Gov. Inslee signs bill that allows DEL to protect children’s privacy

Yesterday, Gov. Jay Inslee signed House Bill 1203 that allows the Department of Early Learning (DEL) to protect the identity of children whose names and other identifying information appear in DEL records. The Public Records Act (PRA) (42.56 RCW) governs how public agencies, including DEL, respond to public records requests. The PRA requires that all public information be disclosed unless it is specifically listed as exempt.  After three years of requesting legislation to specifically allow DEL to exempt children’s identifying information, we

were successful this year with the help of bill sponsor Rep. Jessyn Farrell.

How will this affect people who request public records from DEL?

Starting July 28, DEL will automatically redact children’s identifying information from requested records. Previously, DEL was required to ask requestors’ permission to redact children’s identifying information. If the requestor declined, DEL attempted to notify the children’s parents or guardians and offer instructions for how to seek a court injunction to protect their children’s identities.

• View the bill history.
• View DEL’s public records webpage.