BILL REQ. #: H-4956.1

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SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 3153
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State of Washington

59th Legislature

2006 Regular Session

By House Committee on Children & Family Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Haler, Pettigrew, Roberts, Kagi and Kenney)

READ FIRST TIME 2/3/06.

AN ACT Relating to retention of records regarding child abuse and neglect; and adding a new section to chapter 26.44 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 26.44 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The department shall retain records indefinitely regarding child abuse and neglect referrals that, after investigation, result in:
     (a) A founded complaint or for which the evidence indicates that more likely than not the abuse or neglect occurred; or
     (b) A termination of parental rights under chapter 13.34 RCW.
     (2) Records must be maintained, electronically or otherwise, in such a manner that the department can identify persons by name and date of birth or by another means permitted by law. The department shall use the information contained in the records when making decisions related to child day care, adoptions, and out-of-home placements.

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