SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1019

As of March 25, 2003

Title: An act relating to protection of identification of persons who pay tolls electronically.

Brief Description: Protecting the identity of electronic toll payers.

Sponsors: House Committee on State Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Nixon, Ruderman, Lantz, Woods and Upthegrove).

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Highways & Transportation: 3/25/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORTATION

Staff: Kimberly Johnson (786-7346)

Background: Transponder systems, for purposes of toll collection, allow for electronic payment of highway tolls. Transponders provide automatic vehicle identification through the use of electronic tags installed in the vehicle which communicate with roadside readers to identify vehicle ownership. Embedded in the tag is a personal identifier that relates to the vehicle owner's account which can be read by the toll booth. Once ownership is determined, the toll can be deducted from the corresponding account. Toll violators are monitored by a video enforcement system, which photographs the license plates of violators in order to identify and fine the vehicle owner.

Personally identifying information of persons who acquire and use transit passes and other fare payment media are exempt from public disclosure under current law; however, the information may be released by an agency to the news media when reporting on public transportation or public safety. It may also be disclosed to governmental agencies or groups concerned with public transportation or public safety.

Summary of Bill: Personally identifying information of persons who acquire and use a transponder or other technology for payment of tolls is added to the current list of information that is exempt from public disclosure. This information may be released by an agency to the news media when reporting on public transportation or public safety. It also may be disclosed to governmental agencies or groups concerned with public transportation or public safety. It may not be released for the purpose of facilitating real-time or near real-time monitoring or tracking of a person's location except when required by subpoena in conjunction with a criminal investigation.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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