Inslee suspends sections of open public meetings and records laws during outbreak

Gov. Jay Inslee on Tuesday suspended sections of the state Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act for 30 days, the latest order aimed at curbing large public gatherings where COVID-19 could spread.

Inslee’s order prohibits public agencies from holding in-person public meetings and taking any action that is not “necessary and routine” or related to the COVID-19 outbreak. The order also waives portions of the state Public Records Act (PRA) that allows members of the public to review and copy records in person and compels agencies to respond to public records requests within five days.

State law allows the governor to waive or suspend certain statutes during an emergency for a maximum of 30 days unless extended by the Legislature through a resolution.

The Open Public Meeting Act (OPMA) requires state and local agencies to provide a site for public meetings and allow all people to attend. Suspending those requirements “works to prevent the gathering of people to further curb the spread of the virus,” according to a statement from the governor’s office.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/inslee-suspends-sections-of-open-public-meetings-and-records-laws-during-outbreak/ar-BB11KIBE?ocid=hplocalnews