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A. Chapter 42.56 RCW, the Public Records Act ("act"), requires each agency to make available for inspection and copying nonexempt "public records" in accordance with published rules. The act defines "public records" to include any "writing containing information relating to the conduct of government or the performance of any governmental or proprietary function prepared, owned, used, or retained" by the agency.

B. The purpose of these rules is to establish the procedures Pierce County will follow in order to provide full access to public records. These rules provide information to persons wishing to request access to public records of Pierce County and establish processes for both requesters and Pierce County staff that are designed to best assist members of the public in obtaining such access. These rules have been written to incorporate best practices for compliance with the act and are based upon and organized according to Model Rules promulgated by the Attorney General of the State of Washington. They completely replace the former Chapter 2.04 PCC.

C. The purpose of the act is to provide the public full access to information concerning the conduct of government, mindful of individuals' privacy rights, to protect public records from damage or disorganization and to prevent excessive interference with other essential functions of the agency. The act and these rules will be interpreted in favor of disclosure. In carrying out its responsibilities under the act, Pierce County will be guided by the provisions of the act describing its purposes and interpretation.

D. All County departments, divisions, bureaus, boards, committees, commissions and officers are required to follow these procedures.

(Ord. 2017-61s2 § 1 (part), 2017; Ord. 2007-76s2 § 1 (part), 2007)