Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government, Elections & Information Technology Committee |
SB 6079
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. |
Brief Description: Exempting public employee dates of birth from public disclosure requirements.
Sponsors: Senators Kuderer, Takko, Ranker, Rolfes, Cleveland, Hasegawa, Palumbo, Saldaña, Wellman, Darneille, Billig, Nelson, Dhingra, McCoy, Liias, Keiser, Hunt, Conway and Chase.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/20/18
Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).
Background:
Public Records Act. 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 in the PRA or otherwise provided in law. The stated policy of the PRA favors disclosure and requires narrow application of the listed exemptions.
Personal Information and Privacy Interests of Public Employees. The PRA provides an exemption from disclosure of certain personal information in public employee personnel records or volunteer rosters. Such information includes an employee's or volunteer's residential and email addresses, telephone numbers, Social Security and driver's license numbers, and emergency contact information.
Private information of public employees, appointees, and elected officials also is protected under the PRA to the extent that disclosure would be highly offensive to a reasonable person and is not of legitimate public concern. Personal privacy is protected from unreasonable state intrusion under Article 1, section 7 of the state Constitution.
Summary of Bill:
The birthdates of public employees and volunteers located in personnel records and volunteer rosters are exempt from public disclosure requirements.
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.