SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6167

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: The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is authorized to disclose conviction records when it relates to an authorized purpose concerning developmentally disabled persons, vulnerable adults, and minor children. Information may be disclosed to:

a business, organization, or individual person regarding a person seeking employment with a vulnerable population;
the Washington Educator Standards board regarding a person seeking a certificate; and
a law enforcement agency, the attorney general, a prosecuting authority, or the Department of Social and Health Services regarding any person that may aid in the investigation and prosecution of an abuse case or to protect an adult or child from further abuse.

In the context of the statute, a business or organization is defined as a person; business; or organization licensed in this state, any agency of the state, or other governmental entity that educates, trains, treats, supervises, houses, or provides recreation to developmentally disabled persons, vulnerable adults, or children under sixteen years of age, or that provides child day care, early learning, or early learning childhood education services, including but not limited to public housing authorities, school districts, and educational service districts.

Summary of Bill: WSP is authorized to disclose conviction records of a prospective client or resident upon the request of a business or organization that provides emergency shelter, interim housing, or transitional housing for children, persons with developmental disabilities, or low-income or vulnerable adults. A client or resident is defined as a child, person with developmental disabilities, or low-income or vulnerable adult applying for housing assistance from a business or organization.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Shelter providers are already utilizing the WSP system to conduct background checks for employees and residents. They did not realize they are required to pay $10 per search when they use the system to conduct a background search for a potential resident. Shelters would be impacted approximately $5,000 per year if they are required to pay for these checks, which are crucial to ensuring the safety of other residents. One background check uncovered that a potential resident was a convicted arsonist. In another instance, a well-spoken gentleman was identified as being found not guilty by reason of insanity of murder and was potentially very dangerous. The shelters do not use a criminal background as an automatic disqualifier. In many instances, the check is used to identify whether the person has been honest about their past and is therefore ready to change their life.