The bill aims to enhance security measures for judicial officers and court personnel in Washington State by amending existing laws and introducing new provisions. It authorizes bailiffs of the supreme court and court security personnel of the administrative office of the courts to conduct threat assessments on behalf of judicial officers. Both groups are granted access to criminal history record information, including nonconviction data, specifically for investigating threats against judicial officers. The bill mandates that any founded threats must be reported to local law enforcement, which is also required to communicate the outcomes of such investigations back to the respective court personnel.

Additionally, the bill modifies RCW 10.97.050 to clarify the dissemination of criminal history record information, particularly regarding nonconviction data. It allows for the sharing of this information with bailiffs and court security personnel for the purpose of conducting investigations related to threats against judicial officers. The bill emphasizes that the use of such data is strictly limited to the authorized purposes outlined in the legislation, ensuring confidentiality and security in handling sensitive information.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 4.24.680, 4.24.700, 9A.46.020, 9A.90.120, 2.04.260, 10.97.050
Substitute bill: 2.04.260, 10.97.050
Engrossed substitute: 2.04.260, 10.97.050