SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6721

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Children & Family Services & Corrections, February 6, 2004

Title: An act relating to resolving conflicting amendments and effective dates to RCW 71.05.390, which concerns disclosure of confidential information and records.

Brief Description: Resolving conflicting amendments and effective dates to RCW 71.05.390, which concerns disclosure of confidential information and records.

Sponsors: Senators Regala, Stevens, Hargrove and Benton.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Children & Family Services & Corrections: 2/6/04 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Stevens, Chair; Carlson, Hargrove, McAuliffe and Regala.

Staff: Fara Daun (786-7459)

Background: There are currently a number of bills that, if passed, would amend RCW 71.05.390. It is anticipated that not all of the amendments could be merged by the Code Reviser and the amendments could have a range of effective dates, leading to double amendments and possibly the appearance of conflicting provisions.

This section provides the exceptions to the confidentiality of mental health treatment records. The majority of the amendments have to do with disclosures to courts, law enforcement, and correctional officers under emergency or non-emergency conditions. Confusion over these provisions could cause public safety risks.

Summary of Bill: Amendments to RCW 71.05.390 that are made in the 2004 session are merged.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: None.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: No one.