In September, media organizations including the Seattle Times, Associated Press, Spokesman Review, KING-TV, KIRO 7, KUOW, and others filed a lawsuit against the state legislature. The suit alleged that Washington lawmkers regularly violate state public records laws by refusing to turn over calendars, e-mails, and texts related to state business when they are requested by either the public or the media. This, the suit argued, is illegal under the state’s voter-approved Public Records Act.

In January, a court ruled in favor of the media organizations. The Legislature appealed, and then found another way circumvent the public: This week, lawmakers including Senate Majority Leader Sharon Nelson (D) and Senate Minority Leader Mark Schoesler (R), fast-tracked a bill that would exempt themselves from the Public Records Act. Unlike most legislation, this bill was not given time for public hearings or an opportunity for citizens to voice either their concerns or their support.

This bill could have major implications when it comes to allegations of sexual harassment or misconduct by allowing the Legislature to bury any complaints that haven't gone through formal channels.

Media organizations are not happy about it. In a rare moment of clarity, the Seattle Times Editorial Board wrote:

This issue matters because without access to government documents, including lawmakers’ emails and text messages, it can be impossible for members of the public to know who is whispering in their legislators’ ears and prodding them to craft policies in specific ways.

Not providing access to legislators’ emails and disciplinary records also obscures cases where elected officials are accused of harassing staff or behaving inappropriately. The recent #MeToo movement has unearthed several instances where legislative leaders dealt with sexual harassment accusations quietly and behind the scenes, without informing the public. ...

Local government officials are required to release most of their documents to the public, as are state agencies. Gov. Jay Inslee’s office regularly releases his emails, calendar and other records requested by the media.

But legislative leaders have stubbornly maintained that state lawmakers require an added layer of secrecy to do their work. Inslee, a Democrat, refuted that notion in comments to reporters Wednesday, saying legislators “could succeed in their duties while being fully transparent like the rest of state government.” He’s right.

“It’s breathtaking to have a bill show up this late in session on this most important issue and for the Legislature to step into an ongoing lawsuit at this moment, albeit not going well for you,” newspaper lobbyist Rowland Thompson told lawmakers Thursday. They don't seem to care: the bill is scheduled vote in both the House and Senate Friday.