SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5195

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 Summary of Bill

Expands the form of authorization for special parking privileges by health care professionals to include "by electronic means."

Background: The Department of Licensing (DOL) must grant special parking privileges to a person with a disability who meets at least one condition of a specified list of criteria, as determined by a licensed physician, advanced nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. If a person is granted a special parking privilege, DOL must provide the person with either special license plates or parking placards containing the international symbol of access and an identification card. However, a person with a disability that is expected to improve within six months may be issued a temporary placard for a period not to exceed six months and is not eligible for the special license plate.

Authorization from a health care professional with authority to write prescriptions must be provided to DOL on a tamper-resistant prescription pad or paper. If the health care professional does not have authority to write prescriptions, the authorization must be made on office letterhead. These authorizations must be attached to the application for special parking privileges for persons with disabilities.

Summary of Bill: The authorization from a health care professional for special parking privileges to a person with a disability is expanded. The DOL may receive authorization from a health care professional "by electronic means" and tamper-resistant prescription paper would not be necessary for the purpose of authorizing a special parking privilege.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill is an update to reflect how people do business now. This is a clean-up bill that aligns with current medical practices and does not change the current system. This bill reduces the administrative burden for physicians.

CON: The process for eligibility should be looking for increased quality control and rigor to ensure the person meets the criteria for authorization. There are no details on what “electronic means” is. Current requirements are the only way to check that the authorization came from a medical professional. This provides free on-street parking for placard holders. In Seattle, this has a large price tag and incentivizes fraud. The most effective solution is local enforcement as right now there is little chance of being caught.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Sam Hunt, Prime Sponsor; Trevor Justin, Washington State Medical Association; Tony Sermonti, DOL. CON: Toby Olson, Governor's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment.