The proposed bill seeks to enhance the protection of personal privacy for individuals in Washington, particularly regarding the unauthorized disclosure of sex designation information and changes in official government records. It amends RCW 42.56.230 to exempt from public inspection any records or information related to a person's sex designation change, along with any supporting documentation. Additionally, a new section is added to chapter 46.20 RCW, which prohibits the Department of Licensing from displaying or transmitting records of a person's sex designation change without consent. Credentials issued after such a change must reflect only the current sex designation, ensuring that the fact of a change is not disclosed.

The bill also establishes stricter conditions for sharing birth and fetal death records for public health purposes, including prohibiting the redisclosure of identifiers without explicit permission and allowing the department to deny data requests that could cause harm or do not meet specific criteria. It clarifies the process for issuing certifications of vital records and emphasizes the confidentiality of these records, including those related to sex designation changes. Overall, the legislation aims to protect individual privacy while allowing necessary access for public health and governmental purposes, and it is set to take effect immediately to preserve public peace, health, or safety.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 46.20.091, 70.58A.500, 70.58A.550, 70.58A.520, 70.58A.530, 70.58A.010
Substitute bill: 46.20.091, 46.20.156, 46.20.157, 70.58A.500, 70.58A.550, 70.58A.520, 70.58A.530, 70.58A.010