(1) The requestor is encouraged to communicate with the public records officer or assigned designee regarding denials of public records requests, estimates of time, or estimates of costs. If the requestor remains unsatisfied, the requestor may seek formal review of the issue.

(2) Any person who objects to the office's denial or partial denial of a request for a public record, or contends an estimate of time to provide records or copying costs to provide records is not reasonable, may petition for prompt review of such decision by submitting a written request for a formal internal administrative review to the public records officer.

(3) The written request for formal review shall specifically refer to the written statement by the public records officer or designee which constituted or accompanied the denial or estimate.

(4) The request for formal review is to be directed to:

Public Records Unit

Office of the Attorney General

1125 Washington Street S.E.

P.O. Box 40100

Olympia, WA 98504-0100

(5) After receiving a written request for formal review of a decision denying a public record or estimate, the public records officer or designee denying the request shall refer it to the designated deputy attorney general or public records counsel. The office will, within two business days following receipt of written request, respond with an estimate of time to consider the matter. Following such review, the deputy attorney general or public records counsel will either affirm, reverse, or amend the denial or estimate.

(6) For purposes of WAC 44-06-160, the office shall have concluded a public record is exempt from disclosure only after the review conducted under this section has been completed.