HB 1881 - DIGEST

     Declares an intent of this act to protect the privacy of the citizens of Washington by restricting the use of social security account numbers by companies, government agencies, and organizations that use individual's social security account numbers for numerical identifiers, account numbers, and other recordkeeping purposes.

     Declares that, except as specifically provided in the act, no person may utilize or retain an individual's social security account number, or any intentional derivative of that number, for purposes of identification of the individual.

     Provides that, any person aggrieved by any act of any person in violation of this act may bring a civil action in superior court to recover:  (1) Such preliminary and equitable relief as the court determines; and

     (2)(a) The greater of any actual damages or twenty-five thousand dollars; or

     (b) Five hundred thousand dollars if violations have occurred with frequency sufficient to constitute a general business practice.

     Directs the office of the administrator for the courts to study the options and feasibility of operating the judicial information system without, and a case tracking and identification system that does not require, the use and retention of individuals' social security account numbers.  The office of the administrator for the courts must submit a report to the legislature by January 1, 2000.