SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2607

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 of February 26, 2020

Title: An act relating to assisting homeless individuals in obtaining Washington state identicards.

Brief Description: Assisting homeless individuals in obtaining Washington state identicards.

Sponsors: House Committee on Human Services & Early Learning (originally sponsored by Representatives Callan, Corry, Caldier, Eslick, Orwall, Entenman, Davis, Shewmake, Lekanoff, Thai, Chapman, Steele, Fey, Chopp, Robinson, Bergquist, Senn, Cody, Doglio, Goodman, Leavitt, Ramel, Santos, Ormsby, Pollet, Kloba and Macri).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/18/20, 87-11.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/25/20.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Expands eligibility for the at-cost identicard for individuals without a permanent address from age 18 to age 25.

  • Requires the Department of Licensing, in collaboration with other agencies, to develop alternative documentation methods and processes to assist individuals in obtaining the at-cost identicard.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff: Bryon Moore (786-7726)

Background: The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) issues driver's licenses, endorsements, and identicards that are valid for up to six years. An identicard is a Washington identification card issued by DOL.

DOL must issue an identicard, containing a picture, to any applicant provided the applicant:

An identicard is distinctly designed so it is not confused with an official driver's license, and it expires on the sixth anniversary of the applicant's birth date after issuance. An applicant may renew an identicard by means personally appearing at a DOL office, by mail, or by electronic commerce.

An at-cost identicard—based on the production costs rather than the $54 fee—can be provided if the applicant is:

Summary of Bill: The eligibility for the at-cost identicard for individuals without a permanent address is increased from age 18 to age 25.

DOL, in consultation with the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the Office of Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection Programs (OHY) must:

DCYF must assist licensed or contracted providers in submitting identicard application materials for the at-cost identicard.

DOL must accept identicard application materials for eligible individuals, including identity documentation from a variety of entities.  These entities include: 

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: There is already a pathway for certain youth to obtain an at-cost identicard and this creates a parallel path for youth that are experiencing homelessness.  The expansion of the alternative documentation is intended to provide better access to an identicard, but also preserve the integrity of the identicard system. Providing greater access to an identicard is important step to reducing barriers for homeless youth achieving greater economic self-sufficiency.  The changes from this bill will make the process to obtaining an identicard more streamlined for youth.  The lack of identification is a major impediment to youth in obtaining employment, housing, and access to social services.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Lisa Callan, Prime Sponsor; Liz Trautman, The Mockingbird Society; Rinn Kleinman, The Mockingbird Society; Bekah Manikowski, The Mockingbird Society.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.