Booking photo RCW needs clarification

Unclear language in a few state RCWs may be leading to inequities in the public about the release of booking photos for jail and prison inmates.

The main culprit is RCW 70.48.100, which essentially says that booking photos are confidential inmate records and cannot be disclosed without the written permission of the photographed person.

There are a few exceptions, mostly surrounding sex offenders. The photo can be released if it depicts in a sex offender, and depending on the level, it is often required when that person enters the sex offender registry.

But a legal loophole created a unique dil...