Under the Washington State Administrative Code (hereinafter, “WAC”), what are the Washington State Human Rights Commission (hereinafter, “WSHRC”) regulations concerning both the agency contact information and public records officer? Here’s my point of view.
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Understanding WAC 162-04-032: How to Contact the Washington Human Rights Commission for Public Records
Washington’s Public Records Act* (PRA) is designed to ensure government transparency, and the Washington State Human Rights Commission follows specific rules to make that transparency meaningful. WAC 162-04-032* explains how the public can contact the WSHRC for records and outlines the agency’s responsibilities in handling those requests. Whether you are a member of the public, an attorney, or a professional working with civil rights matters, understanding these procedures helps ensure efficient access to information.
Clear Contact Pathways
The rule begins by identifying where the Human Rights Commission’s central office is located in Olympia:
711 S. Capitol Way, Ste. 402
P.O. Box 42490
Olympia, Washington 98504
See WAC 162-04-032(1)*. This physical address matters for individuals who prefer or need to submit requests by mail or in person. The regulation then designates a public records officer, the point person responsible for overseeing compliance with the PRA. However, the HRC emphasizes flexibility—other staff members may assist or process requests. For this reason, the rule uses the term “public records officer or designee.”
Duties of the Public Records Officer
The public records officer or designee plays a crucial role in open government. Their responsibilities include:
• Providing full assistance to individuals making requests;
• Maintaining an index of public records when required;
• Protecting records from damage or disorganization; and
• Ensuring that responding to requests does not significantly disrupt the agency’s core civil rights enforcement work.
These directives help balance the PRA’s broad access rights with the agency’s need to continue investigating discrimination complaints and enforcing Washington’s civil rights laws.
How to Request Records
WAC 162-04-032* also provides detailed instructions for requesting records*. “Any person wishing to request access to public records of the human rights commission, or seeking assistance in making such a request should contact the public records officer designee of the human rights commission:
Records Analyst
Human Rights Commission
711 S. Capitol Way, Ste. 402
P.O. Box 42490
Olympia, WA 98504-2490
360-359-4925
360-586-2282
[email protected]
Information is also available at the human rights commission’s website at www.hum.wa.gov*.
WAC 162-04-032(3)*.
Request Forms Available
To streamline the process, the HRC offers a standardized public records request form. See https://www.hum.wa.gov/about-us/public-records-requests*. This form is available by contacting the public records officer’s designee directly or by downloading it from the agency’s website*. While the PRA does not require a specific form, using the Commission’s form helps ensure the request includes all information necessary for timely processing.
RELATED ARTICLES
We invite you to read more of our articles related to this topic:
» WA State Human Rights Commission Complaints
» WA State Human Rights Commission: Functions, Powers, and Duties
» WSHRC: From Complaint to Conclusion
» WSHRC: Organization and Operations
» WSHRC: Relationship of Commission to Complainant
» WSHRC: Withdrawal of Complaint
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–gw