BILL REQ. #:  H-4870.1 

Read first time 01/25/08.   Referred to Committee on Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness.

     AN ACT Relating to establishment of a Washington identity theft analysis center; adding a new section to chapter 36.28A RCW; creating a new section; and making an appropriation.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   Identity theft is an epidemic in Washington state. Washington consistently ranks among the top ten states for citizen victimization by identity theft.
     It is rare that the crime of identity theft does not involve multiple crimes, such as burglary, drug crimes, and fraud. About two-thirds of identity theft criminals are habitual offenders who have prior convictions. Perpetrators of identity theft do not geographically contain themselves, often infiltrating numerous counties in search of citizens, merchants, and financial institutions to victimize.
     It is essential to establish a central clearinghouse where all types of information related to identity theft can be deposited, analyzed, and disseminated to law enforcement and prosecutors. A central identity theft clearinghouse will increase multijurisdictional investigative and prosecuting efforts, including greater access to and use of analysts.
     In 2002, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in Washington joined together to develop a new system of intelligence sharing. The key component of the system is the Washington joint analytical center (WAJAC), a centralized fusion center serving as a single point of intelligence collection. Regional intelligence groups located throughout the state provide a link to line level personnel and homeland security partners. The purpose of WAJAC is to investigate crimes with the goal of preventing acts of terrorism.
     It is the intent of the legislature to create and locate a central identity theft clearinghouse with WAJAC. This colocation will enhance the missions of both entities as a result of their ability to share pertinent information and thus maximize the efforts of law enforcement.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 36.28A RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs shall establish the Washington identity theft analysis center (WITAC). It shall be colocated with the Washington joint analytical center.
     (2) WITAC is directed to create and maintain a web site accessible to law enforcement and prosecutors.
     (a) Subject to chapter 10.97 RCW, the web site shall be a central repository of information pertaining to identity theft arrests and convictions.
     (b) Each local law enforcement agency shall transmit its identity theft incident reports to WITAC.
     (c) Information pertaining to identity theft may be contributed by private parties; however, data shall not be accessible by or disclosable to private parties.
     (3)(a) The Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs shall provide WITAC with sufficient staff and resources, within funds appropriated for this purpose, and may accept loans of law enforcement officers as provided in (b) of this subsection.
     (b) Law enforcement agencies may assign officers to WITAC for a minimum term of two years, and WITAC shall train the officers as analysts. Local law enforcement officers shall be paid by the state while so employed.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   The sum of . . . . . . . . dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, from the general fund to the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs to be used for the purposes of section 2 of this act.