The bill aims to amend the public records act in Washington State to protect certain scholarly communications from public disclosure. It recognizes the importance of confidentiality in academic settings, where faculty, students, and research subjects engage in candid discussions and peer reviews that are essential for maintaining academic integrity and fostering innovation. The legislature emphasizes that confidentiality encourages participation in academic processes and supports the development of intellectual property without the fear of premature disclosure.

To implement these protections, the bill introduces a new section to chapter 42.56 RCW, which exempts specific records from public inspection and copying. These exemptions include the identity of human subjects in research studies when confidentiality is guaranteed, materials related to peer reviews of scholarly manuscripts and research proposals, and unpublished data, computer code, or draft manuscripts until they are publicly disseminated or published. The bill also defines "human subject" and "research" according to federal regulations, ensuring clarity in the application of these exemptions.