FINAL BILL REPORT
SSB 5261
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
C 31 L 09
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Creating an electronic statewide unified sex offender notification and registration program.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Regala, Stevens, Hargrove and Shin).
Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections
House Committee on Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness
Background: The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) has developed the Sex Offender Notification and Registration system (SONAR) for implementation in Washington. SONAR is designed to be a statewide data system that will:
allow counties and the Department of Corrections to directly input sex offender information into the database so that updated information is immediately available to counties across the state;
allow counties to utilize the system on their website to provide public access to local sex offender information as authorized by statute; and
provide a notification system allowing citizens to request and receive notification regarding sex offenders who move within a given proximity.
WASPC anticipates bringing most counties online by February of 2009.
Summary: When funded, WASPC must implement and operate an electronic statewide unified sex offender registration and notification program.
Similar to other data and notification programs maintained by WASPC, no public employee or public agency may be held liable for the release of information so long as the release was without gross negligence.
Votes on Final Passage:
Senate | 47 | 0 | |
House | 97 | 0 |
Effective: July 26, 2009