SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 6012

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.

As Passed Senate, February 7, 2018

Title: An act relating to requirements for the issuance of a driver's license that includes a veteran designation.

Brief Description: Concerning requirements for the issuance of a driver's license that includes a veteran designation.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators King, Sheldon, Angel, Rolfes, Van De Wege, Keiser, Hunt, Conway, Chase, Short, O'Ban, Saldaña and Mullet).

Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/15/18, 1/17/18 [DPS].

Floor Activity:

Passed Senate: 2/07/18, 48-0.

Brief Summary of First Substitute Bill

Expands the forms of documentation allowed for receiving the veteran designation on a driver's license or identicard.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6012 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Hobbs, Chair; Saldaña, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Member; Chase, Cleveland, Dhingra, Fortunato, McCoy, Sheldon, Takko, Walsh, Wellman and Zeiger.

Staff: Bryon Moore (786-7726)

Background: Under current law, a person may apply to Department of Licensing to obtain a veteran designation on a driver's license or identicards. The person must provide the United States 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 United States Department of Defense issues a 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.

The DD Form 215 is used to correct errors or make additions to a DD Form 214. The United States Department of Defense issues DD Form 2 as identification for retirees. National Guard Bureau Form 22 is a state issued report of separation and military service for the Army and Air National Guard.

In 2015, Congress passed the Veterans Identification Card Act that created a new a government issued Veterans ID card. In November 2017, the federal Department of Veterans Affairs started issuing the new Veteran ID card.

Summary of First Substitute Bill: The acceptable forms of documentation for a person requesting veteran designation on a driver's license or identicard is expanded to include a:

federal Veteran ID card;
Department of Defense Form 215;
Department of Defense Form 2;
National Guard Bureau Form 22; or
other documentation establishing a person's service, and a discharge status of honorable or general under honorable conditions.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on First Substitute: PRO: The expansion of the acceptable forms of documentation for the veteran's designation provides another opportunity to honor our veterans. This is an excellent bill that recognizes their service. The Department of Licensing supports the additions in the bill and believes we can do this without any major system changes.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Curtis King, Prime Sponsor; Ted Wicorek, Veterans Legislative Coalition; Stephanie Sams, Department of Licensing.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.