Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness Committee |
HB 1224
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. |
Brief Description: Allowing law enforcement access to driver's license photographs for the purposes of identity verification.
Sponsors: Representatives Klippert, O'Brien, Ross, Pearson, Hurst, Hope and Herrera.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/3/09
Staff: Yvonne Walker (786-7841)
Background:
The Department of Licensing (DOL) maintains a negative database that contains the negatives of all pictures taken by the DOL. Examining the negative files is authorized under limited circumstances. The negatives are not available for public inspection. However, the negative files must be made available to the Secretary of State to assist in the maintenance of the state voter registration database. The DOL may also make the negative files available to government enforcement agencies to assist in the investigation of criminal activity as well as to a driver's next of kin in the event that the driver is deceased.
The negative files are generally not available to a law enforcement officer during a routine traffic stop for a violation of a traffic code.
Summary of Bill:
The DOL is authorized to make their negative picture files available to governmental enforcement agencies to assist in the purpose of verifying a person's identity.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.