Records Requests

Read about submitting a request for public records.

The Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) supports full transparency in State government and the importance of the public’s right to know about its operations and activities. Records requests will be provided in accordance with the Public Records Act RCW 42.56, Confidentiality of Personal Information Records RCW 74.18.127, and other State and Federal regulations. 

How do I make a public disclosure request? 

If the information you are looking for is not available on our website, you can submit a public records request by e-mailing your request using a Request for Records form to dsbhr@dsb.wa.gov or by calling, faxing, or mailing your request to: 

Dept. of Services for the Blind 
Public Records Officer 
PO Box 40933 
Olympia WA 98504-0933 

Phone: (360) 725-3830 
Fax: (360) 407-0679 
Email: dsbhr@dsb.wa.gov  

When submitting a request, please be as specific as possible identifying the records/information you are seeking, the associated timeframe, your name, address, contact information, and if the request is related to litigation or commercial purposes. You may also stop by any of our offices to make a public records request. 

 

How long will it take to answer my request? 

Within five business days after receiving the request, we will: 

  • Provide the record(s); or 
  • Acknowledge your request and give you a reasonable estimate of how long it will take to respond and cost estimate if applicable; or 
  • Deny the request in part or completely and provide in writing the reasons for the denial citing the applicable statue as required by RCW 42.56.520.  

 

What records are exempt from public disclosure? 

  • Personal information regarding agency personnel, such as: social security numbers, home phone numbers, home addresses, resumes and employment applications. 
  • Investigative records relating to a current investigation. 
  • Customer records and personnel information per RCW 74.18.127 
  • Correspondence between department/staff and the Attorney General's Office 
  • Information that if released, would constitute an invasion of privacy as defined in RCW 42.56.210 & 42.56.230 and other exemptions see RCW 42.56.210-480  

 

What are the costs? 

Copies are charged at .15 cents per page (standard single sided 8 ½" x 11" black & white sheet).  Fees are charged per RCW 42.56.120.  

DSB public disclosure fee schedule 

Cost Description
No fee Inspection by requester at agency in Olympia.
No fee Requester accessing or downloading records the office routinely posts on its website.

Copies

Cost Description
15 cents per page  Photocopy of paper records, or printed (paper) copies of electronic records (applies if requester asks for paper copies) 
10 cents per page Electronic copy of scanned paper records (applies if paper copies must be scanned in order to produce in electronic format)
5 cents for each 4
electronic files or attachments		 Files and attachments loaded and delivered on a cloud-based storage service 
10 cents per gigabyte Files and attachments loaded and delivered on a digital storage media (e.g. thumb drive). 
Actual cost Records on Thumb Drive - includes cost of Thumb Drive, Mailer and Postage 
Actual cost  Amount dependent on size of container or envelope used to mail paper or other types of copies 
Actual cost Amount dependent upon weight & USPS or other delivery service rates, postage or delivery charges 
  • Copy charges above may be combined to the extent more than one type of charge applies to copies in response to a particular request 
  • Copy charges are assessed for each installment of records provided to the requester 

Copy charges - Other records 

Cost Description
Cost varies – Per other statutes Records for which other costs are authorized pursuant to laws outside RCW 42.56.  RCW 42.56.130.
Cost varies - Actual cost
(based upon vendor cost to office)		 Records sent to an outside vendor due to their unusual size or format, or other factors making copying by office unfeasible.  Mailing/delivery and container costs also apply. 

Customized service

Cost Description
Cost varies - Actual cost (based upon request) Data compilations prepared or accessed as a customized service. Cost is in addition to above fees for copies, including mailing/delivery and container costs.  RCW 42.56.120(3).