SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2280

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.

Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Eide, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Minority Member; Fain, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Delvin, Ericksen, Frockt, Hill, Hobbs, Litzow, Ranker, Rolfes, Sheldon, Shin and Swecker.

Background: The Yellow Dot Program is designed to assist first responders in the event of an automobile crash or other medical emergency involving the participant's vehicle. A participant places a yellow dot decal on the vehicle's rear window on the driver side in the lower corner. The decal indicates to first responders that there is a yellow folder in the glove compartment of the vehicle that contains a participant's information which may include name, photo, medical conditions, and emergency contact information.

Several states, including Alabama, Connecticut, New York, and Alaska have Yellow Dot programs.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Amendments): The Department of Licensing (DOL) must implement a voluntary yellow dot program. DOL may contract with a private entity to operate the program and to provide the yellow dot decal and folder.

DOL may charge a fee for the issuance of the yellow dot decal and folder sufficient to cover the cost of the program.

Participation in the yellow dot program does not create any new or distinct obligation for emergency medical responders or law enforcement personnel to determine if there is a yellow dot folder in the motor vehicle or to use the information contained in the yellow dot folder.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (Recommended Amendments): DOL is authorized to contract with a private entity to operate the voluntary yellow dot program and to provide the yellow dot decal and folder. DOL may charge a fee, but is not required to do so.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony as Heard in Committee: PRO: I have worked with DOL to skinny down the fiscal note. DOL will implement the bill by contracting with a private company and the public may click through DOL's website to a private site to purchase the yellow dot decal and folder. This is yet another tool that can be used by a first responder. The first responder will do their best to respond and access the information. This bill does not change any good Samaritan laws. There are many people who can provide important information to a first responder that is not readily identifiable on the individual, like PTSD or a traumatic brain disorder. This bill will be a benefit to people with medical conditions who may be in an accident and unable to communicate with emergency personnel. We’ve worked out the liability concerns that law enforcement expressed and we believe the bill is ready to go. Many states have a similar program and we hear it is working well. I volunteer in the community full time. Since 2007 we have a lot of community support built up for this. This is voluntary so people can choose to participate.