Brief Description: Creating a joint task force to study the benefits and applications of radio frequency identification, video, or other technologies.

Sponsors: Representatives Kilmer, Crouse, Hudgins, Morris, Ericks, Takko, Haler, Hankins, P. Sullivan, Morrell and Anderson.

Hearing Date: 1/31/06

Staff: Kara Durbin (786-7133).

Background:

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a tagging and tracking technology that uses tiny electronic devices equipped with antennae, which can transmit identifying information to a remote reader. The information gathered by the reader can be stored or matched to an existing record in a database.

RFID tags can be read at a distance without the knowledge of the person who carries the tag. A tag reader can extract the information in an RFID tag from anywhere between a few inches to up to 750 feet, depending on the type of tag. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, even the simplest RFID tags can be read up to 20 feet away.

Summary of Bill:

A Joint Task Force on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology is established. The Task Force consists of the following members: four legislators; the chief of the Washington State Patrol; the director of the Department of Motor Vehicles; the director of the Department of Transportation, four representatives from the business community; a representative from a non-profit, nationwide trade association in the technology industry; a representative of the insurance industry; and the director of the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board. The Task Force shall choose two co-chairs from its membership. The Task Force may consult with individuals from the public and private sector.

The Task Force is directed to review and make recommendations to the Legislature and the Governor and report to the Legislature by December 30, 2006, regarding the potential benefits and uses of RFID, video, or other technologies in government regulator/operational functions.

At a minimum, the Task Force must review the following issues:

• how RFID is currently being used in government operations;
• the potential benefits of using RFID to provide a means for dynamic traffic management;
• the potential uses of RFID in governmental operations;
• the potential benefits of using RFID to increase compliance with mandatory registrations, such as insurance, registration, and emission testing;
• the potential benefits of using RFID to increase revenue generation for the state;
• the potential benefits of using RFID to increase security for theft, property management, and general safety measures;
• the potential benefits of using RFID for commercial carrier registration;
• the feasibility of using RFID as a "port of entry" at the state's border crossings and ports of entry; and
• the feasibility of using RFID with the expansion of electronic tolling in the state.

In addition to conducting a review of these issues, the Task Force may also examine policies regarding the establishment of requirements for any issuing agency of RFID, video, or other technologies in order to clearly define (a) what personal information is to be collected; (b) how the information is to be collected; (c) how the information will be used; (d) who can access the information; and (e) how the information will be protected.

The Task Force expires on December 31, 2006.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.