PRA violation (Washington) · Go Syfert
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PRA violation in Washington

67 Washington opinions name it 2 courts 2009–2026 24 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Washington courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (18)

CaseFollowedCited
Pasco Police Officers' Ass'n v. City of Pascogreen
wash · 1997 · cited in 3 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2013–2014
2 sentences

2014See Pasco Police Officers' Ass'n v. City of Pasco, 132 Wn.2d 450, 469 , 938 P.2d 827 (1997) (noting that "[w]hether a party has failed to negotiate in good faith, although involving a substantial factual component, is a mixed question of law and fact."); Tapper v. Emp't Sec.

2013See Pasco Police Officers’ Ass’n v. City of Pasco, 132 Wn.2d 450, 469 , 938 P.2d 827 (1997) (noting that “[w]hether a party has failed to negotiate in good faith, although involving a substantial factual component, is a mixed question of law and fact”); Tapper v. Emp’t Sec.

33
PASCO POLICE OFFICERS'ASS'N v. City of Pascogreen
wash · 1997 · cited in 3 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2013–2014
2 sentences

2014See Pasco Police Officers' Ass'n v. City of Pasco, 132 Wn.2d 450, 469 , 938 P.2d 827 (1997) (noting that "[w]hether a party has failed to negotiate in good faith, although involving a substantial factual component, is a mixed question of law and fact."); Tapper v. Emp't Sec.

2013See Pasco Police Officers’ Ass’n v. City of Pasco, 132 Wn.2d 450, 469 , 938 P.2d 827 (1997) (noting that “[w]hether a party has failed to negotiate in good faith, although involving a substantial factual component, is a mixed question of law and fact”); Tapper v. Emp’t Sec.

33
Yousoufian v. Office of Simsgreen
wash · 2010 · cited in 8 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2010–2019
2 sentences

2019Hoffman asks us to engage in de novo review oftwo ofthe Yousoufian II factors that guide trial courts as they exercise this discretion, "the agency's good faith, honest, timely, and strict compliance with all 11 Hoffman v. Kittitas County, No. 96286-3 PRA procedural requirements and exceptions," a mitigator, and the agency's "negligent, reckless, wanton, bad faith, or intentional noncompliance with the PRA," an aggravator. 168 Wn.2d at 467-68 (footnote omitted).

2019Hoffman asks us to engage in de novo review oftwo ofthe Yousoufian II factors that guide trial courts as they exercise this discretion, "the agency's good faith, honest, timely, and strict compliance with all 11 Hoffman v. Kittitas County, No. 96286-3 PRA procedural requirements and exceptions," a mitigator, and the agency's "negligent, reckless, wanton, bad faith, or intentional noncompliance with the PRA," an aggravator. 168 Wn.2d at 467-68 (footnote omitted).

28
Andrews v. Washington State Patrolgreen
washctapp · 2014 · cited in 4 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2015–2026
2 sentences

2026We have previously observed that the purpose of the PRA is to keep agencies accountable in responding to public records requests with reasonable thoroughness and diligence, not to impose “a mechanically strict finding of a PRA violation whenever [internally imposed] timelines are missed.” Andrews, 183 Wn.

2026We have previously observed that the purpose of the PRA is to keep agencies accountable in responding to public records requests with reasonable thoroughness and diligence, not to impose “a mechanically strict finding of a PRA violation whenever [internally imposed] timelines are missed.” Andrews, 183 Wn.

24
Lyft, Inc. v. City of Seattlegreen
wash · 2018 · cited in 2 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2021–2025
2 sentences

2025Lyft, Inc. v. City of Seattle, 190 Wn.2d 769, 796 (2018).

2025Lyft, Inc. v. City of Seattle, 190 Wn.2d 769, 796 (2018).

22
Faulkner v. Department of Correctionsgreen
washctapp · 2014 · cited in 4 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2015–2026
2 sentences

2026Faulkner v. Dep’t of Corr., 183 Wn.

2015One acting wantonly may be creating no greater risk of harm, but he is not trying to avoid it and is indifferent to whether harm results or not.” Id. at 103-04 (internal quotation marks omitted) (quoting Black’s Law Dictionary, supra, at 1720). ¶31 “Whether an agency acted in bad faith under the PRA presents a mixed question of law and fact, in that it requires the application of legal precepts (the definition of ‘bad faith’) to factual circumstances (the details of the PRA violation).” Francis, 178 Wn.

14
Yousoufian v. Office of Ron Simsgreen
wash · 2010 · cited in 3 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2010–2016
2 sentences

2016Yousoufian v. Office of Ron Sims, 168 Wn.2d 444, 458 , 229 P.3d 735 (2010) (’Yousoufian II).

