SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6503

As of February 2, 2004

Title: An act relating to procedures on school buses.

Brief Description: Changing provisions relating to procedures on school buses.

Sponsors: Senator Johnson.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Education: 2/4/04.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Staff: Heather Lewis-Lechner (786-7448)

Background: Under current Washington privacy law, it is illegal for any agency of Washington to record private conversations of individuals without first obtaining the consent of all the persons engaged in the conversation. There are exceptions established in statute for judicial authorizations, for common carriers, emergency services, and emergency response personnel. A violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor.

Summary of Substitute Bill: Public school buses operated by school districts must be exempt from the provisions of Washington's privacy law relating to recording private conversations for the limited purpose of allowing audio taping on school buses. Students, parents, and the school bus drivers must be notified that they could be recorded on a school bus at any time.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: The original bill was not considered.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.