HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1554
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 Passed Legislature
Title: An act relating to exempting information of guardians or family members of children enrolled in child care, early learning, parks and recreation, after-school, and youth development programs.
Brief Description: Exempting information of guardians or family members of children enrolled in child care, early learning, parks and recreation, after-school, and youth development programs.
Sponsors: Representatives Stambaugh, S. Hunt, Holy, Zeiger, Scott, G. Hunt, Bergquist, Condotta, Ormsby and Young.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
State Government: 2/3/15, 2/19/15 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 3/11/15, 98-0.
Passed Senate: 4/8/15, 49-0.
Passed Legislature.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives S. Hunt, Chair; Bergquist, Vice Chair; Holy, Ranking Minority Member; Van Werven, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Gregory and Hawkins.
Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).
Background:
The Public Records Act (PRA) requires state and local agencies to make their written records available to the public for inspection and copying upon request, unless the information fits into one of the various specific exemptions. The stated policy of the PRA favors disclosure and requires narrow application of the listed exemptions.
An exemption is provided for records maintained by the Department of Early Learning regarding the personal information of children enrolled in licensed child care. An exemption also applies to children enrolled in public or nonprofit youth programs, such as early learning or child care services, parks and recreation programs, youth development programs, and after-school programs. These exemptions do not prohibit an agency from providing emergency contact information to appropriate authorities or medical personnel for treatment purposes in an emergency situation.
Summary of Bill:
The personal information of family members or guardians of a child enrolled in child care or youth programs is exempt from disclosure if it would result in the disclosure of the child's personal information. The exemption applies if the family member or guardian has the same last name of the child or if they reside at the same address as the child.
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.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Current law protects the personal information of children in childcare, however a loophole in the law allows access to a child's information through a request for information about the parent or guardian. The protection of personal information for children was passed five years ago. However, names of family members were not included in that law. This bill was vetted through the Sunshine Committee by unanimous vote.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Stambaugh, prime sponsor; and Doug Levy and Carol Etgen, City of Fife.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.