skip navigation
MRSC logo

Have a Research Question?

Ask MRSC

Have a Research Question?

Ask MRSC
Share this:


MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for August 2019

Don’t Get into Back-and-Forth Exchanges During Public Comment

Don’t Get into Back-and-Forth Exchanges During Public Comment

August 29, 2019  by  Ann G. Macfarlane
Category:  Guest Author ,  Legislative Body

The public comment period of a public meeting can be a great time to hear from constituents and to be heard. However, these meetings should not devolve into back-and-forth exchanges between elected officials and their constituents. 

Read more

Electronic Vendor Fraud: How to Protect your Agency from the Latest Cybercrimes

Electronic Vendor Fraud: How to Protect your Agency from the Latest Cybercrimes

August 26, 2019  by  Laura Crandall
Category:  Cybersecurity

Ransomware, phishing schemes, and plain old hacking are just a few of the cybersecurity issues that local governments must contend with now. This blog covers the most recent electronic vendor fraud cases and the steps that your agency can take to protect itself against this type of fraud.

Read more

Rights and Limits on Filming in Public Facilities

Rights and Limits on Filming in Public Facilities

August 23, 2019  by  Aidan Mathis
Category:  Court Decisions and AGO Opinions

This blog post looks at "1st Amendment Audits, " the rights of individuals to film in public spaces, and how local governments can legally respond. 

Read more

Scooter Legislation Passes, Sets Stage for Statewide Expansion

Scooter Legislation Passes, Sets Stage for Statewide Expansion

August 19, 2019  by  Leah LaCivita
Category:  Cycling and Walking ,  New Legislation and Regulations

This blog post looks at ESHB 1772, which amended state regulations regarding “motorized foot scooters,” as well as the status of pilot and established electronic scooter share programs in Washington.

Read more

Recent PRA Developments — Dog Days of Summer Edition

Recent PRA Developments — Dog Days of Summer Edition

August 16, 2019  by  Oskar Rey
Category:  Court Decisions and AGO Opinions ,  Public Records Act

This blog article covers a recent Attorney General opinion and a Washington Court of Appeals case, both of which address the Public Records Act. 

Read more

Ballot Measure Results from the 2019 Primary Election

Ballot Measure Results from the 2019 Primary Election

August 13, 2019  by  Steve Hawley
Category:  Emergency Medical Services ,  Elections ,  Fire Protection ,  Sales and Use Taxes

Senior Communications Coordinator Steve Hawley reviews some ballot measure results from the recent primary election in this blog post. 

Read more

2019 Legislative Outcomes for Procurement and Contracting - Part 3: SHB 1295

2019 Legislative Outcomes for Procurement and Contracting - Part 3: SHB 1295

August 6, 2019  by  Judy Isaac
Category:  Purchasing and Contracting ,  New Legislation and Regulations

As part of a series on 2019 legislation that impacts municipal contracting and procurement, this blog post provides an overview of SHB 1295, which makes procedural revisions to the alternate public works contracting methods of Design Build and Job-Order Contracting.

Read more

HB 1696: Updating Washington’s Equal Pay and Opportunities Act

HB 1696: Updating Washington’s Equal Pay and Opportunities Act

August 5, 2019  by  Summit Law Group
Category:  Guest Author ,  Compensation ,  New Legislation and Regulations

HB 1696 updates Washington’s existing Equal Pay and Opportunities Act by requiring more transparency on pay ranges and by prohibiting employers from asking for an applicant’s wage history.

Read more

Warning: Summer Heat, Enclosed Pets, and Animal Fighting

Warning: Summer Heat, Enclosed Pets, and Animal Fighting

August 1, 2019  by  Paul Sullivan
Category:  Animal Control

With its long days and hot temperatures, summer is a great time to remember that pets should not be left unattended in enclosed vehicles. This blog post also reviews 2019 legislation prohibiting animal fighting.

Read more