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Bill

HB 1885

Eliminating any legislative privilege exemption from the public records act.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Corry and 3 co-sponsors

HB 1885 removes legislative privilege exemptions from Washington's Public Records Act, making all legislative communications and work product subject to public disclosure requests.

By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
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Bill Summary · HB 1885

Legislative bill overview

HB 1885 would remove legislative privilege exemptions from Washington's Public Records Act, making legislative communications and work product subject to public disclosure requests. This eliminates the current legal protections that allow legislators to keep certain internal deliberations, legal advice, and strategic communications confidential.

Why is this important

Legislative privilege has historically protected the deliberative process by allowing lawmakers to discuss controversial ideas, seek candid legal counsel, and develop strategy without public scrutiny during that process. Eliminating this exemption would increase transparency but could fundamentally alter how legislatures operate and the nature of internal legislative discussions, potentially affecting the quality and candor of legislative work.

Potential points of contention

  • Chilling effect on deliberation: Legislators may self-censor or avoid documenting discussions if all communications become public, potentially reducing the quality of legislative analysis and debate
  • Attorney-client privilege conflict: Removes legal advice protections that exist in all other branches of government, creating an imbalance where legislative counsel cannot advise confidentially while executive and judicial attorneys can
  • Timing and strategy concerns: Opponents argue public release of draft bills, internal disagreements, and negotiating positions during active legislative sessions could undermine the legislative process itself
  • Constitutional separation of powers: May raise questions about whether one branch can eliminate internal protections that traditionally exist across government branches

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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