2016Yousoufian v. Office of Ron Sims, 168 Wn.2d 444, 458 , 229 P.3d 735 (2010) (’Yousoufian II).

13
Wade's Eastside Gun Shop, Inc. v. Department of Labor & Industriesgreen
wash · 2016 · cited in 2 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2019–2024
2 sentences

2024A RCW 42.56.550(4) provides that “it shall be within the discretion of the court to award such person an amount not to exceed one hundred dollars for each day that he or she was denied the right to inspect or copy said public record.” (Emphasis added.) Accordingly, our Supreme Court instructed, “the plain language of the [Public Records Act (PRA)] confers great discretion on trial courts to determine the appropriate penalty for a PRA violation.” Wade’s Eastside Gun Shop, Inc. v. Dep’t of Labor & Indus., 185 Wn.2d 270, 278 , 372 P.3d 97 (2016).

2024A RCW 42.56.550(4) provides that “it shall be within the discretion of the court to award such person an amount not to exceed one hundred dollars for each day that he or she was denied the right to inspect or copy said public record.” (Emphasis added.) Accordingly, our Supreme Court instructed, “the plain language of the [Public Records Act (PRA)] confers great discretion on trial courts to determine the appropriate penalty for a PRA violation.” Wade’s Eastside Gun Shop, Inc. v. Dep’t of Labor & Indus., 185 Wn.2d 270, 278 , 372 P.3d 97 (2016).

12
Belenski v. Jefferson Countygreen
wash · 2016 · cited in 2 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2021–2023
2 sentences

2023And the court in Belenski stated that a final, definitive response started the statute of limitations even if the response was untruthful or incorrect. 186 Wn.2d at 461 .

2023And the court in Belenski stated that a final, definitive response started the statute of limitations even if the response was untruthful or incorrect. 186 Wn.2d at 461 .

12
State v. SOLLESVIKgreen
wash · 2012 · cited in 2 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2014–2014
2 sentences

2014App. 235, 244 , 258 P. 3d 78 ( 2011), review denied, 173 Wn.2d 1020 2012) ( whether PRA violation entitles requestor to penalty award was matter for trial court to consider on remand). 4 The Port requests attorney fees on appeal under RCW 4. 84. 185, which allows a party who prevails in opposing a frivolous action to recover attorney fees.

2014App. 235, 244 , 258 P.3d 78 (2011) (whether PRA violation entitles requestor to penalty award was matter for trial court to consider on remand), review denied, 173 Wn.2d 1020 (2012). ¶27 We reverse the trial court’s dismissal of West’s PRA complaint and order that the Port produce the investigation report without redactions of the employee’s identifying information.

12
Spokane Research & Defense Fund v. City of Spokanegreen
wash · 2005 · cited in 2 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2011–2011
2 sentences

2011Spokane Research, 155 Wash.2d at 105 , 117 P.3d 1117 . ¶ 13 Although Spokane Research states that the civil rules are an appropriate method to prosecute a PRA claim, there is no authority in the civil rules to limit their application to plaintiffs.

2011Spokane Research, 155 Wash.2d at 105 , 117 P.3d 1117 . ¶ 13 Although Spokane Research states that the civil rules are an appropriate method to prosecute a PRA claim, there is no authority in the civil rules to limit their application to plaintiffs.

12
DeHeer v. Seattle Post-Intelligencergreen
wash · 1962 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
2 sentences

2025DeHeer v. Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 60 Wn.2d 122, 126 , 372 P.2d 193 (1962) (“Where no authorities are cited in support of a proposition, the court is not required to search out authorities, but may assume that counsel, after diligent search, has found none.”).

2025DeHeer v. Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 60 Wn.2d 122, 126 , 372 P.2d 193 (1962) (“Where no authorities are cited in support of a proposition, the court is not required to search out authorities, but may assume that counsel, after diligent search, has found none.”).

11
Soter v. Cowles Pub. Co.green
wash · 2007 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2023–2023
11
Soter v. Cowles Publishing Co.green
wash · 2007 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2023–2023
11
Jeff Zink, et ux v. City of Mesagreen
washctapp · 2018 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2018–2018
11
Yakima County v. Yakima Herald-Republicgreen
wash · 2011 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
11
Yakima v. Yakima Herald-Republicgreen
wash · 2011 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
11
In re the Marriage of Sagnergreen
washctapp · 2011 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2011–2011
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Washington. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (48)

CaseCitedYears
Francis v. Department of Corrections green
washctapp · 2013
2 sentences

2026When Haugen sent Gray the second installment of documents, he explained to Gray that building inspections were only conducted every three years, and annual reports were backlogged because of staffing shortages and disruption related to the COVID 3 “Whether an agency acted in bad faith under the PRA presents a mixed question of law and fact, in that it requires the application of legal precepts (the definition of ‘bad faith’) to factual circumstances (the details of the PRA violation).” Francis v. Dep't of Corr., 178 Wn.

