BILL REQ. #:  S-1472.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/19/13.   

     AN ACT Relating to creating a statewide database of mental health commitment information; adding a new section to chapter 71.05 RCW; and creating a new section.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The department of licensing, Washington state patrol, department of social and health services, administrative office of the courts, and representatives of regional support networks and superior courts shall participate in a work group convened by the department of licensing for the purpose of making a proposal for consolidation of statewide involuntary commitment information for the purpose of accurate and efficient verification of eligibility to possess a firearm. The work group shall also make recommendations with respect to how to maintain the privacy of commitment information and whether access to the database can legally be provided to designated mental health professionals or law enforcement officials for use in the official course of their duties.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 71.05 RCW to read as follows:
     By August 1, 2013, all regional support networks in the state of Washington must forward historical mental health involuntary commitment information retained by the organization including identifying information and dates of commitment to the department. As soon as feasible, the regional support networks must arrange to report new commitment data to the department within twenty-four hours. Commitment information under this section does not need to be resent if it is already in the possession of the department. Regional support networks and the department shall be immune from liability related to the sharing of commitment information under this section.