FINAL BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5004

                                   C 59 L 91

                              SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

Brief Description:  Permitting certified public records from other states to be admissible evidence.

SPONSORS:Senators L. Kreidler and Nelson.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

BACKGROUND:

In the prosecution of traffic offenses, prosecutors do not have the legal ability to subpoena out-of-state witnesses.  Washington law allows certified public records of the United States and of this state, but not from other states or territories of the United States.  Allowing certified records from other states as evidence will assist in prosecuting certain traffic offenses.

SUMMARY:

Public records of the United States, the state of Washington, or any other state or territory of the United States, when certified, shall be admitted in evidence in Washington State courts.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate      47    0

House 95    0

EFFECTIVE:July 28, 1991