The bill amends RCW 42.56.540 to enhance the protection of public records related to homicide cases. It introduces a new provision allowing the victim's next of kin, or the legal guardian of a minor child who is the next of kin, to request that the examination of specific public records be enjoined if it is determined that such examination would not be in the public interest and could cause substantial and irreparable damage to individuals or vital governmental functions. The definition of "next of kin" is clarified to include the victim's spouse, registered domestic partner, parents, siblings, or children, explicitly excluding the perpetrator from this designation.

Additionally, the bill allows agencies to notify individuals named in the record or those to whom the record pertains about requests for record release, although this notification is not required if the agency is mandated by law to provide notice. The amendments aim to balance public access to records with the need to protect the privacy and interests of victims and their families in sensitive homicide cases.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 42.56.540