BILL · 2025–26 SESSION · LATEST VERSION SHB 2244

HB 2244: Public records exemptions

Adopting the recommendations of the public records exemptions accountability committee in its 2025 annual report.

Summary

Requires the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombuds to establish procedures for disclosure of information.
Removes the requirement that a grand jury's report not identify or criticize any individual to be available for public disclosure.
Makes available for public disclosure certain information related to state toxicologist blood sample analyses, accident reports, financial investigations, data on children with behavior problems, birthing centers, and corporation interrogatories.
Eliminates the authority of a court to close the files of a family court proceeding if publication would be contrary to public policy or morals or injurious to the interests of children.

From the Substitute House Bill Report (SHB 2244), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · passed House, stalled in Senate

AN ACT Relating to adopting the recommendations of the public records exemptions accountability committee in its 2025 annual report;

Passed February 16, 2026

Version voted on: SHB 2244

70 Yea 26 Nay 0 Absent 2 Excused

Party	Yea	Nay	Absent	Excused
Democrat	57	1	0	1
Republican	13	25	0	1

How each member voted

Mar 12, 2026By resolution, returned to House Rules Committee for third reading. (SHB 2244)
Feb 18, 2026First reading, referred to State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections. (SHB 2244)
Feb 16, 2026Third reading, passed; yeas, 70; nays, 26; absent, 0; excused, 2. (SHB 2244)
Feb 16, 2026Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. (SHB 2244)
Feb 16, 20261st substitute bill substituted. (SHB 2244)
Feb 16, 20261st substitute bill substituted.
Feb 14, 2026Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading. (SHB 2244)
Feb 14, 2026Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
Jan 22, 2026Referred to Rules 2 Review. (SHB 2244)
Jan 22, 2026Referred to Rules 2 Review.
Jan 20, 2026SGOV - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (SHB 2244)
Jan 20, 2026SGOV - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Jan 20, 2026SGOV - Executive action taken by committee.
Jan 12, 2026First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Relations.
Jan 5, 2026Prefiled for introduction.

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

HB 2244 (2023–24) Retirement savings · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2244 (2019–20) Wheeled ATVs/state highways · Did not pass · passed House, stalled in Senate
HB 2244 (2017–18) Parental rights · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2244 (2015–16) Cybersecurity student loans · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2244 (2013–14) Capital budget/ed resources · Did not pass · passed House, stalled in Senate
HB 2244 (2011–12) Airstrips · Enacted · Chapter 15, Laws of 2012
HB 2244 (2009–10) Education finance & programs · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2244 (2007–08) Homeless tent encampments · Did not pass · died in committee