LEGISLATION

AN ACT Relating to reporting information on routine traffic enforcement; adding new sections to chapter 43.43 RCW; creating a new section; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

{+ NEW SECTION. +} Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 43.43 RCW to read as follows: (1) Beginning May 1, 2000, the Washington state patrol shall collect, and report semiannually to the criminal justice training commission, the following information: (a) The number of individuals stopped for routine traffic enforcement, whether or not a citation or warning was issued; (b) Identifying characteristics of the individual stopped, including the race or ethnicity, approximate age, and gender; (c) The nature of the alleged violation that led to the stop; (d) Whether a search was instituted as a result of the stop; and (e) Whether an arrest was made, or a written citation issued, as a result of either the stop or the search. (2) The criminal justice training commission and the Washington state patrol shall compile the information required under subsection (1) of this section and make a report to the legislature no later than December 1, 2000.

{+ NEW SECTION. +} Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 43.43 RCW to read as follows: (1) The Washington state patrol shall work with the criminal justice training commission and the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs to develop (a) further criteria for collection and evaluation of the data collected under section 1 of this act, and (b) training materials for use by the state patrol and local law enforcement agencies on the issue of racial profiling. (2) The Washington state patrol, criminal justice training commission, and Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs shall encourage local law enforcement agencies to voluntarily collect the data set forth under section 1(1) of this act.

{+ NEW SECTION. +} Sec. 3. The Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs shall report to the legislature by December 1, 2000, the following information: (1) The names and number of local law enforcement agencies voluntarily collecting data on potential racial profiling; (2) The type of data being collected by each participating agency; and (3) The manner in which the agencies are using the data collected.

{+ NEW SECTION. +} Sec. 4. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately. Passed the Senate February 15, 2000. Passed the House March 1, 2000. Approved by the Governor March 24, 2000. Filed in Office of Secretary of State March 24, 2000.