The bill introduces a new section to chapter 43.43 RCW, establishing a framework for gathering and preserving digital data related to complaints of federal agent misconduct in Washington State. Upon receiving such a complaint, the office of the attorney general or a county prosecuting attorney can instruct the Washington State Patrol to collect and securely store identifying digital data about the federal agents involved. This data may include various forms of digital information, such as license plate data, cell tower data, and facial recognition data, which can help confirm the identity of the federal agents in question.
Additionally, the bill stipulates that complainants can access the identifying digital data relevant to their complaints only through a court order, which can be issued in either civil or criminal proceedings alleging violations of federal constitutional rights. The bill defines "federal agent" as a federal law enforcement officer or a private contractor assisting in federal law enforcement, and outlines specific types of misconduct that fall under this definition, including excessive force, assault, and unlawful detention.