Z-1121.1  _______________________________________________

                         SENATE BILL 6398

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington      54th Legislature     1996 Regular Session

By Senators Hargrove, Long and Oke; by request of Department of Social and Health Services

Read first time 01/15/96.  Referred to Committee on Human Services & Corrections.

Providing for background checks of employees at the special commitment center.

    AN ACT Relating to background checks of employees at the special commitment center; and adding a new section to chapter 71.09 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 71.09 RCW to read as follows:

    The safety and security needs of the secure facility operated by the department of social and health services pursuant to RCW 71.09.060(1) make it vital that employees working in the facility meet necessary character, suitability, and competency qualifications.  In consultation with law enforcement personnel, the secretary shall investigate the conviction record or pending charges of each employee.  All prospective employees shall be fingerprinted, and the fingerprints and other identifying information shall be forwarded to the Washington state patrol and federal bureau of investigation for a criminal history records check.  The criminal history records checks shall be at the expense of the department.  The secretary shall use the information solely for the purpose of determining the character, suitability, and competence of the person for employment in the secure facility.

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