2005 Washington Revised Code RCW 46.20.118: Negative file.

The department shall maintain a negative file. It shall contain negatives of all pictures taken by the department of licensing as authorized by RCW 46.20.070 through 46.20.119. Negatives in the file shall not be available for public inspection and copying under chapter 42.56 RCW. The department may make the file available to official governmental enforcement agencies to assist in the investigation by the agencies of suspected criminal activity. The department shall make the file available to the office of the secretary of state, at the expense of the secretary of state, to assist in maintenance of the statewide voter registration data base. The department may also provide a print to the driver's next of kin in the event the driver is deceased.

[2005 c 274 § 307; 2005 c 246 § 23; 1990 c 250 § 37; 1981 c 22 § 1; 1979 c 158 § 149; 1969 ex.s. c 155 § 5.]

Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2005 c 246 § 23 and by 2005 c 274 § 307, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).      Part headings not law -- Effective date--2005 c 274: See RCW 42.56.901 and 42.56.902.      Effective date -- 2005 c 246: See note following RCW 10.64.140.      Severability -- 1990 c 250: See note following RCW 46.16.301.      Purpose -- 1969 ex.s. c 155: "The identification of the injured or the seriously ill is often difficult. The need for an identification file to facilitate use by proper law enforcement officers has hampered law enforcement. Personal identification for criminal, personal and commercial reasons is becoming most important at a time when it is increasingly difficult to accomplish. The legislature finds that the public health and welfare requires a standard and readily recognizable means of identification of each person living within the state. The legislature further finds that the need for an identification file by law enforcement agencies must be met. The use of photographic drivers' licenses will greatly aid the problem, but some means of identification must be provided for persons who do not possess a driver's license. The purpose of this 1969 amendatory act is to provide for the positive identification of persons, both through an expanded use of drivers' licenses and also through issue of personal identification cards for nondrivers." [1969 ex.s. c 155 § 1.]      Effective date -- 1969 ex.s. c 155: "This 1969 amendatory act shall take effect September 1, 1969." [1969 ex.s. c 155 § 7.] Voter registration data base: RCW 29A.08.651.