SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1899

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Human Services & Corrections, March 28, 2001

Title:  An act relating to the use of identifying information in professional licenses.

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).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Human Services & Corrections:  3/23/01, 3/28/01 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Costa, Vice Chair; Carlson, Franklin, Hewitt, Kastama, Kohl‑Welles, Long and Stevens.

Staff:  Joan Mell (786‑7447)

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.

There is a federal statute related to statutorily prescribed procedures to improve effectiveness of child support enforcement.  This provision requires the recording of Social Security numbers in certain family matters.

One provision requires an applicant for a professional license, a commercial driver's license, an occupational license, a recreational license, or a marriage license to provide his or her Social Security number to the issuing agency.  The agency must keep the Social Security number on file at the agency and advise the applicant it is recording the Social Security number, but the agency may use a different number on the face of the formal license it issues.

Summary of Bill:  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.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  January 1, 2002.

Testimony For:  Many licensed professionals, cosmetologists, real estate agents, etc., are vulnerable to identity theft or other criminal activity because Social Security numbers are published on their professional licenses.  This is a public safety issue.  The Department of Licensing has to modify its data system, causing a minor fiscal impact of approximately $38,000.  The department does not object to the bill.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Bryan Wahl, Realtors (pro.)