FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6361

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.

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: Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Brandland, Hargrove, Carrell, Roach and Marr).

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs

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 a 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: 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.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	47	0
House	98	0