HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  ESSB 5274

Title:  An act relating to disclosure of students' social security numbers.

Brief Description:  Limiting disclosure of students' social security numbers.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Senators Schow, Hochstatter, Zarelli, Stevens, Strannigan, Rasmussen, Deccio, Benton, Roach, Horn and Winsley).

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

  Meeting Date:  March 28, 1997.

Staff contact:  Patty Shelledy (786-7149).

Background:  Federal law (the Privacy Act of 1974) requires all governmental agencies requesting the disclosure of an individual's social security number to notify the individual of the following: (1) whether disclosure of the number is required or optional; (2) which authority permits the agency to request disclosure of the number; (3) how the number will be used; and (4) the consequences for failure to provide the number.

Currently, state laws do not provide limitations on a public school=s request for disclosure of a student=s social security number.

Summary of Bill:  School districts are prohibited from requesting a student=s social security number, except for Medicaid reimbursement purposes or when explicitly required by federal law.  When a school district requests disclosure of a student=s social security number, the school must use a form that contains a disclosure statement and is signed by the parent or guardian.  The disclosure statement must include the specific purpose for the request and the consequences for not providing the number.  It is unlawful for a public school to deny a student any right, benefit, or privilege if a student or parent refuses to disclose the social security number.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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