Washington HB2244: Public records exemptions

What the bill says

An act Relating to adopting the recommendations of the public records exemptions accountability committee in its 2025 annual report; amending RCW 43.190.110, 10.27.160, 27.53.070, 46.52.065, 46.52.080, 72.05.130, 21.20.480, and 43.41.100; and repealing RCW 18.46.090, 24.06.480, and 26.12.080.

From the introduced text:

AN ACT Relating to adopting the recommendations of the public records exemptions accountability committee in its 2025 annual report; amending RCW 43.190.110, 10.27.160, 27.53.070, 46.52.065, 46.52.080, 72.05.130, 21.20.480, and 43.41.100; and repealing RCW 18.46.090, 24.06.480, and 26.12.080. Sec. 1. RCW 43.190.110 and 2013 c 23 s 97 are each amended to read as follows: ((All records and files of long-term care ombuds relating to any complaint or investigation made pursuant to carrying out their duties and the identities of complainants, witnesses, patients, or residents shall remain confidential unless disclosure is authorized by the patient or resident or his or her guardian or legal representative. No disclosures may be made outside the office without the consent of any named witnesses, resident, patient, client, or complainant unless the disclosure is made without the identity of any of these individuals being disclosed))The office of the state long-term care ombuds shall establish procedures for disclosure pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 3058g(d). Such procedures shall provide for exercising discretion in favor of disclosure to the maximum extent consistent with federal law and the policies of chapter 42.56 RCW. Sec. 2. RCW 10.27.160 and 1971 ex.s. c 67 s 16 are each amended to read as (2) the release of the report would be consistent with the public interest and further the ends of justice; and (3) …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Sharlett Mena (D) · primary sponsor
• Julia Reed (D)
• Joe Fitzgibbon (D)
• Shaun Scott (D)
• Davina Duerr (D)
• Beth Doglio (D)
• Mia Gregerson (D)
• Kristine Reeves (D)

Latest actions

1. March 12, 2026: By resolution, returned to House Rules Committee for third reading.
2. February 18, 2026: First reading, referred to State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections.
3. February 16, 2026: Third reading, passed; yeas, 70; nays, 26; absent, 0; excused, 2.
4. February 16, 2026: Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
5. February 16, 2026: 1st substitute bill substituted
6. February 14, 2026: Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
7. January 22, 2026: Referred to Rules 2 Review.
8. January 20, 2026: SGOV - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
9. January 20, 2026: Executive action taken in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations at 1:30 PM.
10. January 14, 2026: Public hearing in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations at 1:30 PM.

Votes

• 3rd Reading & Final Passage (February 16, 2026): 70 yea, 26 nay, passed
• House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass (January 20, 2026): 7 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB2244?

HB2244 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Public records exemptions.

What does HB2244 do?

In its own words: An act Relating to adopting the recommendations of the public records exemptions accountability committee in its 2025 annual report; amending RCW 43.190.110, 10.27.160, 27.53.070, 46.52.065, 46.52.080, 72.05.130, 21.20.480, and 43.41.100; and repealing RCW 18.46.090, 24.06.480, and 26.12.080.

What is the status of HB2244?

Passed one chamber as of March 12, 2026. Latest action: By resolution, returned to House Rules Committee for third reading. (March 12, 2026).

Who sponsored HB2244?

Sharlett Mena (D), with 7 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB2244?

On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2244&Year=2025