The bill amends RCW 43.43.830 and introduces a new section to chapter 43.43 RCW, focusing on the fingerprint background check process for individuals involved in the care of children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. Key definitions are updated, including the terms "applicant," "qualified entity," and "covered individual," which now encompass volunteers and contractors who may have unsupervised access to vulnerable populations. The bill also clarifies the responsibilities of qualified entities and federally recognized tribes in conducting state and national fingerprint-based criminal history checks, ensuring that applicants are informed of their rights regarding their criminal history records.

Additionally, the bill establishes the Washington State Patrol as the repository for criminal history records related to the interstate exchange of information for noncriminal justice purposes. It outlines the procedures for conducting background checks, including the requirement for fingerprints to be searched by the Washington State Patrol before being sent to the FBI. The bill emphasizes the importance of privacy and the right of applicants to challenge the accuracy of their records, while also providing immunity from liability for qualified entities and the state regarding the information obtained under this section.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.43.830
Substitute Bill: 43.43.830
Engrossed Substitute: 43.43.830
Bill as Passed Legislature: 43.43.830
Session Law: 43.43.830