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, and mandates that credentials issued post-change reflect only the current sex designation without indicating that a change has occurred. The bill also ensures that sensitive information related to sex designation changes is excluded from records shared with other jurisdictions unless consent is provided.

Moreover, the bill establishes stricter conditions for the sharing and confidentiality of birth and fetal death records for public health purposes. It prohibits the redisclosure of identifiers without explicit permission and allows the department to deny data requests based on potential harm or disenfranchisement. Vital records are reaffirmed as confidential and not subject to public inspection, with exceptions for certifications and informational copies. The bill also introduces provisions for releasing vital records to government agencies under strict conditions, emphasizes that these records cannot be sold or accessed for commercial purposes, and includes definitions for key terms to protect individual privacy while facilitating necessary public health research. The act is deemed necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, or safety, and takes effect immediately upon passage.

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
Bill as passed Legislature: 46.20.091, 46.20.156, 46.20.157, 70.58A.500, 70.58A.550, 70.58A.520, 70.58A.530, 70.58A.010
Session law: 46.20.091, 46.20.156, 46.20.157, 70.58A.500, 70.58A.550, 70.58A.520, 70.58A.530, 70.58A.010