Brief Description: Authorizing background checks on gubernatorial appointees.

Sponsors: Senators Roach, Kastama, Regala and Winsley; by request of Washington State Patrol.

Hearing Date: 2/20/04

Staff: Katie Blinn (786-7114).

Background:

"Criminal history record information" includes information on arrests, detentions, indictments, informations, or other formal criminal charges, and any disposition arising from those charges, such as guilty verdicts, acquittals, acquittals by reason of insanity, dismissals based on lack of competency, sentences, correctional supervision, and release. It does not include records regarding traffic infractions. Nonconviction data includes criminal history record information relating to an incident that is no longer actively pending that did not lead to a conviction or other adverse disposition.

Summary of Bill:

When requested by the Governor or the Department of Personnel, the Washington State Patrol must conduct a nonconviction criminal history fingerprint record check on applicants for agency head positions. Background check information shall be confidential and made available only to those people directly involved in the application process. If necessary, applicants may be employed on a conditional basis pending completion of the background check.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.