This bill aims to enhance public access to records by studying the potential establishment of the Washington Office of Transparency Ombuds as an independent state agency. The legislature expresses its commitment to open governance and recognizes the public's right to access information regarding government decisions that affect their lives. To facilitate this, the bill mandates a comprehensive study conducted by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee, in collaboration with various stakeholders, to evaluate the efficacy of such an agency. The study will include comparisons of public records laws across states, an assessment of existing independent agencies, and recommendations for the proposed office's duties.

Additionally, the bill establishes the Joint Legislative Committee on Transparency, which will oversee the study and consist of members from both legislative chambers, media representatives, and appointees from the governor and attorney general. The committee is tasked with meeting regularly and reporting its findings and recommendations to the legislature by December 1, 2026. The act is set to expire on December 31, 2026, ensuring that the study and its outcomes are time-bound.