This bill aims to preserve the historical records and artifacts related to the treatment of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Northern State Hospital. It mandates the Secretary of State to organize, catalogue, and store these records in perpetuity, ensuring that the memories of those who lived and worked at the facility are honored. The Division of Archives and Records Management, in collaboration with various state departments and the University of Washington, is tasked with creating 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. Additionally, it will ensure future public access to these historical documents for educational purposes.

The bill also stipulates that no records can be destroyed until the preservation plan is completed and funded during the fiscal year 2028. It includes a provision that limits indirect costs to the University of Washington for this project to 15 percent. Furthermore, the act is set to expire on June 30, 2028, ensuring that the preservation efforts are time-bound and accountable to the legislature.