OPMA, PRA waivers extended as long as the state of emergency remains

An early move by the Legislature this session is likely to relieve many port districts concerned by the continuing uncertainty around the extension of OPMA and PRA emergency waivers. The Legislature passed Senate Concurrent Resolution (CR) 8402, which means the 26 emergency proclamations listed in the CR, which include the OPMA and PRA waivers, have been extended throughout the declared pandemic state of emergency. 

Another bill, HB 1056, seeks to extend and make permanent certain aspects of virtual Open Public Meetings, specifically siting the technological advances that have made virtual meetings possible during the pandemic. WPPA is tracking this bill, and supports the ability of port districts to use digital technology to continue to realize the benefits afforded through virtual meetings.