Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Early Learning & Human Services Committee

HB 2855

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: Concerning the sharing of information between participants in multidisciplinary coordination of child sexual abuse investigations.

Sponsors: Representatives Stonier, Appleton, Haler, Lovick, Orwall, Sells, Wylie, Eslick and Hayes.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Authorizes participants in the multidisciplinary coordination of child sexual abuse investigations are authorized to share information about criminal child sexual investigations and case planning following such investigations with other participants in the multidisciplinary coordination.

  • Provides immunity for good faith sharing of such information with participants in the multidisciplinary coordination of child sexual abuse investigations.

Hearing Date: 1/31/18

Staff: Luke Wickham (786-7146).

Background:

Child Sexual Abuse Investigation Protocol.

Each county must develop a written protocol for handling criminal child sexual abuse investigations. The protocol must address the coordination of child sexual abuse investigations between the prosecutor's office, law enforcement, Child Protective Services, children's advocacy centers, local advocacy groups, community sexual assault programs, and any other local agency involved in the criminal investigation of child sexual abuse. Local protocols for handling criminal child sexual abuse investigations must be submitted to the Legislature.

A community sexual assault program means a community-based social service agency that is qualified to provide and provides core services to victims of sexual assault.

A children's advocacy center is a child-focused facility in good standing with the Children's Advocacy Centers of Washington and coordinates a multidisciplinary process for the investigation, prosecution, and treatment of sexual and other types of child abuse. Children's advocacy centers provide a location for forensic interviews and coordinate access to services such as, but not limited to, medical evaluations, advocacy, therapy, and case review by multidisciplinary teams.

Summary of Bill:

Participants in the multidisciplinary coordination of child sexual abuse investigations are authorized to share information about criminal child sexual investigations and case planning following such investigations with other participants in the multidisciplinary coordination.

Participants in the multidisciplinary coordination of child sexual abuse investigations that share share information about criminal child sexual investigations and case planning following such investigations in good faith with other participants in the multidisciplinary coordination are immune from any liability arising out of sharing such information.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.