing greenhouse gas allowance auction bidding information. This change is in response to the requirements of the Climate Commitment Act, which mandates that certain publicly owned utilities and government agencies obtain greenhouse gas allowances while ensuring that sensitive auction participation strategies remain confidential. The new legal language added to the existing law includes provisions that permit discussions about greenhouse gas allowance auction bidding information that is prohibited from release or disclosure under RCW 70A.65.100(8).

Additionally, the bill reenacts and amends RCW 42.30.110, which outlines the circumstances under which governing bodies can hold executive sessions. Among the various reasons for such sessions, the bill now includes a specific provision (subsection (q)) that allows for the consideration of greenhouse gas allowance auction bidding information. This amendment aims to balance the need for transparency in public agency operations with the necessity of protecting sensitive information related to greenhouse gas emissions and market participation.