(1) In addition to any other information required to be released under this chapter, the department is authorized, pursuant to RCW 4.24.550, to release relevant information that is necessary to protect the public, concerning a specific sexually violent predator committed under this chapter.

(2) The department and the courts are authorized to release to the office of public defense records needed to implement the office's administration of public defense in these cases, including research, reports, and other functions as required by RCW 2.70.020 and 2.70.025. The office of public defense shall maintain the confidentiality of all confidential information included in the records.

(3) The inspection or copying of any nonexempt public record by persons residing in a civil commitment facility for sexually violent predators may be enjoined following procedures identified in RCW 42.56.565. The injunction may be requested by:

(a) An agency or its representative;

(b) A person named in the record or his or her representative;

(c) A person to whom the request specifically pertains or his or her representative.

Effective date—2012 c 257: See note following RCW 2.70.020.