(1) Any person who objects to the initial denial or partial denial of a records request may petition, in writing (including by email), to the public records officer for a review of that denial. The petition shall include a copy of, or reasonably identify, the written statement by the public records officer or designee denying the request.

(2) The director or director's designee will consider the petition and affirm, reverse, or modify the denial within two business days following the department's receipt of the petition, or within such other time as the department and the requestor mutually agree. The original denial becomes final if the director does not respond within two business days.

(3) Administrative remedies are not exhausted until the denial becomes final.

(4) Pursuant to RCW 42.56.530, if the department denies a requestor access to public records because it claims the record is exempt in whole or in part from disclosure, the requestor may request the attorney general's office to review the matter. The attorney general has adopted rules on such requests in WAC 44-06-160.