HB 2556 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

Provides that, in consultation with the Washington State Patrol, the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs shall conduct a study on criminal background checks. The study shall focus on how Washington state can reduce delays in the criminal background check processing time and how Washington state can make criminal background checks more accessible and efficient.

Provides that the study shall include, but is not limited to: (1) A review and analysis of the criminal background check programs in states that have recently implemented or are soon to implement comprehensive criminal background check programs.

(2) Recommendations on how a comprehensive criminal background check program should be designed in Washington state, and how much a comprehensive program would cost to implement in Washington state.

(3) A review of how a comprehensive criminal background check program could be paid for in Washington state, which includes a determination on whether the program could be funded solely by user fees.

(4) A review of the benefits and obstacles of implementing a criminal background check program created by the national child protection act of 1993. The national child protection act of 1993 increases the availability of criminal background checks for employers who have employees or volunteers who work with children, elderly persons, or persons with disabilities.

(5) Upon completion of the review in this provision, recommendations on how Washington state can make criminal background checks, as authorized under the national child protection act of 1993, available to Washington state employers.

Requires the findings and recommendations from the study to be presented to the legislature no later than December 31, 2004.