Bill > HB1991

This bill amends the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 42.56.230, which governs public records exemptions, to add a new provision that protects email addresses of individuals who voluntarily subscribe to regular communications from certain state boards or commissions. Specifically, the bill creates a new exemption from public disclosure for email addresses that people provide when signing up for newsletters, updates, or similar publications from statutorily created state boards or commissions. This means that if someone voluntarily provides their email address to receive official communications from a state board or commission, that email address cannot be disclosed through public records requests. The exemption is designed to protect individuals' contact information and provide them with a sense of privacy when they choose to stay informed about the activities of various state governmental bodies. The bill is part of a broader set of privacy protections in Washington state's public records law, which already contains numerous exemptions for personal information to protect individuals from potential misuse or unwanted disclosure of their private data.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1991&Year=2025&Initiative=false