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Lynnwood considers AI and anonymous request rules after clerks cite an emerging exemption
Summary
Deputy City Clerk Mary Preston told council the city may have authority to deny requests suspected to be generated by AI, and IT is drafting an AI-related policy; council asked for clarifications about safeguards and request categorization.
During council Q&A on public records, members asked whether commercial actors use requests to harvest pricing data or to feed AI models. Deputy City Clerk Mary Preston said the city receives many finance-related requests (purchase orders, contracts) and is not permitted to ask requesters why they are requesting records. She added that the city can sometimes assert an exemption if there is a reasonable belief the requester is AI-generated and that IT is drafting an AI policy.
Council President Coelho raised concerns about anonymous requests and automated requests. Preston said there is a limited exemption that may allow denial when staff have a reasonable belief a request originates from an AI actor, and that staff will research the specific exemption language. "If we have a reasonable belief that it may be AI, we may be able to deny the request," Preston said. She also said the clerk's office can break down requesters by type (media, individuals, businesses) and offered to provide that report.
Council members asked for follow-up on the precise legal authority and for staff to provide the JLARC cost breakdown and any recommended policy language for council consideration.
