The bill focuses on the preservation and inspection of historical records related to Lakeland Village, a state-operated facility for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It mandates the division of archives and records management, in collaboration with various state departments, to create a comprehensive preservation plan. This plan will identify at-risk records and artifacts, assess their condition, outline preservation steps, and include a timeline and budget for the work. The plan must also address future public access for educational purposes and is required to be reported to the legislature by September 1, 2025. Notably, records from Lakeland Village cannot be destroyed until fiscal year 2030, ensuring their protection during the preservation process.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law regarding the transfer and accessibility of public records to the state archives. It clarifies that after 75 years from the creation of a record, any previously restricted record transferred to the archives will be open for public inspection and copying. This change replaces previous provisions that allowed for records to be made accessible only after a determination by the archivist and the originating jurisdiction. The bill also limits indirect costs for the University of Washington's involvement in the preservation project to 15 percent.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 40.14.030