Bill > SB5920

This bill provides protections for school districts against burdensome public records requests by introducing several key changes to existing public records laws. The legislation allows school districts to establish a supplementary cost schedule for requests that are overly burdensome, requiring districts to notify requestors of additional charges and receive their acceptance before processing the request. School districts may also petition courts to deny requests that are vague, overly broad, or unreasonable, or to issue protective orders against requests intended to substantially interrupt government functions. The bill mandates that school districts provide clear instructions on their websites for submitting public records requests, including designating a public records officer. It also offers special provisions for smaller school districts of the second class, allowing them additional time to respond to requests based on their available resources. The legislation explicitly protects school districts and their employees from liability when they act in good faith while handling public records requests, and adds a specific definition of "news media" to clarify which requestors might be exempt from additional cost considerations. Importantly, the bill maintains existing protections under federal education privacy laws and ensures that school districts can manage public records requests more effectively without compromising transparency.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5920&Year=2025&Initiative=false