How can I request a public record from a government agency?
By requesting it from the government agency which has the document. You may be asked to put your request in writing, and there may be a charge for copying. Washington’s Open Records Act governs the inspection and copying of public records held by state and local government agencies. The law requires that its provisions be “liberally construed…to promote full access to public records” by members of the public.” However, the law also exempts certain records from disclosure. Members of the public who are denied access to a record held by a state agency (not a local agency) may ask the Attorney General’s Office to review the decision. The office will independently review your request and the agency’s denial, and provide you with a written opinion as to whether the record you requested is exempt from disclosure. This review by the Attorney General is not binding on the agency or upon you. For additional information about state open records and open meetings issues, visit the AGO’s Public Re
