Public officials are starting to undergo public records training this week, after a new law requiring training for all Washington state elected officials took effect July 1st. According to a report from the Herald of Everett, the law covers city and county officials, school boards, fire commissions, special districts and statewide elected officials. State lawmakers and judges are exempt. The requirement will effect all newly elected officials and incumbents starting this fall, but many are already sidling up to their keyboards to take the online training course or watching educational videos or attending workshops.Motivation for creating the new law was partially due to a 2012 report of the State Auditor's Office that identified 250 incidents involving violations of Washington's Public Records Act and Open Meetings Law. The violations ranged from inadequately recording and maintaining public meeting minutes to board and council members reaching consensus through email rather than in an open meeting. — J.B.
New law requires elected officials to undergo public records training
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By Berit Anderson
Berit Anderson was Managing Editor at Crosscut, following tech, culture, media and politics. She founded Crosscut's Community Idea Lab. Previously community manager of the Tribune Company’
Berit Anderson was Managing Editor at Crosscut, following tech, culture, media and politics. She founded Crosscut's Community Idea Lab. Previously community manager of the Tribune Company’