The bill amends RCW 43.43.830 to enhance the fingerprint background check process for individuals working with vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. Key definitions are updated, including the addition of terms such as "care," "covered individual," and "qualified entity," which clarify the scope of individuals and organizations subject to background checks. The bill also specifies that both qualified entities and federally recognized tribes are authorized to conduct state and national fingerprint-based criminal history checks for noncriminal justice purposes related to employment, licensing, or volunteering.

Additionally, the bill establishes procedures for the Washington State Patrol to facilitate the interstate exchange of criminal history information and outlines the responsibilities of qualified entities and tribes in conducting these checks. It mandates that applicants be informed of their rights regarding their criminal history records and provides guidelines for maintaining privacy and accuracy in the handling of such records. The bill also includes provisions to protect qualified entities from liability for failing to obtain information under this section and allows the Washington State Patrol to set fees for processing fingerprint submissions and disseminating records.

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