2024“Whether an agency acted in bad faith under the PRA presents a mixed question of law and fact, in that it requires the application of legal precepts (the definition of ‘bad faith’) to factual circumstances (the details of the PRA violation).” Francis v. Dep’t of Corr., 178 Wn.

72014–2026
Newman v. King County green
wash · 1997
2 sentences

2013RCW 42.56.030; Cowles Publ’g Co. v. Spokane Police Dep’t, 139 Wn.2d 472, 476 , 987 P.2d 620 (1999); Newman, 133 Wn.2d at 571 .

2013RCW 42.56.030; Cowles Pub! 'g Co. v. Spokane Police Dep 't, 139 Wn.2d 472, 476 , 987 P.2d 620 (1999); Newman, 133 Wn.2d at 571 .

42010–2013
David O'dea, Resp/cross App V. City Of Tacoma, Apps/cross Resps neutral
washctapp · 2021
2 sentences

2026App. 2d 67 , 79, 493 P.3d 1245 (2021).

2026App. 2d 67 , 79, 493 P.3d 1245 (2021).

32024–2026
Hobbs v. Washington State Auditor's Office green
washctapp · 2014
2 sentences

2024Gronquist challenges the denial of his motion to reconsider and request for additional time to conduct discovery. 10 As this court opined in Hobbs: “As a policy matter, the purpose of the PRA is best served by communication between agencies and requesters, not by playing ‘gotcha’ with litigation.” Hobbs, 183 Wn.

2015Hobbs contended that, once an agency has allegedly violated the PRA, that PRA violation exists as a basis for penalties and costs from the time of alleged violation until it is cured, even if it is cured before the requestor would have a cause of action against the agency (i.e., when the agency takes final action in denying public records). 183 Wn.

22015–2024
Doe v. Washington State Patrol green
wash · 2016
2 sentences

2023THE COUNTIES DID NOT VIOLATE THE PRA IN DENYING DISCLOSURE AND COPYING OF BALLOT RECORDS BASED ON AN “OTHER STATUTE” EXEMPTION A. The PRA and the standard of review The PRA is a “strongly worded mandate for [the] broad disclosure of public records.” Hearst Corp. v. Hoppe, 90 Wn.2d 123, 127 , 580 P.2d 246 (1978); Doe v. Wash. State Patrol, 185 Wn.2d 363, 371 , 374 P.3d 63 (2016).

2023THE COUNTIES DID NOT VIOLATE THE PRA IN DENYING DISCLOSURE AND COPYING OF BALLOT RECORDS BASED ON AN “OTHER STATUTE” EXEMPTION A. The PRA and the standard of review The PRA is a “strongly worded mandate for [the] broad disclosure of public records.” Hearst Corp. v. Hoppe, 90 Wn.2d 123, 127 , 580 P.2d 246 (1978); Doe v. Wash. State Patrol, 185 Wn.2d 363, 371 , 374 P.3d 63 (2016).

22018–2023
Hearst Corp. v. Hoppe green
wash · 1978
2 sentences

2023THE COUNTIES DID NOT VIOLATE THE PRA IN DENYING DISCLOSURE AND COPYING OF BALLOT RECORDS BASED ON AN “OTHER STATUTE” EXEMPTION A. The PRA and the standard of review The PRA is a “strongly worded mandate for [the] broad disclosure of public records.” Hearst Corp. v. Hoppe, 90 Wn.2d 123, 127 , 580 P.2d 246 (1978); Doe v. Wash. State Patrol, 185 Wn.2d 363, 371 , 374 P.3d 63 (2016).

2023THE COUNTIES DID NOT VIOLATE THE PRA IN DENYING DISCLOSURE AND COPYING OF BALLOT RECORDS BASED ON AN “OTHER STATUTE” EXEMPTION A. The PRA and the standard of review The PRA is a “strongly worded mandate for [the] broad disclosure of public records.” Hearst Corp. v. Hoppe, 90 Wn.2d 123, 127 , 580 P.2d 246 (1978); Doe v. Wash. State Patrol, 185 Wn.2d 363, 371 , 374 P.3d 63 (2016).

