Bill > SB5223

This bill modifies existing Washington state laws regarding criminal offense fingerprinting by expanding the circumstances under which law enforcement can take and transmit fingerprints. For felony cases, the bill maintains the existing requirement that judges ensure defendants are fingerprinted and that arrest and fingerprint forms are transmitted to the appropriate section. For gross misdemeanor cases, the bill changes the language from a mandatory requirement to a permissive one, giving judges the option (rather than the obligation) to ensure defendants are fingerprinted and to order law enforcement to initiate and transmit fingerprint forms. Additionally, the bill adds language allowing law enforcement to photograph and record fingerprints for individuals who are cited and released or issued a summons to appear in court, which was not explicitly covered in the previous version of the law. The changes provide more flexibility to law enforcement and judicial officers in handling fingerprinting and documentation for criminal offenses, particularly for cases involving gross misdemeanors and alternative forms of legal engagement beyond traditional arrest and detention.

Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5223&Year=2025&Initiative=false