DOC to Hold Forum on Electronic Disclosure Rules

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                      January 23, 2008

OLYMPIA--The Department of Corrections will hold a public forum Jan. 29 to gather comments before drafting rules on the release of public records in electronic formats.

Comments will be received from 9-10:30 a.m. in Room 1028 B-C, Edna Lucille Goodrich Building (DOC Headquarters), 7345 Linderson Way SW, Tumwater. 

The new rules will govern DOC’s response to requests for public records in electronic formats, rather than traditional paper copies.

The rulemaking process follows a request that the Department adopt the Attorney General’s Model Rules on electronic disclosure. In response, DOC said it would develop rules that meet the spirit of the Attorney General’s Model Rules but also reflect DOC’s unique circumstances.

Since last year, DOC has provided electronic copies of public records upon request, if the records already exist electronically and do not require deletions for privacy or other reasons.

Among the issues under consideration is how to respond to electronic-records requests by incarcerated inmates who are not permitted access to computers or other electronic devices used to review the documents. Other issues include fees for the production of electronic documents, and the Department’s ability and obligation to provide documents in specific electronic formats if requested.

Through Feb. 15, public comments on the rulemaking effort can also be submitted by e-mail at publicdisclosureunit@doc1.wa.gov, or by writing to the Department of Corrections Public Disclosure Unit, P. O. Box 41118, Olympia, WA 98504.

Questions regarding the Department’s rulemaking process can be directing to Gary Banning, Contracts and Regulations Administrator, Department of Corrections Public Disclosure Unit, P.O. Box 41114, Olympia, WA, 98504-1114, or glbanning@doc1.wa.gov.

 

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