Privacy protections for sex designation records
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Learn about new laws in Washington that protect the privacy of information related to sex designation changes.
Contents
1. Basics
SB 6081 creates new privacy protections immediately.
Washington has a new law that protects the privacy of information related to sex designation changes. The law became effective March 16, 2026. It amends (changes) many different laws to create processes for privacy in state records. It also creates new sections of law and declares a state of emergency and says that these changes were necessary for the immediate preservation of public health and safety.
These laws were changed.
SB 6081 changed 3 state laws:
- The Public Records Act at RCW 42.56.230
- Drivers’ Licenses and Identicards (RCW 46.20)
- Vital Statistics (RCW 70.58A)
The new laws apply to all ages.
The privacy protections apply to the information, IDs and records of people of all ages including minors.
Sex designation information is now protected from most public disclosure.
The new law:
- Blocks the public from being able to learn whether a person changed their sex designation using information from public records.
- Stops agencies from releasing any record that would reveal a prior sex designation or information about a request to change a sex designation.
- Permanently seals supporting documents related to sex designation changes with certain agencies.