SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5145

                    As of January 29, 1997

Title:  An act relating to department of social and health services records of children who have died from abuse or neglect.

Brief Description:  Requiring that department of social and health services records of children who have died from abuse or neglect be provided to legislative committees.

Sponsors:  Senators Stevens, Long, Schow and Anderson.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Human Services & Corrections:  1/30/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Staff:  Richard Rodger (786-7461)

Background:  Under current law, most information concerning reports and investigations of child abuse and neglect is considered confidential.  However, when a child death occurs as a result of abuse or neglect, while under the state's care, the records of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) are reviewed by a child fatality review team. 

It has been suggested that the DSHS records relating to child fatalities be made available to the relevant legislative committees in the Senate and in the House of Representatives.

Summary of Bill:  Child fatality records are made available to legislative committees when the death occurs as a result of child abuse or neglect. 

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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