Blog / September 2016

Washington State Auditor’s Report Documents High Costs of Public Records Act and Underscores Need for Reform

Although adopted for the noble purposes of ensuring transparency and openness in government, the Washington Public Records Act (“PRA”) is now in need of serious reform

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Appellate Litigation / February 2014

SLAPP Suit Blocked: Court of Appeals Rejects SLAPP Claim in Public Records Act Case

The Washington Court of Appeals today concluded that Washington’s “anti-SLAPP” statute cannot be invoked when a municipality seeks a declaratory judgment to clarify its obligations under the …

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Blog / November 2013

Court Finds Washington Public Records Act Applies to Personal Email Accounts of Elected Officials

In a decision issued late last week, the Kitsap County Superior Court concluded that, under Washington’s Public Records Act, public agencies must produce emails sent or received …

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Appellate Litigation / October 2013

Washington Supreme Court: Executive Privilege Allows Governor To Withhold Documents Under Public Records Act

In a milestone decision, the Washington Supreme Court today upheld Gov. Christine Gregoire’s assertion of executive privilege to prevent disclosure of documents under the Washington Public Records …

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Appellate Litigation / May 2013

Public Records at the Intersection of Personal Privacy, Public Disclosure, and Litigation: Washington Supreme Court Clarifies Public Records Act Obligations

The Washington Supreme Court late last week issued a pair of opinions that provide a road map for public agencies struggling to reconcile disclosure obligations under the …

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