Message from Attorney General Bob Ferguson
Greetings.
Transparency in government is a cornerstone of democracy, ensuring the people’s right to know. The Attorney General’s Office is an important resource for the public and for government entities on the state’s Sunshine Laws: the Public Records Act (PRA) and the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA). My office recently successfully requested legislation to increase the OPMA’s penalties so they maintain the deterrent effect consistent with
the original intent of the law. The passage of that bill, SB 6171, means that OPMA penalties are increased from $100 to $500 for a first knowing violation by a governing body member, and to $1,000 for a subsequent knowing violation. When problems arise involving these laws, they are often the result of a lack of knowledge. In an effort to increase awareness, my office provides resources on our Open Government web page. The web page includes links to the Open Government Trainings, the Open Government Resource Manual , and other useful information. In addition, Open Government Assistant Attorney General Nancy Krier provides information, technical assistance, and training. Ms. Krier prepared the enclosed document, “Open Public Meetings Act Guidance on Frequently Asked Questions about Processes to Fill Vacant Positions by Public Agency Governing Boards”, also available on our Open Government Training web page. The guidance is intended to assist board and commission members in complying with the OPMA when filling vacant top positions at their public agencies. The guidance also offers the public a better understanding of their rights under the law. While the FAQ guidance does not bind any agency or person, we hope it will be a useful resource for agencies, the public, and members of the media alike. Our goal is to assist in providing a better comprehension of the OPMA, reducing risks of possible violations and penalties.
Thank you for your interest in open government. I hope you find this guidance informative.
Bob Ferguson Washington State Attorney General
If you have questions or comments, please contact Nancy Krier, the Assistant Attorney General for Open Government at nancyk1@atg.wa.gov.
FAQ June 1, 2016
Page 1
Made with FlippingBook Publishing Software