SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1419

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.

As of March 11, 2011

Title: An act relating to allowing the department of early learning and the department of social and health services to share background check information.

Brief Description: Allowing the department of early learning and the department of social and health services to share background check information.

Sponsors: Representatives Kagi, Roberts and Dickerson; by request of Department of Early Learning.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/28/11, 95-0.

Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 3/11/11.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Staff: Kevin Black (786-7747)

Background: The Department of Early Learning (DEL) must conduct a federal background check for any current employee, applicant, state-paid provider, or provider paid by a home care agency who may have unsupervised access to children, vulnerable adults, or individuals with mental illness or developmental disabilities. These background checks are processed through the Background Check Unit at the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

Summary of Bill: DEL and DSHS may share federal background check data in order to fulfill the statutory duties of each agency. Neither department may share federal background check results with any other state agency or person.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is an efficiency bill for folks who are applying for background checks to work in licensed child care or for other occupational reasons.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Amy Blondin, DEL.