WASHINGTON STATUTES AND CODES

43.105.270 - Electronic access to public records -- Planning.

Electronic access to public records — Planning.

Within existing resources, state agencies shall plan for and implement processes for making information available electronically. Public demand and agencies' missions and goals shall drive the selection and priorities for government information to be made available electronically. When planning for increased public electronic access, agencies should determine what information the public wants and needs most. Widespread public electronic access does not mean that all government information is able to be made available electronically.

     (1) In planning for and implementing electronic access, state agencies shall:

     (a) Where appropriate, plan for electronic public access and two-way electronic interaction when acquiring, redesigning, or rebuilding information systems;

     (b) Focus on providing electronic access to current information, leaving archival material to be made available digitally as resources allow or as a need arises;

     (c) Coordinate technology planning across agency boundaries in order to facilitate electronic access to vital public information;

     (d) Develop processes to determine which information the public most wants and needs;

     (e) Develop and employ methods to readily withhold or mask nondisclosable data.

     (2) In planning or implementing electronic access and two-way electronic interaction and delivery technologies, state agencies and local governments are encouraged to:

     (a) Increase their capabilities to receive information electronically from the public and to transmit forms, applications, and other communications and transactions electronically;

     (b) Use technologies allowing public access throughout the state that allow continuous access twenty-four hours a day, seven days per week, involve little or no cost to access, and are capable of being used by persons without extensive technological ability; and

     (c) Consider and incorporate wherever possible ease of access to electronic technologies by persons with disabilities. In planning and implementing new public electronic access projects, agencies should consult with people who have disabilities, with disability access experts, and the general public.

     (3) The final report of the public information access policy task force, "Encouraging Widespread Public Electronic Access to Public Records and Information Held by State and Local Governments," shall serve as a major resource for state agencies and local governments in planning and providing increased access to electronic public records and information.