Brief Description: Creating a pilot program for live scan devices.

Sponsors: Representatives B. Sullivan, Darneille, Chase and Lovick.

Hearing Date: 2/15/05

Staff: Yvonne Walker (786-7841).

Background:

The Joint Task Force on Criminal Background Check Processes (Task Force) was created by the passage of Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2556 during the 2004 legislative session. The legislation required the Task Force to review and make recommendations regarding how to improve the state's criminal background check processes. The legislation also required the Task Force to report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature.

One of the Task Force's recommendations was to create a pilot program to electronically gather and transmit fingerprint data for non-criminal justice purposes, by purchasing nine Live-scan devices to be strategically placed in the nine educational service districts throughout the state.

Live-scan technology provides a way to electronically gather and transmit fingerprint data. This technology is currently available only in local jails and in the Washington State Patrol office in Olympia. There are no public or private sector fingerprinting service centers to accommodate individuals applying for non-criminal justice employment or licensing.

The hardware and software for one Live-scan device costs approximately $30,000, although the state has been able to purchase units at a reduced cost for criminal justice purposes.

Summary of Bill:

The bill appropriates up to $270,000 from the state General Fund to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to be used to purchase a Live-scan device for each educational service district. The Live-scan devices are to be used for non-criminal justice purposes.

Appropriation: The sum of $270,000.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 4, 2005.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.