SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2817
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:
Human Services & Corrections, February 25, 2010
Title: An act relating to a person's identifying information submitted in the course of using the electronic statewide unified sex offender notification and registration program for the purpose of receiving notification regarding registered sex offenders.
Brief Description: Exempting a person's identifying information from public disclosure when submitted in the course of using the sex offender notification and registration program for the purpose of receiving notification regarding registered sex offenders.
Sponsors: Representatives O'Brien, Pearson and Kelley.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/10/10, 96-0.
Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 2/25/10 [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 and McAuliffe.
Staff: Shani Bauer (786-7468)
Background: The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) operates an electronic statewide unified sex offender notification and registration program (SONAR) which contains a database of all registered sex offenders in the state of Washington. As required by law, WASPC creates and maintains a public website which posts all level II and level III sex offenders. WASPC may also disclose information about offenders classified as level I upon the request of any victim or witness to the offense or any community member who lives near the offender.
The SONAR system allows a person to register to receive an email alert whenever an offender registers within 1 mile of the person's address. To register, the person must submit his or her name, address, and email address.
Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.
Summary of Bill (Recommended Amendments): Information about a person who registers to receive email alerts from the SONAR system, including the person's name, address, and email address, is exempt from public disclosure.
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.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: WASPC runs the website that contains the sex offender database and sends out an email to those persons who live within a one mile radius of an offender and who have requested notification. This bill protects the requestor's information.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative O'Brien, prime sponsor.