Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Washington Senate Bill SB5102

Introduced
1/13/25  
Refer
1/13/25  
Report Pass
1/17/25  
Engrossed
3/4/25  
Refer
3/6/25  
Report Pass
3/25/25  
Refer
3/28/25  
Enrolled
4/22/25  
Chaptered
4/29/25  

Caption

AN ACT Relating to establishing a public records exemption for the proprietary information of public risk pools;

Impact

The implementation of SB5102 would directly affect the state's public records laws by adding restrictions on what information must be released. This change would benefit public risk pools by shielding their proprietary data from competitors and ensuring that their operational details are kept confidential. However, the broader implications for transparency and accountability in government could be significant, as this exemption could set a precedent for other entities to seek similar protections against public disclosure.

Summary

SB5102 aims to establish a public records exemption specifically for the proprietary information of public risk pools. This legislation seeks to protect sensitive information regarding risk pools from being disclosed under public records laws. Proponents of the bill argue that the proprietary information is crucial for the risk pools' competitive edges and operational effectiveness. By preventing the release of this information, the bill encourages risk pools to operate more efficiently without the fear of their strategies or financial data becoming public knowledge.

Contention

Notable points of contention around SB5102 include the balance between the need for transparency in government operations and the necessity of maintaining confidentiality for sensitive information. Critics may argue that such exemptions could lead to a decrease in governmental accountability and mistrust among the public concerning how public funds are managed. The discussion may also involve debates on whether all public entities should be held to the same transparency standards or if specific protections should be applicable based on the nature of the operations being conducted.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WA SB5049

AN ACT Relating to the public records exemptions accountability committee;

WA HB2176

AN ACT Relating to exempting information in collaborative drug therapy agreements from disclosure under the public records act;

WA HB1222

AN ACT Relating to public inspection and copying of proprietary financial and security information submitted to or obtained by the gambling commission;

WA SB5196

Concerning public inspection and copying of proprietary financial and security information submitted to or obtained by the gambling commission.

WA SB5623

AN ACT Relating to recommendations of the public records exemptions accountability committee;

WA SB5926

AN ACT Relating to expanding the public records exemption for personal information of family home child care providers to all licensed or certified child care providers;

WA HB1885

AN ACT Relating to eliminating any legislative privilege exemption from the public records act;

WA HB2244

Adopting the recommendations of the public records exemptions accountability committee in its 2025 annual report.

WA HB1949

AN ACT Relating to exempting certain scholarly communications from disclosure under the public records act;

WA SB5753

Establishing a public housing task force.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.