Washington
Open Public Meetings Act
Formally: Washington Open Public Meetings Act
Wash. Rev. Code ch. 42.30
Sunshine Score
| Advance Notice | 1 day, online posting required |
|---|---|
| Public Comment | Not required, remote allowed, written accepted |
| Closed Sessions | 6 permitted categories |
| Minutes | Required |
| Recording | Not required |
| Remote Participation | Allowed |
| Enforcement | Voidable, legislature exempt |
Agenda & Notice Requirements
Online posting: Required
Post agenda online at least 24 hours before regular meeting for agencies with 10+ FTE and a website; at least 24 hours notice for special meetings; agenda may be amended before or during meeting
Agenda changes at meeting: Allowed — majority vote
Public Participation
Washington Open Public Meetings Act (RCW § 42.30) does not mandate a public comment period at open meetings. Cities and counties set their own comment policies. Some state agencies are subject to administrative procedure comment requirements under separate statutes.
Virtual Meetings
Allowed under RCW Chapter 42.30 (2023 c. 67, eff. June 30, 2024); all meetings must have a designated physical location unless emergency declared. Some or all members may attend remotely; public must be able to listen at the physical location. Remote members count toward quorum. Agencies encouraged to provide real-time remote public access.
Closed Sessions
Closed (executive) sessions: Allowed under specific circumstances
Permitted Categories
Meeting Minutes
Online posting: Not required
Content requirements: date, time, place, members present, all final actions taken (RCW 42.32.030)
Recording & Broadcast
Enforcement
Scope
This law applies to:
Legislature: Exempt (follows own rules)
Accessibility & Language Access
ADA accessibility: ADA Title II applies to all public meetings. The state statute does not add requirements beyond federal law; reasonable accommodations must be provided on request.
Language access: No statutory language-access mandate beyond federal Civil Rights Act Title VI obligations for recipients of federal funds.