Brief Description: Adding kidnapping to the statewide registered sex offender web site.

Sponsors: Representatives O'Brien, Pearson, Darneille, Simpson and Ormsby.

Hearing Date: 2/1/05

Staff: Yvonne Walker (786-7841).

Background:

The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) administers a web site available to the public which provides electronic links to county operated web sites which offer sex offender registration information.

The WASPC has also developed, using federal grants and other sources, a public accessible web site with information on all level II and level III sex offenders in the state. The web site has mapping capabilities which can show, among other items, the offender's address, name, and type of conviction.

Summary of Bill:

Information on kidnapping offenders, as allowed by law, is included on the WASPC web site. The web site allows citizens to search for registered kidnappers in Washington by county, city, zip code, last name, conviction, and address by hundredth block. The WASPC is authorized to use funding from federal or other sources to operate the web site containing the kidnapping offender information.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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