Brief Description: Requiring the parks and recreation commission to have a record check performed on certain job applicants.

Sponsors: Representatives O'Brien, Pearson and Darneille; by request of Parks and Recreation Commission.

Hearing Date: 2/4/05

Staff: Jeff Olsen (786-7157).

Background:

The Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission) is responsible for the care and supervision of the State Parks system. The Washington State Patrol conducts background checks and fingerprinting for certain entities that hire persons for positions involving unsupervised access to children and vulnerable adults. The Commission does not have the express authority to require a record check or fingerprinting of prospective employees, volunteers, or contractors under these circumstances.

Summary of Bill:

The Commission is required to adopt rules that may require a criminal history record information search and fingerprinting of job applicants, volunteers, and independent contractors who will work with children or vulnerable adults, or who will be responsible for collecting or disbursing money or processing credit card transactions. The background check will be conducted through the Washington State Patrol criminal identification system and may include the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Permanent employees of the commission who are employed upon the effective date of this legislation are exempt from the requirement.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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