PULLMAN, Wash. – The state Office of Financial Management has received a public records request for information about all state employees, including those at Washington State University.
In general, the information sought concerns employee names, job titles, job descriptions, job locations and pay. A representative sample of the information to be provided can be found here: Attachment 1.
By law, requesters do not need to identify themselves or give a reason for the request; in this case, the person making the request identified himself: Robert Hungerschafer.
OFM has determined the records requested are public and state law requires that they be released. They will be released on Feb. 16. View the request and a subsequent clarifying email at Attachment 2 and Attachment 3.
Under the Public Records Act, chapter 42.56 RCW, agencies may notify “persons named in the record … that release of a record has been requested.” In addition, some of the state’s collective bargaining agreements require notice to employees when their information is requested.
No action is required of employees, but they may seek an injunction to prevent the release of the records under RCW (Revised Code of Washington) 42.56.540. OFM would need to be served with an injunction by close of business on Feb. 15.
For more information, including a Q&A about public records requests, follow this file sharing link: Public Records Request Information. For more information about this request, please email WSU public records at wsu.pubrecords@wsu.edu.