SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 1681



As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Human Services & Corrections, March 31, 2005

Title: An act relating to the joint task force on criminal background check processes.

Brief Description: Extending and adding a member to the joint task force on criminal background check processes.

Sponsors: House Committee on Criminal Justice & Corrections (originally sponsored by Representatives B. Sullivan, Darneille, Chase, Appleton, Upthegrove and Lovick).

Brief History: Passed House: 3/10/05, 94-0.

Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 3/28/05, 3/31/05 [DPA].


SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Stevens, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Carrell, McAuliffe and Thibaudeau.

Staff: Kiki Keizer (786-7430)

Background: The Joint Task Force on Criminal Background Check Processes (Task Force) was created by the passage of Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2556 during the 2004 legislative session. The legislation required the Task Force to review and make recommendations regarding how to improve the state's criminal background check processes. The legislation also required the Task Force to report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature.

The Task Force held six public meetings in 2004, and made five recommendations. One of the Task Force's recommendations was to expand the membership and extend the life of the Task Force in order to consider matters that were raised at the 2004 meetings of the Task Force but that require further analysis and discussion.

Summary of Amended Bill: The bill reenacts and amends the bill that establishes the Joint Task Force on Criminal Background Check Processes, setting out the members to be included on the Task Force and the topics that must be examined by the Task Force.

The Task Force is authorized to continue its work until December 31, 2005, at which time it will report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature.

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill: The membership of the Task Force is expanded to include a representative of a an organization that primarily serves children, a representative of an organization that primarily serves vulnerable adults, and a representative selected by the state's long-term care ombudsman. The representative of an organization that serves as a clearinghouse for other nonprofits is made an ex officio non-voting member. Two topics are added to the list of topics that the Task Force must consider.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: The membership of the Task Force should be expanded to include separate representatives of organizations that represent the interests of persons with developmental disabilities, children, and vulnerable adults.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Lauri St. Ours, NW Assisted Living Facilities Association.