Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 2378
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 for a veteran designation on drivers' licenses and identicards.
Sponsors: Representatives McCune, Orwall, Ahern, Finn, Kelley and Ryu.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/23/12
Staff: Alison Hellberg (786-7152).
Background:
The Department of Licensing (Department) issues driver's licenses and identification cards. The fee for a driver's license is $25 and it is issued for a period of five years. The fee for identification cards is $20 and the renewal period is five years.
The United States Department of Defense issues a document known as the "DD Form 214" that constitutes a verified record of a service member's time in the military. This form also shows a service member's reason for discharge. Government agencies use this form to determine eligibility for certain veteran benefits.
Summary of Bill:
A person may apply to the Department to obtain a veteran designation on a driver's license or identification card. The person must provide the Department of Defense discharge document, DD Form 214, that shows a discharge status of "honorable" or "general under honorable conditions" and establishes the person's service in the armed forces.
The Department may charge an additional fee for driver's licenses with a veteran designation that is sufficient to cover the start-up and administrative costs associated with the inclusion of the designation. The fee may not, however, exceed $7.50 per designation.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 12, 2012.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect July 1, 2012.