FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1899

C 276 L 01

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Prohibiting the use of social security numbers and drivers' license numbers in professional licenses.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on State Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Bush, McIntire, Cairnes, Keiser, DeBolt, Hatfield, Benson, Santos, Roach, Miloscia, Barlean, Lovick, Casada, O'Brien, Morell, Simpson, Mielke, Jackley, Pearson, Romero, Eickmeyer, Ruderman, Sump, Linville, D. Schmidt, Campbell, Esser, Hunt, Hurst and Schual‑Berke).

House Committee on State Government

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Background:

Federal law (the Privacy Act of 1974) requires all federal and state agencies requesting the disclosure of an individual's Social Security number to notify the individual of the following:  (1) whether disclosure of the number is required or optional; (2) which law or regulation permits the agency to request disclosure of the number; and (3) how the number will be used.  The Privacy Act of 1974 also prohibits federal and state agencies from denying any right, benefit, or privilege to an individual because of the individual's refusal to disclose his or her Social Security number unless the disclosure is required by federal statute.

To qualify for federal welfare funds, a state must collect the Social Security numbers of any applicant for a professional license, a driver's license, an occupational license, a recreational license, or a marriage license.

Summary:

Social security numbers and drivers= license numbers may not be used as part of a professional license.  Licenses existing on the effective date of the act must comply with this prohibition at the next renewal date.

Votes on Final Passage:

House940

Senate450

Effective:  January 1, 2002