Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

State Government Committee

HB 1554

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.

Brief Description: Exempting information of guardians or family members of children enrolled in child care, early learning, parks and recreation, after-school, and youth development programs.

Brief Summary of Bill

Exempts disclosure of personal information regarding the family members and guardians of children that would result in the disclosure of a child's exempted personal information.

Background:

The Public Records Act (PRA) requires state and local agencies to make their written records available to the public for inspection and copying upon request, unless the information fits into one of the various specific exemptions. The stated policy of the PRA favors disclosure and requires narrow application of the listed exemptions.

An exemption is provided for records maintained by the Department of Early Learning regarding the personal information of children enrolled in licensed child care. An exemption also applies to children enrolled in public or nonprofit youth program, such as early learning or child care services, parks and recreation programs, youth development programs, and after-school programs. These exemptions do not prohibit an agency from providing emergency contact information to appropriate authorities or medical personnel for treatment purposes in an emergency situation.

Summary of Bill:

The personal information of family members or guardians of a child enrolled in child care or youth program are exempt from disclosure if it would result in the disclosure of the child's personal information. The exemption applies if the family member or guardian has the same last name of the child or if they reside at the same address as the child.