Are there any laws related to the regulation of public records and information?

Yes, there are laws related to the regulation of public records and information in Washington. The state of Washington has adopted the Public Records Act, which is a law designed to ensure public access to government records. This law, which was passed in 1972, requires all state and local government agencies to make their records available to the public upon request. It also requires those agencies to promptly respond to requests and provide copies of records at no cost. Additionally, the law provides for the appointment of Public Records Officers, who are responsible for overseeing the compliance of agencies with the Act. The public records act also establishes requirements for the proper preservation and management of public records. Agencies must designate a records officer to oversee the records management program, and they must have a written records retention schedule to ensure the proper retention and disposal of records. Additionally, agencies may be required to produce records in response to a public records request, and they must ensure that the records are accurate and complete. The Public Records Act also includes provisions designed to protect the privacy of individuals. It prohibits agencies from disclosing information that is highly personal or embarrassing, and it requires agencies to establish procedures to ensure that personal information is protected from public disclosure. Additionally, it requires agencies to provide individuals with access to their own personal records. Finally, the Public Records Act requires agencies to provide a reasonable amount of time for requests for records to be met. It also authorizes agencies to charge reasonable fees for providing copies of records, and it provides for a process for appeals when requests are denied.

Are there any laws related to the regulation of public records and information?

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