Bill > HB1610

This bill amends the state's public disclosure laws to expand exemptions for critical energy infrastructure information (CEII), which is defined as sensitive data about systems and assets whose destruction could disrupt energy supply and potentially jeopardize public health and safety. The bill adds a new provision to RCW 42.56.420 that allows government agencies to withhold CEII from public disclosure. Specifically, CEII includes records detailing actual or potential attacks, interference, or compromises of energy infrastructure through physical or cyber means that could harm interstate commerce or threaten energy supply. The information must be more specific than general location details or publicly available information to qualify for the exemption. This change aims to protect sensitive energy infrastructure details that could potentially be exploited by malicious actors, while still maintaining transparency by excluding routine or publicly known information. The bill represents an effort to enhance the security of energy systems by limiting public access to potentially vulnerable technical details about critical infrastructure.