"Government accountability means that public officials - elected and un-elected - have an obligation to explain their decisions and actions to the citizens. Government accountability is achieved through the use of a variety of mechanisms - political, legal and administrative - designed to prevent corruption and ensure that public officials remain answerable and accessible to the people they serve. In the absence of such mechanisms, corruption may thrive."

-U.S. Department of State

Attorney General Rob McKenna has made  government accountability one of the top priorities of his administration. The Washington Public Records Act is one of the strongest open government laws in the nation and reflects the desire of Washington citizens to know what their government is doing.  A transparent and accessible government is essential to a successful free society, and fosters trust and confidence in government.

The Attorney General has requested several new laws to promote open government and access to public records, including notification in eminent domain, the creation of a "Sunshine Committee," and restoration of intent language to the Public Records Act.