Brief Description: Authorizing use of lie detector tests on juvenile court services employment applicants.

Sponsors: Senators Hargrove, Stevens, Delvin, Regala and Shin.

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections
House Committee on Commerce & Labor

Background: In general, employers in Washington are not permitted to require employees or job applicants to take a polygraph, or similar test, as a condition of employment. The Washington State Patrol and several local law enforcement agencies may, however, and do require applicants to pass a psychological examination or polygraph test in order to be hired as law enforcement officers.

Summary: The law allowing law enforcement agencies to conduct a polygraph, or similar test, as a condition of employment is extended to allow county juvenile court services agencies to conduct a polygraph, or similar test, as a condition of employment.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      44   1
House      92   2

Effective: July 24, 2005