HB 2453-S.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Finds that the protection from identity theft for veterans who choose to file their discharge papers with the county auditor is a matter of gravest concern.  At the same time, the integrity of the public record of each county is a matter of utmost importance to the economic life of this state and to the right of each citizen to be secure in his or her ownership of real property and other rights and obligations of our citizens that rely upon the public record for their proof.

     Finds that the integrity of the public record is essential for the establishment of ancestral ties that may be of interest to this and future generations.  While the public record as now kept by the county auditors is sufficient by itself for the accomplishment of these and many other public and private purposes, the proposed use of the public record for purposes that in their nature and intent are not public, so as to keep the veterans' discharge papers from disclosure to those of ill intent, causes concern among many segments of the population of this state.

     Provides that, in order to voice these concerns effectively and thoroughly, a working group may be convened by the joint committee on veterans' and military affairs to develop a means to preserve the integrity of the public record while protecting those veterans from identity theft.

     Provides that the department of veterans affairs, in consultation with the association of county auditors, shall develop and distribute to county auditors the form referred to in RCW 42.17.310(1) (aaa) entitled "request for exemption from public disclosure of discharge papers."

     Authorizes the county auditor to charge a basic recording fee and preservation fee that together shall not exceed a total of seven dollars for the recording of the "request for exemption from public disclosure of discharge papers."

     Requires county auditors to develop a form for requestors of military discharge papers (form DD214) to verify that the requestor is authorized to receive or view the military discharge paper.