Bill targeting public records access consigned to 'X-file'

OLYMPIA—A controversial bill that would have allowed local agencies to prioritize how they fulfill public records requests is dead.

House Bill 2576, which drew criticism from open-government proponents, but had strong support from local government entities, has been placed in the Washington State House Rules Committee “X” file, and will receive no further consideration this session, said the bill’s sponsor Rep. Joan McBride, D-Kirkland.

McBride’s proposal, which was aimed at stopping overly broad and harassing requests of local agencies, saw several changes throughout the session since its fir...