The bill amends existing laws regarding the fingerprinting of individuals arrested for criminal offenses in Washington State. It specifies that the chief law enforcement officer or local director of corrections must transmit fingerprints and identifying data within seventy-two hours of an arrest for any person lawfully arrested, fingerprinted, and photographed. Additionally, it introduces a new provision that allows judges to ensure fingerprinting for gross misdemeanor cases, giving them the discretion to order the initiation of an arrest and fingerprint form if fingerprints have not been taken.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies regarding the photographing and fingerprinting of adults and juveniles arrested for felonies or gross misdemeanors. It establishes that law enforcement has the right, but not the obligation, to photograph and record fingerprints of adults who are cited and released or issued a summons to appear in court. The bill also allows for the recording of additional identification data, such as palmprints and toeprints, when deemed necessary for proper identification or crime investigation.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 10.98.050, 43.43.735