WashCOG newsletter: Ramping up the fight against legislative secrecy; applauding access efforts

September 2026 —

Setting priorities

WashCOG has identified key issues for attention in the next year: The still-vague intention of the governor in regard to retaining chat messages on Microsoft Teams; and the realistic issues that agencies face in handling public records requests (as opposed to complaints about alleged abuse of the law). Executive Director Colette Weeks explains the issues.

Heading to court

The Washington State Supreme Court has agreed to review WashCOG’s case challenging “legislative privilege,” which some lawmakers claim gives them authority to withhold public documents.

Key Awards

Over the summer, WashCOG recognized transparency efforts by journalists and citizens and presented several Key Awards for their contributions. Recipients included Range Media of Spokane; Joe Kunzler of Sedro-Woolley, Brittany Voie of Centralia; and Seattle Times investigative reporter Manuel Villa.

What’s next?

A busy summer is leading to a busy fall for WashCOG, which has identified some key issues to watch for in the 2027 legislative session.

Here’s the complete September 2026 newsletter, and you can sign up for future WashCOG newsletters here.