FINAL BILL REPORT

                 SHB 1401

                         C 324 L 95

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Allowing disclosure of juvenile records to affected school districts.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Brumsickle, Cole, Carlson, G. Fisher, Mastin, Poulsen, Elliot, Quall, Clements, Smith, Chandler, Patterson, Costa, Mielke, Campbell, Mulliken, Honeyford, Talcott, Cooke, Thompson, L. Thomas, Mitchell, Kremen, Scott, Wolfe, Boldt, Conway and McMorris).

House Committee on Education

Senate Committee on Education

Background:  Educators are interested in receiving information about students coming to schools in order to ensure the best placement, supervision, and support services for the student.  Educators also are interested in ensuring the safety of other students and staff.  Obtaining information regarding students who have recently been released from state detention facilities is especially desired.

Educators have expressed concerned about being sued for transferring and handling records, even if the transfers and handling are conducted in accordance with state and federal law.

Summary:  The appropriate school district or approved private school is to be notified when a state juvenile detention center operated by the Department of Social and Health Services releases a juvenile who has committed a violent crime, sex crime, or stalking crime, except in certain circumstances.

A school district or district employee who releases information in compliance with state and federal law is immune from civil liability for damages unless the school district or district employee acted with gross negligence or in bad faith.

Votes on Final Passage:

House     95 1

Senate    38 6 (Senate amended)

House     80 14 (House concurred)

Effective:  July 23, 1995