Did

Eligible crimes are violent offenses such as sex offenses, domestic violence and felony harassment. Court order violations are also included.

Last year, legislation added five more offenses to the list, including domestic violence offenses, third-degree assault, unlawful imprisonment, vehicular homicide by disregard for the safety of others and controlled substance homicide.

“As you know, data privacy is a big deal nowadays. There’s so much data that’s out there. So much is going on the internet,” state senator Matt Boehnke (R-Kennewick) said. “There are a lot of things that we need to look after to ensure we have that balance to protect our data where that’s needed.”

“This bill’s sole purpose is to use good governance to protect survivors and witnesses. It is designed with respect for the processing of trauma by expanding who can be notified and providing survivors the assurance that they won’t be put at extra risk of harm,” Nobles said.

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration by the Community Safety, Justice, and Reentry Committee.

Forty-eight of 49 senators voted for the bill with one senator excused from the debate.

The Washington State Journal is a nonprofit news website funded by the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation. Learn more at wastatejournal.org.