The bill amends RCW 74.04.062 to enhance the disclosure of public welfare recipient information to law enforcement for the purpose of locating missing and murdered indigenous women and other indigenous persons. It introduces new provisions that allow law enforcement officers, upon proper identification and written request, to obtain the current address and location of a public assistance recipient if they can demonstrate that the recipient is a fugitive and that the request is made in the course of their official duties. Additionally, if the department becomes aware that a recipient is the subject of an outstanding warrant, it may proactively provide the recipient's location to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Furthermore, the bill allows law enforcement officers from state, local, or tribal agencies to request information on whether a public assistance recipient has accessed their benefits in the last 30 days, which can assist in confirming the recipient's status if they are reported missing. The definitions of "law enforcement officer" and "law enforcement agency" are aligned with existing definitions in RCW 10.122.020, ensuring clarity in the application of these provisions.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 74.04.062
Substitute Bill: 74.04.062
Bill as Passed Legislature: 74.04.062
Session Law: 74.04.062