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City staff tells Youth Advisory Commission social posts, emails and photos can be public records
Summary
City staff briefed the commission on Washington public-records rules and told members they must complete a records training within 90 days; staff emphasized that written or recorded materials made in an official capacity may be public and searchable.
City staff told the College Place Youth Advisory Commission on Oct. 15 that writings made while acting in an official capacity may be public records under Washington state law and that commissioners must complete a records-training requirement within 90 days.
Miss Garcia, the city staff presenter, described the definition of a “writing” under Washington law to include “handwriting, typewriting, printing, photo stating, photographing, and other means of recording information,” and said the definition covers “letters, words, pictures, sounds, or symbols, and all forms of documents such as papers, maps, and electronic records.” She told the commission that voice notes, photos and emails related to city business could be searchable public records.
Garcia said the commission would receive training on the subject and that members should expect to complete the training and comply with public-records obligations. She offered to answer questions and said staff would revisit the topic at a future meeting when additional commissioners are present.
No formal action was taken; the briefing was informational.
