Public Disclosure Requests (PDRs) - Frequently Asked Questions
- seattleanimalwatch
- Apr 25, 2023
- 1 min read
Public disclosure requests, or PDRs, are a crucial tool for citizens and activists. PDRs give citizens the power to request information, documents and other data to create transparency and allow us to engage with our government on important local issues. PDRs can particularly benefit animal welfare activists as so many decisions are made without public outreach or engagement. In addition, activists often deal with a disinterested media that either does not pursue animal welfare as a serious topic or provides only cursory reporting.
Here are a few basic questions and answers to get you started.
Q. What is a public disclosure request?
A public disclosure request is a request made by an individual or organization for copies of public government records for review. Such public records include documents in all formats, whether electronic or paper, that relate to government operations or conduct. All government documents are considered public records, and are subject to public review, unless a law specifically exempts certain information from disclosure.
Q. What is the Washington State Public Records Act?
Q. Who can make a public disclosure request?
Q. Where can I make a public disclosure request from the City of Seattle?
Q. How far back in time can I request documents?
Q. Do I have to pay for this?
Q. Will my request be confidential?
Q. What are some examples of public disclosure requests?
Q. Is a PDR the same as a FOIA request?
Q. I’m not from Washington state. How do I learn about public disclosure laws where I live?
Q. What if I’m submitting PDRs and no one is responding?
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