Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Public Safety Committee |
HB 1723
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: Allowing booking photographs and electronic images at jails to be open to the public.
Sponsors: Representatives Hayes, Hurst, Harmsworth, Takko, Rodne, Griffey, Pettigrew and Wilson.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/10/15
Staff: Yvonne Walker (786-7841).
Background:
Each city and county jail located in Washington is required to maintain a jail register which is open to the public. The law enforcement officer who is charged with being responsible for the operation of the jail must enter, on a timely basis, the name of each person held in confinement, the reason for confinement, when the person was confined, and the time and the manner in which the person was discharged.
Generally, all other records regarding a person confined in jail are confidential and may only be released in certain circumstances to a criminal justice agency, certain entities for research purposes, or upon the written consent of the person being confined. Law enforcement may also use the booking photographs of a person arrested and confined in a jail or prison to assist in conducting criminal investigations. Certain information and photographs of persons convicted of a sex offense may be released to the public for community protection purposes.
Summary of Bill:
Each county and city jail must include booking photographs of each person confined in jail as part of its jail register after charges have been filed on that individual.
Various technical changes are made, including the deletion of a provision of the act that was repealed by the Legislature in 1987, and adding the authorization to release records relating to kidnappers which is consistent with current statute under RCW 4.24.550.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 4, 2015.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.