The bill amends RCW 42.56.420 to enhance the protection of critical energy infrastructure information from public disclosure. It introduces a new exemption that classifies critical energy infrastructure information as confidential, which includes details about systems and assets whose incapacity or destruction could jeopardize public health, safety, and general welfare. The bill defines "critical energy infrastructure" and "critical energy infrastructure information," specifying that the latter encompasses records related to actual or potential threats, attacks, or compromises to energy systems, as well as information that goes beyond general location or publicly available data.
Additionally, the bill retains existing exemptions related to security information, such as vulnerability assessments, emergency response plans, and personally identifiable information of employees from private cloud service providers. The inclusion of critical energy infrastructure information aims to bolster security measures and prevent potential risks associated with the disclosure of sensitive data that could threaten energy supply and public safety.
Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 42.56.420
Substitute Bill: 42.56.420
Engrossed Substitute: 42.56.420