This bill amends existing laws to enhance the authority of court of appeals bailiffs in Washington State regarding the assessment of threats against judicial officers and staff members. A new section is added to chapter 2.06 RCW, which grants bailiffs the power to conduct threat assessments and receive criminal history record information, including nonconviction data, specifically for investigating threats made against court personnel. The bill mandates that bailiffs must be qualified through training and experience to perform these duties and requires that any founded threats be reported to local law enforcement for further action.

Additionally, the bill amends RCW 10.97.050 to clarify the dissemination of criminal history record information, particularly concerning nonconviction data. It specifies that such data may be shared with bailiffs of the court of appeals for investigations related to the newly established threat assessment authority. The bill emphasizes that the use of this information is strictly limited to the purposes outlined and prohibits any unauthorized dissemination or use of the data.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 10.97.050
Bill as passed Legislature: 10.97.050
Session law: 10.97.050