Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Judiciary Committee

HB 1965

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.

Background:

Firearms Licenses.

In order for a person to lawfully carry a concealed pistol, the person must have a valid concealed pistol license (CPL) issued by a local law enforcement agency. In order to obtain a CPL, a person must apply with the local law enforcement agency, meet certain eligibility requirements, and undergo a fingerprint-based background check to determine whether the applicant is eligible to possess firearms. The license application must include two complete sets of the applicant's fingerprints.

It is unlawful for a person who is a nonimmigrant alien to possess a firearm in the state unless the person has an alien firearm license. A nonimmigrant alien residing in Washington may apply for an alien firearm license with the local sheriff's office in the county where the applicant resides. The sheriff may issue an alien firearm license to the applicant for the purpose of hunting or sport shooting after conducting a fingerprint-based background check and determining that the applicant is not ineligible to possess firearms and meets other eligibility requirements. The application for an alien firearm license must include not more than two complete sets of the applicant's fingerprints.

Sex Offender and Kidnapping Offender Registration.

Any adult or juvenile who is convicted of, or found to have committed, any sex offense or kidnapping offense must register with the county sheriff in the county of the person's residence, or if the person is not a resident of the state, in the county of the person's school or place of employment or vocation in the state. A person who is required to register must provide specified information, including the person's residence or location where the person will stay, place of employment, crime for which convicted, date and place of conviction, photograph, and fingerprints. The person may be required to update this information with any address verification conducted by the sheriff. A photograph or copy of the person's fingerprints may be taken at any time to update a person's registration file.

Fingerprinting of Arrested Persons.

Law enforcement agencies are required to cause the photographing and fingerprinting of all adults and juveniles lawfully arrested for the commission of a felony or gross misdemeanor offense. Law enforcement agencies may cause the photographing and fingerprinting of all adults lawfully arrested. Law enforcement agencies may also record an arrested person's soleprints, toe prints, or other identification data if, in the discretion of the agency, it is necessary for the proper identification of the arrested person or the investigation of the crime with which the person is charged. Law enforcement agencies must transmit fingerprints along with other identifying data within 72 hours of arrest to the Identification and Criminal History Section of the Washington State Patrol, which files and maintains fingerprints, palm prints, photographs, and other identifying data of persons who have been arrested, charged with, or convicted of a criminal offense.

Summary of Bill:

License applications for concealed pistol licenses and alien firearm licenses require only one set of fingerprints.

A copy of the palm prints of a person required to register based on a sex offense or kidnapping offense may be taken at any time to update the individual's registration file.

Law enforcement agencies are authorized, but not required, to record the palm prints of any adult lawfully arrested for a criminal offense.