May 9, 2022

Governor Inslee Announces Proclamations Relating to the Open Public Meetings Act Will Terminate on June 1, 2022

On April 29, 2022, Governor Inslee issued Proclamation 20-28.16, the latest in the 20-28 series of proclamations waiving and suspending certain requirements of the Washington State Open Public Meetings Act (“OPMA”) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing public health experts’ belief that “as a state we have made adequate progress against COVID-19 to begin rescinding or modifying amendatory proclamations related to specific health issues,” Proclamation 20-28.16 terminates and rescinds all prior proclamations in the 20-28 series (collectively referred to as “Proclamation 20-28”), effective June 1, 2022.

At that time, the OPMA—which was itself recently amended via Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1329 (“ESHB 1329”)—will govern the conduct of public meetings without Proclamation 20-28’s modifications. This guidance provides a brief overview of the current and forthcoming frameworks governing public meetings held subject to the OPMA.

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