SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SSB 5588

                      As January 23, 1996

Title:  An act relating to private communications.

Brief Description:  Clarifying protection of private communications.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Law & Justice (originally sponsored by Senators C. Anderson, Smith, Long, Prince, Haugen and Schow).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Law & Justice:  2/6/95, 2/15/95 [DPS]; 1/29/96.

Passed Senate, 3/7/95, 47-1.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Cynthia Runger (786-7717)

Background:  It is illegal to record or transmit any private communication transmitted between two or more individuals by a recording or transmitting device without the consent of all participants, except in emergencies and situations in which one party is harassing or threatening to make unlawful demands on another.

There is concern that the current language does not prohibit unauthorized monitoring and listening.

Summary of Bill:  It is illegal to intercept, record or transmit any private communication transmitted between two or more individuals by a device designed to intercept, record, or transmit without the consent of all participants, except in emergencies and situations in which one party is harassing or threatening to make unlawful demands on another.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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