Washington state guidelines determine that records revealing municipal activities including court papers, arrest records, marriage licenses, vehicular transgressions and more are open and accessible to the populace, largely because of the Washington's 1973 Public Records Act. Because of these laws, Washingtonians can access, examine, and procure information on police arrest records, marriage licenses, court documents, and traffic infractions, all of which contain names, times, sentences, and specifics on events which occur inside the municipality. Citizens of Zillah are able to better understand their rights thanks to these laws, and the transparency available from the release of these records keeps both criminals and regulators culpable with regard to their actions, in turn leading to a more open and free society for everybody.