Introduction to Ordinance No. 442:
An ordinance relating to public records, adding a new chapter to Title 5 of the Benton County Code.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BENTON COUNTY, WASHINGTON:
SECTION 1. PURPOSE. The purpose of this ordinance is to provide rules for the County to implement the provisions of Chapter 42.56 RCW relating to public records of Benton County and to provide guidance to the public in obtaining access to public records. RCW 42.56.070(1) requires the County to make available for inspecting and copying non-exempt "public records."
SECTION 2. PUBLIC RECORDS--COURT DOCUMENTS--NOT APPLICABLE. This ordinance is not intended to provide rules for access to court documents; Chapter 42.56 RCW does not apply to court documents. This ordinance is not intended to provide rules regarding access to public records of the State of Washington or the federal government, such as the Judicial Information System (JIS) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), even though those documents may be available at computer stations located in Benton County.