Task force narrows privacy language, authorizes a privacy and civil‑liberties work group

Privacy and civil‑liberties concerns dominated much of the meeting as members discussed how recommendations should limit use of information collected through hotlines, referral systems, and behavioral threat reporting. Jay Garrison argued the recommendations should "protect confidentiality while expressly preserving those obligations," clarifying that exceptions should remain for "imminent serious harm" and mandatory reporting. He added that the edits should prevent help‑seeking calls from being used as a source for unrelated enforcement or long‑term disclosure to immigration authorities.

After extended drafting and discussion, the task force reached consensus on consolidating the privacy language into a preamble and authorizing the future statewide program "to establish a privacy and civil‑liberties work group to develop safeguards consistent with the recommendations adopted by the task force." Members also agreed to refer statutory reconciliation (RCW/WAC conflicts and mandatory reporting obligations) to legislative counsel during drafting.