22011–2023
NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE OF SPOKANE v. Spokane green
wash · 2011
2 sentences

2021Id.

2021Id.

22020–2021
Progressive Animal Welfare Society v. University of Washington green
wash · 1994
2 sentences

2018Hoffman cites Progressive Animal Welfare Soc’y v. Univ. of Wash., 125 Wn.2d 243, 269 , 884 P.2d 592 (1994) (PAWS) (plurality opinion) for the proposition that an agency’s PRA violation should be assessed according to the agency’s “weakest link.” Br. of Appellant at 4.

2018Hoffman cites Progressive Animal Welfare Soc’y v. Univ. of Wash., 125 Wn.2d 243, 269 , 884 P.2d 592 (1994) (PAWS) (plurality opinion) for the proposition that an agency’s PRA violation should be assessed according to the agency’s “weakest link.” Br. of Appellant at 4.

22018–2018
Yacobellis v. City of Bellingham green
washctapp · 1992
2 sentences

2018Yacobellis, 64 Wn.

2018Yacobellis, 64 Wn.

22018–2018
Rental Housing Ass'n v. City of Des Moines green
wash · 2009
2 sentences

2016Ass’n of Puget Sound v. City of Des Moines, 165 Wn.2d 525, 536 , 199 P.3d 393 (2009) (explaining that where the meaning of statutory language is plain, the court must give effect to that plain meaning). ¶15 Furthermore, the plain language of the PRA confers great discretion on trial courts to determine the appropriate penalty for a PRA violation.

2016Ass’n of Puget Sound v. City of Des Moines, 165 Wn.2d 525, 536 , 199 P.3d 393 (2009) (explaining that where the meaning of statutory language is plain, the court must give effect to that plain meaning). ¶15 Furthermore, the plain language of the PRA confers great discretion on trial courts to determine the appropriate penalty for a PRA violation.

22016–2016
RENTAL HOUSING ASS'N v. City of Des Moines green
wash · 2009
2 sentences

2016Ass’n of Puget Sound v. City of Des Moines, 165 Wn.2d 525, 536 , 199 P.3d 393 (2009) (explaining that where the meaning of statutory language is plain, the court must give effect to that plain meaning). ¶15 Furthermore, the plain language of the PRA confers great discretion on trial courts to determine the appropriate penalty for a PRA violation.

2016Ass’n of Puget Sound v. City of Des Moines, 165 Wn.2d 525, 536 , 199 P.3d 393 (2009) (explaining that where the meaning of statutory language is plain, the court must give effect to that plain meaning). ¶15 Furthermore, the plain language of the PRA confers great discretion on trial courts to determine the appropriate penalty for a PRA violation.

22016–2016
West v. STATE DEPT. OF NATURAL RESOURCES green
washctapp · 2011
2 sentences

2014App. 235, 244 , 258 P. 3d 78 ( 2011), review denied, 173 Wn.2d 1020 2012) ( whether PRA violation entitles requestor to penalty award was matter for trial court to consider on remand). 4 The Port requests attorney fees on appeal under RCW 4. 84. 185, which allows a party who prevails in opposing a frivolous action to recover attorney fees.

2014App. 235, 244 , 258 P.3d 78 (2011) (whether PRA violation entitles requestor to penalty award was matter for trial court to consider on remand), review denied, 173 Wn.2d 1020 (2012). ¶27 We reverse the trial court’s dismissal of West’s PRA complaint and order that the Port produce the investigation report without redactions of the employee’s identifying information.

22014–2014
Cowles Publishing Co. v. Spokane Police Department green
wash · 1999
2 sentences

2013RCW 42.56.030; Cowles Publ’g Co. v. Spokane Police Dep’t, 139 Wn.2d 472, 476 , 987 P.2d 620 (1999); Newman, 133 Wn.2d at 571 .

2013RCW 42.56.030; Cowles Publ’g Co. v. Spokane Police Dep’t, 139 Wn.2d 472, 476 , 987 P.2d 620 (1999); Newman, 133 Wn.2d at 571 .

22013–2013
American Civil Liberties Union v. Blaine School District No. 503 green
washctapp · 1999
2 sentences

2009The trial court based its low $15 per day penalty on American Civil Liberties Union of Washington v. Blaine School District No. 503, 95 Wash. App. 106 , 975 P.2d 536 (1999).

2009The trial court based its low $15 per day penalty on American Civil Liberties Union of Washington v. Blaine School District No. 503, 95 Wn.

