Washington House Bill HB1292

Washington 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/23
• Refer: 1/13/23
• Report Pass: 2/3/23
• Refer: 2/7/23
• Refer: 3/13/23

Caption

Making modifications necessary to comply with federal regulations regarding dissemination of federal bureau of investigation criminal history record information.

Impact

If passed, HB 1292 will have a significant impact on how criminal history records are managed and shared within the state. The modifications proposed are intended to streamline the communication between state agencies and federal authorities, thereby improving the efficiency of criminal background checks for employment, licensing, and other purposes. This alignment with federal regulations could reduce discrepancies and foster a more uniform approach to handling sensitive criminal history information across different jurisdictions.

Summary

House Bill 1292 aims to make necessary modifications to state laws in order to comply with federal regulations regarding the dissemination of criminal history record information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The primary focus of the bill is to ensure that state procedures align with federal standards, enhancing the reliability and accessibility of criminal history information for authorized entities. By tightening the integration of state regulations with federal requirements, the bill is expected to bolster the integrity of background checks and similar processes where such information is critical.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1292 appears to be largely supportive among legislators, as it is framed as a necessary compliance measure. There is a prevailing concern for ensuring that the state's practices meet federally mandated standards, and many see the bill as a proactive step in maintaining public safety. However, there may also be underlying apprehensions about the implications of increased data sharing and its impact on individual privacy rights, particularly among advocacy groups focused on civil liberties.

Contention

While the bill is expected to receive broad support, there will likely be points of contention regarding the specifics of data handling and the balance between accessibility and privacy. Critics may voice concerns over how the bill could facilitate broader access to criminal history records and what safeguards will be implemented to protect individuals against potential misuse of such sensitive information. The dialogue surrounding these aspects will be crucial in shaping the final form of the legislation, ensuring it meets both compliance standards and the public's trust.