Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 71.05.620 (2026)

✓ current as of May 2026

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*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 2632.SL) ***

(1) The files and records of court proceedings under this chapter and chapter 71.34 RCW shall be closed but shall be accessible to:

(a) The department;

(b) The department of social and health services;

(d) The state hospitals as defined in RCW 72.23.010;

(e) Any person who is the subject of a petition;

(f) The attorney or guardian of the person;

(g) Resource management services for that person;

(h) Service providers authorized to receive such information by resource management services;

(i) The Washington state patrol firearms background division to conduct background checks for processing and purchasing firearms, concealed pistol licenses, alien firearms licenses, firearm rights restoration petitions under chapter 9.41 RCW, and release of firearms from evidence, including appeals of denial;

(j) The prosecuting attorney of a county or tribe located in this state; and

(k) The tribe or Indian health care provider who has the right to intervene or receive notice and copies of any orders issued by a court in any court proceeding under this chapter and chapter 71.34 RCW.

(2) The authority shall adopt rules to implement this section.

[ 2024 c 209 s 25; 2023 c 298 s 1; 2018 c 201 s 3028; 2016 sp.s. c 29 s 249; 2015 c 269 s 16; 2013 c 200 s 23; 2005 c 504 s 111; 1989 c 205 s 12.]

Notes:

Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 201: See notes following RCW 41.05.018.

Effective dates—2016 sp.s. c 29: See note following RCW 71.05.760.

Short title—Right of action—2016 sp.s. c 29: See notes following RCW 71.05.010.

Effective date—2013 c 200: See note following RCW 70.02.010.

Findings—Intent—Severability—Application—Construction—Captions, part headings, subheadings not law—Adoption of rules—Effective dates—2005 c 504: See notes following RCW 71.05.027.

Alphabetization—Correction of references—2005 c 504: See note following RCW 71.05.020.

Contingent effective date—1989 c 205 ss 11-19: "Sections 10 [11] through 19 of this act shall take effect on July 1, 1995, or when regional support networks are established." [ 1989 c 205 s 24.] See note following chapter digest.

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 6 cases (2 in the last 5 years), 2014–2026 · leading case: In re the Det. of D.W., 332 P.3d 423 (Wash. 2014).

Sort: Relevance Newest Treatment

In re the Det. of D.W., 332 P.3d 423 (Wash. 2014). “The record on appeal was sua sponte sealed by the Court of Appeals under RCW 71.05.620. No one has asked us to consider the propriety of this action.”

In re the Det. of W.C.C., 370 P.3d 1289 (Wash. 2016). “’s probable cause hearing was timely. ¶21 Finally, W.C.C. argues—and the State agrees—that the published Court of Appeals opinion should be modified to reveal only his initials, not his full name.”

In re Det. of W.C.C. (Wash. 2016). “Finally, W.C.C. argues-and the State agrees-that the published Court of Appeals opinion should be modified to reveal only his initials, not his full name.”

Does 1, 2, 4, 5, Appellants/cross-respondents V. Sam Sueoka, Respondents/cross-appellants (Wash. Ct. App. 2023). “050; mental illness commitments, RCW 71.05.620; and mental illness commitments of minors, RCW 71.”

In re Det. of M.E. (Wash. 2026). “We elect to reach the merits 4 The cases were sealed at the trial court pursuant to RCW 71.05.620. After receiving input from the parties, this court lifted the seal in part to allow public access to redacted copies of the briefs and the record.”

In Re Det. of D.W. (Wash. 2014). “2d 1470 , 1474 3 The record on appeal was sua sponte sealed by the Court of Appeals under RCW 71.05.620. No one has asked us to consider the propriety of this action.”

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