SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6114

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.

Sponsors: Senators Darneille, Kuderer, Wellman, Dhingra, Keiser, Billig, Nelson, Palumbo, McCoy, Takko, Liias, Chase, Saldaña, Hasegawa, Conway, Ranker, Cleveland, Carlyle, Mullet, Pedersen, Van De Wege and Hunt; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.

Brief Summary of Bill

Requires the Department of Licensing (DOL) to provide an identicard for the actual cost of production to a youth releasing from a juvenile institution or facility operated by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), or who has been released within 30 days before the date of application.

Background: DOL issues identicards, containing a picture, to applicants who:

do not hold a valid Washington driver's license;
prove their identity as required by law; and
pay the required fee.

An identicard expires six years after the applicant's first birthday after the identicard is issued. The fee for an identicard is $54, but an identicard must be provided at cost to an applicant who (1) is receiving continuing public assistance grants and is referred in writing by DSHS; or (2) is under 18 years of age and does not have a permanent residence.

Juvenile Rehabilitation (JR), within the DSHS Rehabilitation Administration, serves high-risk youth in Washington who are committed to the custody of JR by a county juvenile court. JR administers treatment and programs for youth at institutions and community programs around the state of Washington.

In 2019, administration of JR will be transferred to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).

Summary of Bill: Effective January 1, 2019, DOL must provide an identicard, for the actual cost of production, to an individual scheduled to be released from a juvenile institution or facility operated by DSHS or DCYF, or who has been released from such institution or facility within 30 days before the date of the application, for the actual cost of production.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Obtaining a valid Washington State ID is a cornerstone of successful reentry for individuals releasing from our facilities. Identification is critical for obtaining a job, housing, medical or behavioral health services, and education. Reintegration is critical to community safety. The average age of release from JR is 17 and a half—these kids are merging into adulthood. Purchasing a six-year ID card for $54 dollars is unaffordable to most of our youth, who face multiple barriers. Previously we entered into a pilot program with DOL to develop the process. Fifty youth per month, or 600 per year, need this service. This measure supports the Governor's executive order to build safe and strong communities through successful reentry.