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Committee clears ordinance to remove county code language tied to repealed state immigration reporting law
Summary
The Law and Justice Committee approved an ordinance that deletes county code language referencing a state statute repealed in 2019 (RCW 10.71.040). County detention officials told the committee the change has no operational impact because the county stopped collecting that data after the state law changed.
The King County Law and Justice Committee on Jan. 22 approved an ordinance (Proposed Ordinance 20250016) to remove references in county code to a state statute — RCW 10.71.040 — that the committee was told was repealed in 2019 by the Keep Washington Working Act. The ordinance passed the committee with a due‑pass recommendation by a recorded vote of 3‑0, with one member excused; the chair said the motion will be placed on the Feb. 4 council agenda as a regular (non‑consent) item.
What the change does: Council staff reported the ordinance removes language in county code that referenced the now‑repealed state requirement for local jails to collect and report nationality or citizenship information to federal immigration authorities. Melissa Bailey (Council staff) told the committee that, following the state change, the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD or DHAD in the report) stopped recording place‑of‑birth and citizenship fields in its booking system and directs staff not to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement unless a federal judge issues a warrant.
Agency practice and impacts: Deputy Director Steve Larson (DHAD) told the committee the department has no operational concerns and that the booking system fields were removed so there is no place to record immigration or citizenship data. The department confirmed it does not collect or report immigration status, citizenship status or nationality in routine booking and that the ordinance’s edits are technical and intended to align county code with current state law and departmental practice.
Why it matters: Committee chair Jorge Baron said the amendment is meant to clarify county code language so public policy reflects current state law and to reassure community members about county practices. The committee’s vote will move the ordinance to full council for further consideration.
Votes at a glance: Proposed Ordinance 20250016 — remove repealed RCW reference from King County Code. Mover: Council Member Luboski. Committee vote: 3 ayes, 0 nos; one member excused. Committee recommended a due‑pass and scheduled the ordinance for the Feb. 4 council meeting as a regular item.
Ending: Council staff and DHAD said the ordinance is technical and will not change current booking practices; the committee approved the acknowledgment and will forward the ordinance to the full council.
