Section 170-01-0220. Reasons for DEL extending the time needed to fill a public records request.

DEL may need to extend the time needed to fill a public records request beyond the five days in order to:

(1) Locate and gather the information requested;

(2) Notify an individual or organization affected by the request, and to give them an opportunity to object if allowed by law;

(3) Determine whether: The information requested is exempt from disclosure; all or part of the request can be released; portions of the record must be redacted; or

(4) Wait for response after DEL has already contacted the requestor to clarify the intent, scope or specifics of the request. For example, if a request is objectively unclear, DEL will attempt to clarify. If the requestor fails to clarify the request within thirty days of the agency's request, the agency will consider the request abandoned, close the request and notify the requestor in writing.

DEL will notify the requestor in writing if an extension is needed.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.215.070 and chapter 43.215 RCW. WSR 16-09-060, § 170-01-0220, filed 4/15/16, effective 5/16/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.56.040, 43.215.070, and chapter 43.215 RCW. WSR 12-09-035, § 170-01-0220, filed 4/11/12, effective 5/12/12.]

RCW 43.215.070 and chapter 43.215 RCW. WSR 16-09-060, § 170-01-0220, filed 4/15/16, effective 5/16/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.56.040, 43.215.070, and chapter 43.215 RCW. WSR 12-09-035, § 170-01-0220, filed 4/11/12, effective 5/12/12.