FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1613

C 172 L 01

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Providing a time limit for the transmittal of unidentified persons information.

Sponsors:  By Representatives Romero and Schindler; by request of Washington State Patrol.

House Committee on Criminal Justice & Corrections

Senate Committee on Judiciary

Background:

When unidentified human remains are found, a county coroner or medical examiner attempts to identify the remains.  If the coroner or medical examiner is unable to identify the remains, a qualified dentist then attempts to identify the remains by way of a dental examination.  If the human remains are still unidentifiable, the coroner or medical examiner forwards the dental examination records of the unidentified remains to the Washington State Patrol (WSP).  The dental examination records are then entered into the WSP=s dental identification system.

The dental identification system stores the dental examination records and compares the records with other dental records of unidentified human remains filed by law enforcement authorities.

Summary:

The dental examination records of unidentified human remains must be forwarded to the WSP for entry into the dental identification system within 30 days of the date the remains are found.

Votes on Final Passage:

House980

Senate450

Effective:  July 22, 2001