WA HB1385

Washington State Patrol authorized to execute the National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact (34 U.S.C. Sec. 40316) on behalf of the state to facilitate interstate exchange of criminal history information for background checks

Qualified entities and federally recognized tribes may conduct fingerprint-based state and national criminal history checks on employees, volunteers, and contractors who have access to children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities

Applicants must be notified of their right to obtain a copy of their criminal history record and challenge its accuracy; entities cannot deny employment or volunteer positions until applicants have reasonable time to correct records

Washington State Patrol designated as the state's criminal history repository and compact administrator, with authority to establish fees covering processing costs and FBI background check fees

Effective date: July 27, 2025; passed unanimously (House 97-0, Senate 48-0) and signed by Governor Ferguson on April 16, 2025