22009–2009
Rebecca A. Rufin, Appellant, v. the City of Seattle, Respondent neutral
washctapp · 2017
2 sentences

2025App. 348, 354-55 , 398 P.3d 1237 (2017) (addressing a PRA claim).

2025App. 348, 354-55 , 398 P.3d 1237 (2017) (addressing a PRA claim).

12025–2025
State v. Lowenthal green
wash · 1935
2 sentences

2024Bad faith and the availability of penalties When an incarcerated person prevails on a PRA claim, the availability of penalties turns on whether the agency’s denial of responsive records was the product of “bad faith.” RCW 42.56.565(1). “[T]o establish bad faith, an inmate must demonstrate a wanton or willful act or omission by the agency.” Faulkner v. Dep’t of Corr., 183 Wn. 14 No. 39608-8-III Haney v. Dep’t of Corr.

2024Bad faith and the availability of penalties When an incarcerated person prevails on a PRA claim, the availability of penalties turns on whether the agency’s denial of responsive records was the product of “bad faith.” RCW 42.56.565(1). “[T]o establish bad faith, an inmate must demonstrate a wanton or willful act or omission by the agency.” Faulkner v. Dep’t of Corr., 183 Wn. 14 No. 39608-8-III Haney v. Dep’t of Corr.

12024–2024
Kittitas County v. Sky Allphin green
washctapp · 2016
1 sentence

2024Mr. Allphin appealed, claiming the County: (1) made improper claims that documents were exempt from attorney-client privilege, (2) wrongfully withheld and then subsequently produced certain records, (3) intentionally and wrongfully delayed its response, (4) unlawfully deleted or lost responsive public records, (5) overbroadly redacted or withheld hundreds of records with no claim of exemption, and (6) wrongfully 3 No. 39290-2-III Kittitas County v. Sky Allphin deleted or withheld the “‘smoking gun memorandum.’” Kittitas County v. Allphin, 195 Wn.

12024–2024
Kinney v. Cook green
washctapp · 2009
2 sentences

2024King County’s motion is granted. -8- No. 85983-8-I/9 award of attorney fees and costs to the opposing party.” Kinney v. Cook, 150 Wn.

2024King County’s motion is granted. -8- No. 85983-8-I/9 award of attorney fees and costs to the opposing party.” Kinney v. Cook, 150 Wn.

12024–2024
Bainbridge Island Police Guild v. City of Puyallup green
wash · 2011
12023–2023
Morgan v. City of Federal Way green
wash · 2009
12023–2023
Morgan v. City of Federal Way green
wash · 2009
12023–2023
BAINBRIDGE POLICE GUILD v. City of Puyallup green
wash · 2011
12023–2023
LaPlante v. State green
wash · 1975
12021–2021
Block v. City of Gold Bar green
washctapp · 2015
12020–2020
Amren v. City of Kalama green
wash · 1997
12019–2019
Amren v. City of Kalama green
wash · 1997
12019–2019
State v. Burks neutral
wash · 2016
12019–2019
State v. Zander neutral
wash · 2016
12019–2019
Benton County v. Donna Zink green
washctapp · 2015
12019–2019
Mitchell v. STATE DEPT. OF CORRECTIONS green
washctapp · 2011
12019–2019
Mitchell v. Department of Corrections green
washctapp · 2011
12019–2019
Yousoufian v. Office of Ron Sims green
wash · 2004
12018–2018
In Re Dependency of KB green
washctapp · 2009
12018–2018
Yousoufian v. Office of King County Executive green
wash · 2004
12018–2018
MAI Systems Corp. v. Peak Computer, Inc. green
ca9 · 1993
12018–2018
Kleven v. City of Des Moines green
washctapp · 2002
12018–2018
Rioux v. Department of Social & Health Services green
washctapp · 2009
12018–2018
Resident Action Council v. Seattle Housing Authority green
wash · 2013
12016–2016
Spokane Police Guild v. Liquor Control Board green
wash · 1989
12016–2016
Johnson v. STATE DEPT. OF CORRECTIONS green
washctapp · 2011
12015–2015

Statutes the citing opinions construe

WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 42.56.550 (60) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 42.56.030 (29) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 42.56.070 (27) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 2.06.040 (20) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 42.56.520 (17) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 42.56.010 (16) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 42.56.080 (14) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 42.56.240 (14) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 42.56.565 (13) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 42.56.100 (12) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 42.56.210 (11) USC § 5u.s.c.552 (10)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

WA 67 (2009–2026) CA 7 (1988–2026) VA 3 (2024–2024) VT 2 (2019–2025)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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