SB 6819

SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6819

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Government Operations & Elections, February 05, 2008

Title: An act relating to providing consistency in terminology in the Revised Code of Washington.

Brief Description: Providing consistency in terminology in the Revised Code of Washington.

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 2/05/08 [DP, w/oRec].

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Kline, McDermott and Pridemore.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.Signed by Senator Roach, Ranking Minority Member.

Background: The Department of Information Services (DIS) was created to provide coordinated planning and management of state information services. The Legislature has previously stated that information services, telecommunications, equipment, software, and services must satisfy the needs of end users and that many appropriate and cost-effective alternatives exist for meeting these needs.

The Human Rights Commission (HRC) enforces the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), RCW 49.60. WLAD prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation/gender identity, disability, age, creed/religion, marital status, HIV/AIDS or Hepatitis C status, retaliation, and Whistleblower Retaliation. The HRC has jurisdiction over most employers with eight or more employees.

A person is guilty of the crime of malicious harassment if the person maliciously and intentionally causes physical injury to another person; causes physical damage to the property of another person; or threatens a specific person and places that person in reasonable fear of harm to a person or property. The act must be committed because of a person's perception of the victim's race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or mental, physical, or sensory handicap.

Summary of Bill: The definition of telecommunications as found in Title 43, related to the DIS is amended to align with the definition in Title 80, relating to Public Utilities. Telecommunications is defined as the transmission of information by wire, radio, optical cable, electromagnetic, or other similar means. As used in this definition, "information" means knowledge or intelligence represented by any form of writing, signs, signals, pictures, sounds, or any other symbols.

The definition of sexual orientation found in Title 9A, related to the crime of Malicious Harassment is broadened to align with the definition of sexual orientation in Title 49, related to the Human Rights Commission. Sexual orientation is defined as heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, and gender expression or identity. As used in this definition, "gender expression or identity" means having or being perceived as having a gender identity, self-image, appearance, behavior, or expression, whether or not that gender identity, self-image, appearance, behavior, or expression is different from that traditionally associated with the sex assigned to that person at birth.

By August 1, 2008, the Code Reviser must provide the Senate Government Operations & Elections Committee and the House Local Government Committee with a list of all statutes that contain inconsistent definitions or references.

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