Title: An act relating to adding porphyria to the list of disabilities for special parking privileges.

Brief Description: Adding porphyria to the list of disabilities for special parking privileges.

Sponsors: Representatives Kessler, Kagi, Wallace, Moeller, B. Sullivan, Wood, Warnick and Ormsby.

Brief History:

Transportation: 1/31/07, 2/12/07 [DP].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 25 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Flannigan, Vice Chair; Jarrett, Ranking Minority Member; Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Armstrong, Campbell, Curtis, Dickerson, Eddy, Ericksen, Hailey, Hankins, Kristiansen, Lovick, Rodne, Rolfes, Sells, Simpson, Springer, B. Sullivan, Takko, Upthegrove, Wallace and Wood.

Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).

Background:

Porphyria refers to a group of at least eight inheritable metabolic disorders characterized by the build up of porphyrins or porphyrin precursors in the body due to the lack of enzymes necessary to metabolize these chemicals. In many of these disorders, the accumulation of porphyrin in the skin can cause burning, blistering, swelling, and scarring of sun-exposed areas.

The Department of Licensing is required to grant special parking privileges to any person that has a disability that limits or impairs the ability to walk and meets one of the following criteria, as determined by a licensed physician or an advanced nurse practitioner:

• cannot walk further than 200 feet without stopping to rest;
• is severely limited in the ability to walk due to arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition;
• is so severely disabled that the person cannot walk without an assistive device;
• uses portable oxygen;
• is restricted by lung disease to a particular extent;
• is impaired by cardiovascular disease or cardiac condition to a particular extent; or
• has a disability resulting from acute sensitivity to automobile emissions that impairs the ability to walk.

Summary of Bill:

The description of individuals to whom the Department of Licensing is required to grant special parking privileges is expanded to include any person who has a disability that involves acute sensitivity to light, and meets one of the additional criteria, as determined by a licensed physician or advanced registered nurse practitioner. The list of additional criteria is expanded to include an individual who is restricted by a form of porphyria to the extent that the applicant would significantly benefit from a decrease in exposure to light.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect July 1, 2007.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Special parking permits should be issued to people with porphyria. It's a reasonable step that would help people suffering from the disorder.

Porphyria is an inheritable life-threatening disease with no cure. Merely going outside is painful with the disease and sufferers need to wear special suits to protect themselves. Ultraviolet light is what causes the condition, so even on cloudy days there is a problem. Prolonged exposure can lead to difficulties with simple activities such as walking that can last for several days.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Kessler, prime sponsor; and David McRae, American Porphyria Foundation.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.