SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5775

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.

As Amended by House, March 6, 2014

Title: An act relating to allowing for a veteran designation on drivers' licenses and identicards.

Brief Description: Allowing for a veteran designation on drivers' licenses and identicards.

Sponsors: Senators Benton, Hobbs, Brown, Ericksen, Conway and Rivers.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/20/13, 2/25/13 [DP].

Passed Senate: 3/08/13, 48-1; 2/10/14, 47-1.Passed House: 3/06/14, 96-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Eide, Co-Chair; King, Co-Chair; Benton, Vice Co-Chair; Hobbs, Vice Co-Chair; Fain, Budget Leadership Cabinet; Billig, Brown, Ericksen, Litzow, Mullet, Rolfes, Sheldon, Carrell, Harper, Schlicher and Smith.

Staff: Kim Johnson (786-7472)

Background: The Department of Licensing (DOL) issues driver's licenses and identification cards. The fee for driver’s licenses and identicards is $9 per year. Currently driver’s licenses and identicards are generally issued for a period of five years, but after July 2013, driver’s licenses and identicards will be valid for a period of six years.

The United States Department of Defense issues a document known as DD Form 214 that constitutes a verified record of a service member's time in the military. This form also shows a service member's reason for discharge. Government agencies use this form to determine eligibility for certain veteran benefits.

Summary of Bill: A person may apply to DOL to obtain a veteran designation on a driver's license or identification card. The person must provide the Department of Defense discharge document, DD Form 214, that shows a discharge status of honorable or general under honorable conditions and establishes the person's service in the armed forces.

The Department may charge an additional fee for driver's licenses with a veteran designation that is sufficient to cover the start-up and administrative costs associated with the inclusion of the designation. The fee may not, however, exceed $2 per designation.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

[OFM requested ten-year cost projection pursuant to I-960.]

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2015.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: None.

Persons Testifying: No one.

House Amendment(s): Eliminates the authority for DOL to charge a $2 fee for the veteran's designation. Delays the effective date to August 30, 2017.