FINAL BILL REPORT

ESSB 5098

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 173 L 11

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Exempting personal information from public inspection and copying.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Carrell and Chase).

Senate Committee on Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections

House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs

Background: The Public Records Act (PRA) requires that all state and local government agencies make all public records available for public inspection and copying unless they fall within certain statutory exemptions. The provisions requiring public records disclosure must be interpreted liberally while the exemptions are interpreted narrowly to effectuate the general policy favoring disclosure.

Summary: The personal information for a participant in a public or non-profit program serving or pertaining to children, adolescents, or students, including but not limited to early learning or child care services, parks and recreation programs, youth development programs, and after-school programs is exempt from public inspection and copying under the Public Records Act. Personal information includes, but is not limited to, addresses, telephone numbers, personal e-mail addresses, social security numbers, emergency contact and date of birth information

Emergency contact information may be provided to appropriate authorities and medical personnel for the purpose of treating the individual during an emergency situation.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate

47

1

House

92

0

(House amended)

Senate

45

1

(Senate concurred)

Effective:

July 22, 2011.