FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1203

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.

Background:

The Public Records Act requires that state and local government agencies make all public records available for public inspection and copying unless the records fall within certain statutory exemptions. The provisions requiring public records disclosure must be interpreted liberally and the exemptions narrowly in order to effectuate a general policy favoring disclosure.

Prior to July 1, 2006, the Department of Early Learning (DEL) existed within the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) as the Division of Child Care and Early Learning. At that time, personal information, including welfare and medical status, contained in child care and early learning records had been protected under the DSHS statutes regarding confidential records. When the DEL became an independent agency, the confidentiality protections previously afforded to individuals whose personal information is documented in child care and early learning records under the DSHS statutes became obsolete.

Summary:

The list of personal information that is not disclosable (addresses, telephone numbers, personal electronic mail addresses, social security numbers, emergency contact, and date of birth information) when contained in files maintained for students in public schools, patients or clients of public institutions or public health agencies, or welfare recipients is removed. An exemption for personal information contained in any file maintained by the DEL for a child enrolled in licensed child care is established. The term "participant" is replaced with "child enrolled" pertaining to exempted personal information for those taking part in a public or nonprofit program serving or pertaining to children, adolescents, or students.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	96	0
Senate	46	0