Not long after we posted our comments about SB 162, Sen. Rick Girdler's proposed mandatory training requirements for city officials, which includes an open records and open meetings component, we learned about an existing model for comprehensive open records, open meetings, and records management online training for public officials and employees in the state of Washington.

In our March 8 post, we acknowledged Kentucky's limited resources and the challenges to in-person training opportunities.

As an alternative, we recommended that the state develop a mandatory open government laws online training module — like those regularly required for Kentucky's public employees on subjects ranging from inappropriate behavior in the workplace to active shooter training to performance evaluations.

These online training requirements are a fact of life for state employees.

The state of Washington has already "broken this ground" in response to statutes mandating training for public officials and records officers on laws relating to open government.

Washington has, in effect, given us a blueprint for similar efforts in Kentucky.

Here is a link to those online materials:

https://www.atg.wa.gov/opengovernmenttraining.aspx

And here is the homepage:

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Welcome to the Open Government Training web page of the Office of the Attorney General.

General Information & Instructions

Click on the dropdown boxes below for "General Information and Instructions." To take online training, scroll down to "Open Government Training Curriculum & Resources." For sample documentation, scroll down to "Last Step: Training Documentation."

State Laws[click to expand/contract]

Training is Required by the Open Government Trainings Act - Q & A[click to expand/contract]

Why Training is Critical[click to expand/contract]

Training Resources[click to expand/contract]

Online Training Curriculum[click to expand/contract]

Reminder: Laws Change[click to expand/contract]

Practice Tip: Document the Training[click to expand/contract]

Open Government Training Curriculum - Resources

Lesson (1) is a general overview. Lesson (2) provides basic training and other resources on the Public Records Act. Those resources include a training video, PowerPoint, and other educational materials such as legislative updates. Lesson (3) provides training and other resources on the Open Public Meetings Act. Those resources include a training video, PowerPoint, and other educational materials such as legislative updates. Lesson (4) provides basic records retention and management training. Lesson (5) provides supplemental Public Records Act training, designed especially for Public Records Officers. See Q & A guidance above to learn which lessons agency officials and staff must take.

Lesson 1:

Open Government Overviews and General Principles

Lesson 2:

Public Records Act Basics - RCW 42.56

Lesson 3:

Open Public Meetings Act - RCW 42.30

Lesson 4:

Records Management and Retention Basics - RCW 40.14

Lesson 5:

Supplemental Public Records Act Training - RCW 42.56

Last Step: Training Documentation

Sample training certificate

Sample training roster

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Kentucky lags behind most states in affording public officials and employees — not to mention the public — meaningful opportunities for open government training.

Stiffer penalties for noncompliance is not the answer. Better a carrot than a stick for those who might be inclined to resent and resist these laws.

The Kentucky Open Government Coalition issues a challenge to any lawmaker whose is committed to open government in both words and *action.*

Examine the Washington model. Consider its value to public agencies and the public. Promoting compliance with the laws begins with understanding the laws.