Washington 2023-2024 Regular Session

Washington Senate Bill SB5746

Introduced
2/16/23  

Caption

Exempting the disclosure of certain information of agency employees or their dependents who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment, or stalking.

Impact

The implementation of SB5746 would have significant implications for public record laws, specifically those concerning employee information within state agencies. With this bill, state laws will shift towards offering greater protections for individuals in vulnerable situations. Agencies will need to establish protocols for safeguarding qualifying employee information, ensuring compliance with the new privacy mandates. This may also lead to increased training and awareness around domestic violence and its impacts within state employment contexts.

Summary

SB5746 seeks to enhance the privacy and safety of agency employees and their dependents who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment, or stalking. The bill exempts certain information regarding these individuals from public disclosure, aiming to protect them from potential harm or retaliation. By limiting access to sensitive information, the legislation prioritizes the security of survivors and acknowledges the challenges they face in seeking assistance from state agencies.

Sentiment

Broadly, the sentiment surrounding SB5746 appears to be supportive, particularly among advocacy groups focused on victim protection and domestic violence awareness. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step in creating a safer environment for those affected by violence, enabling them to work without fear of compromising their safety. However, there may be concerns regarding the balance between transparency and privacy, as some opponents may advocate for public access to certain information under the premise of accountability.

Contention

While SB5746 has garnered support, it also raises essential discussions about the limits of privacy versus public knowledge. Critics may express concerns about the potential for misuse of the exemption to shield individuals from legitimate inquiries or oversight. The debate could also consider the broader implications for transparency in state dealings, where the need for confidentiality intersect with the requirement for public accountability. Overall, the bill points to significant legislative engagement in addressing the needs of a vulnerable population while balancing these against broader principles of governance.

Companion Bills

WA HB1533

Crossfiled Exempting the disclosure of certain information of agency employees or their dependents who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment, or stalking.

Previously Filed As

WA HB1533

Exempting the disclosure of certain information of agency employees or their dependents who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment, or stalking.

WA HB1591

Providing remedies for defendant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking.

WA LR346

Interim study to review landlord-tenant law to determine whether legislative reforms can be enacted to further protect and empower victims and survivors of domestic violence or sexual violence and their dependents

WA HB2457

Concerning emergency housing for domestic violence survivors.

WA HB2242

Supporting sexual assault survivors at institutions of higher education.

WA HB1817

Supporting survivors of sexual assault in public elementary and secondary schools.

WA SB5386

Supporting survivors of sexual assault in public elementary and secondary schools.

WA SB5355

Improving safety at institutions of higher education while supporting student survivors of sexual assault.

WA LB315

Prohibit providers of services relating to examination or treatment of injuries from sexual assault, domestic assault, and child abuse from taking certain debt enforcement actions against victims

WA SB5295

Updating Washington's sexual assault survivor bill of rights.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.