OPMA violations should draw steeper penalties

Today is day nine of the Washington State legislature’s 60-day session. Among the many issues these elected leaders will be discussing, debating and voting on is a bill that if approved would add some very necessary teeth to an existing law that as it currently stands provides for minimal penalties for violations of the state’s open public meetings act.

The OPMA requires open meetings of public-agency governing bodies such as city councils, county commissions, school boards and many state boards.