Washington Administrative Code
Title 132R - Big Bend Community College
Chapter 132R-175 - Public records
Section 132R-175-110 - Review of denials of public records requests

(1) Any person who objects to the initial denial or partial denial of a request for a public record may petition in writing (including email) for prompt review of such decision by tendering the request for review. The written request shall specifically refer to the written statement by the public records officer which constituted or accompanied the denial.

(2) Immediately after receiving a written request for review of a decision denying a public record, the public records officer or other staff member denying the request shall refer it to the president of the college. The president shall immediately consider the matter and either affirm or reverse such denial or call a special meeting of the board of trustees as soon as legally possible to review the denial. In any case, the request shall be returned with a final decision, within two business days following the receipt of the petition, or within such other time as the district and the requestor mutually agree upon.

(3) Administrative remedies shall not be considered exhausted until the district has returned the petition with a decision or until the close of the second business day following denial of inspection, whichever occurs first.

(4) Pursuant to RCW 42.56.530, if the district denies a requestor access to public records because it claims the record is exempt in whole or in part from disclosure, the requestor may request the attorney general's office to review the matter. The attorney general has adopted rules on such requests in WAC 44-06-160.

(5) Any person may obtain court review of denials of public records requests pursuant to RCW 42.56.550 at the conclusion of two business days after the initial denial regardless of any internal administrative appeal.