This bill amends RCW 43.06B.040 to enhance the confidentiality protections for records maintained by the office of the education ombuds. It establishes that all matters and information received by the education ombuds in the course of their duties are to be treated as confidential, including identifying information of students and complainants. The bill specifies that the education ombuds may only disclose information when necessary to perform their duties or as required by state or federal law. Additionally, it clarifies that records related to complaints are exempt from public disclosure and that identifying information cannot be subject to subpoena or other compulsory processes, with limited exceptions for written consent or compliance with legislative inquiries.

Furthermore, the bill allows complainants to access their own complaints and related records, provided that identifying information of other individuals is redacted. It also permits the education ombuds to disclose deidentified data to the education data center without written consent, adhering to security and confidentiality requirements. The definition of "identifying information" is included to clarify what constitutes information that could link back to a specific individual involved in a complaint. Overall, the amendments aim to strengthen the privacy and confidentiality of individuals involved in complaints handled by the education ombuds.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 43.06B.040