Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
State Government

HB 1053

Brief Description:  Protecting privacy in the use of governmental information services.

Sponsors:  Representatives Romero, Lambert, McIntire, Haigh, Kenney and Van Luven.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Prohibits a state internet information service from placing or altering information or software on a person=s computer without the person=s consent.

Hearing Date:  1/24/01

Staff:  Jim Morishima (786‑7191).

Background: 

Many state agencies and institutions operate internet web sites for public usage.  Many internet web sites install software (otherwise known as ?applets@) or leave information on a person=s computer (otherwise known as ?cookies@) when the person visits the site.  ?Cookies@ can be used to help the operator of the site gather information about the person or his or her internet usage.  ?Applets@ can be used to alter information or software on a person=s computer.

Summary of Bill: 

A state operated internet web site may not require a person using the site to accept the placement of an ?applet" or ?cookie@ on the person's computer without the person's consent.  A state operated web site is also prohibited from modifying information or software on a person's computer without the person's consent.  The state operated web site may not terminate a person's access to the information on the site because he or she refused to allow the placement or modification of information or software on his or her computer.

The Department of Information Services is required to develop standards to facilitate the implementation of the requirements listed above.

Rulemaking Authority:  No express authority.

Effective Date:  The bill takes effect on July 1, 2002.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 18, 2001.