Washington Administrative Code
Title 434 - Secretary of State
Chapter 434-690 - Archives - Access to public records
Section 434-690-100 - Review of denials of public records requests

(1) Any person who objects to the denial of a request for a public record may petition for prompt review of such decision by tendering a written request for review. The written request shall specifically refer to the written statement by the public records officer or other staff member 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 secretary of state. The secretary of state shall immediately consider the matter and either affirm or reverse such denial. In any case, the request shall be returned with a final decision, within two business days following the original denial.

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