Because of the U.S. Freedom of Information Act, state governments put into practice their own legislation relating to government record transparency, as a result of Washington's 1973 Public Records Act, which recognized its centennial anniversary in 2001, occupants of Friday Harbor can also enjoy transparency within their municipality. All relevant facts about the various happenings of authorities, city courts, and local government are incorporated into these records, and generally are assumed public unless formally redacted. Both law enforcement and criminals may be held responsible for their choices because of these laws, which provide the citizenry with the resources they require to explore issues outside of their governing administration.