Loading chat...
WA HB2685
Bill
Status
1/27/2026
Primary Sponsor
Debra Lekanoff
Click for details
AI Summary
-
Establishes tribal data sovereignty principles requiring state health agencies to give tribes equal or enhanced access to state data, recognize tribal authority over collection and interpretation of their own data, and obtain informed consent before sharing tribal data with third parties.
-
Requires state agencies to include tribal data sovereignty principles in data sharing agreements and consult with the Governor's Indian Health Advisory Council tribal data sovereignty committee on implementation.
-
Exempts tribal data pertaining to American Indians, Alaska Natives, or Indian tribes held by specified state agencies and local health jurisdictions from public disclosure under the Public Records Act.
-
Directs the State Board of Health to amend disease reporting rules by July 31, 2027, requiring health care providers, facilities, and laboratories to report notifiable conditions directly to tribal health jurisdictions where patients reside.
-
Adds statutory definitions for "tribal data" (including tribal membership, affiliation, census tract, and information about tribal members) and "tribal data sovereignty" to RCW 43.71B.010.
Legislative Description
Concerning sharing and protection of tribal data.
Last Action
House Rules "X" file.
2/19/2026