Notice to DRS Members and Retirees – Public Records Request

Many of our members recently received notice that the Seattle Times filed a public records request for certain personal information, including birthdates, for all state employees. The Times files the same request roughly once a year. 
In 2020, WPEA helped change the law to prevent disclosure of public employees' complete birthdates to members of the general public. However, complete birthdates are still disclosable to legitimate news organizations. This exemption was part of a compromise that was necessary to pass the law. 
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WPEA is committed to protecting members' personal information. On multiple occasions we have gone to court to prevent disclosure. But this request, and similar requests from legitimate news organizations, are allowable within the current law. 
If you have additional questions or concerns, contact Seamus Petrie, your WPEA lobbyist, at 360-463-7602 or Seamus@wpea.org.