SB 5412-S3 - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Finds that identity theft and the other types of fraud is a significant problem in the state of Washington, costing our citizens and businesses millions each year. The most common method of accomplishing identity theft and other fraudulent activity is by securing a fraudulently issued driver's license.

Declares it is the purpose of this act to significantly reduce identity theft and other fraud by preventing the fraudulent issuance of driver's licenses and identicards.

Requires that, no later than January 1, 2006, the department shall implement a voluntary biometric matching system for driver's licenses and identicards. The biometric matching system shall be used only to verify the identity of an applicant for a renewal or duplicate driver's license or identicard by matching a biometric identifier submitted by the applicant against the biometric identifier submitted when the license was last issued. This project requires a full review by the information services board using the criteria for projects of the highest visibility and risk.

Requires the biometric matching system selected by the department to be capable of highly accurate matching, and shall be compliant with biometric standards established by the American association of motor vehicle administrators.

Requires the biometric matching system selected by the department to incorporate a process that allows the owner of a driver's license or identicard to present a personal identification number or other code along with the driver's license or identicard before the information may be verified by a third party.

Provides that, upon the establishment of a biometric driver's license and identicard system as described in this act, the department shall allow every person applying for an original, renewal, or duplicate driver's license or identicard to voluntarily submit a biometric identifier.

Provides that the department may not disclose biometric information to the public or any governmental entity except when authorized by court order.

Requires all biometric information to be stored with appropriate safeguards, including but not limited to encryption.

Provides that, if specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill or chapter number, is not provided by June 30, 2004, in the omnibus transportation appropriations act, sections 1, 3, 4, and 5 of this act are null and void.