This 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 consultants from 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 can then communicate the outcomes back to the bailiffs or court security consultants.

Additionally, the bill modifies RCW 10.97.050 to expand the dissemination of criminal history record information that includes nonconviction data. It allows such information to be shared with court security consultants for investigations related to threats against judicial officers, ensuring that the use of this data is strictly regulated and limited to authorized purposes. The bill emphasizes the importance of confidentiality and security in handling this sensitive information, while also establishing accountability measures for criminal justice agencies that disseminate such records.

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