HB 1248 - DIGEST

Finds that: (1) There is a growing incidence of crimes committed against Washington residents, especially against children that involve the use of electronic technologies, including computers and the internet. Currently, law enforcement's ability to investigate and prosecute technology-involved crimes and online child sex predators is significantly limited by the lack of computer forensic capabilities; and

(2) In the interest of promoting the safety of our children and communities, providing better investigative tools for law enforcement and prosecutors, and to hold online child sex predators accountable, the legislature directs the Washington state patrol and the office of the attorney general to convene a work group to study the need for a virtual digital forensic lab in the state of Washington.