SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1962

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.

As of March 23, 2015

Title: An act relating to disclosure of process server social security numbers.

Brief Description: Regulating disclosure of process server social security numbers.

Sponsors: Representatives Griffey, Peterson, Harmsworth, Wilson, Scott, Van Werven, Stokesbary, Condotta and Hayes.

Brief History: Passed House: 3/11/15, 98-0.

Committee Activity: Law & Justice: 3/23/15.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff: Tim Ford (786-7423)

Background: People who serve legal process for a fee in Washington must be at least 18 years of age, be a resident of Washington, and register as a process server with the auditor of the county where the process server resides or operates their business. The county auditor uses a registration form and current law requires the following information regarding the process server to be included:

The residency and registration requirements do not apply to the following:

Summary of Bill: Social security numbers on process server registration forms are confidential and exempt from public disclosure except as required by federal law.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The public disclosure laws require disclosure of public records unless there is a legal exemption. Social security numbers should not be disclosed, yet they are collected on registration forms for process servers. The forms are filed with the county auditor. Some counties do not disclose social security numbers but not all counties respond in the same way. If someone wanted to get back at a process server for serving a warrant, they could request a copy of the process server's registration to find out the server's social security number. This bill would make those social security numbers on process server registration forms exempt from public disclosure.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Griffey, prime sponsor.

Persons Signed in to Testify But Not Testifying: No one.