Oregon Public Broadcasting

Washington lawmakers should not be exempt from the state's open records law. That's the recommendation from the state's “Sunshine Committee.”

It voted 8 to 1 to recommend the elimination of “legislative exemption.”

Now the recommendation goes to the legislature where it could get a cool reception.

House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler, a Democrat, sits on the “Sunshine Committee” and voted for the resolution.

Lynn Kessler: “We'll see how far we get with the legislature on this. I'll be definitely something controversial because I think the legislature feels they have certain exemption rights.”

A big issue is whether Washington lawmakers must turn over their emails to the public.

The lone “NO” vote on the “Sunshine Committee” was cast by State Senator Adam Kline, a Seattle Democrat.

He argues “legislative exemption” is necessary to protect citizens who may want to share sensitive information with their legislator. He likens the relationship to that of a reporter and his or her “source.”