SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6280
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 of January 30, 2018
Title: An act relating to issuing an identicard for offenders released from prison facilities.
Brief Description: Issuing an identicard for offenders released from prison facilities.
Sponsors: Senators Darneille, O'Ban, Kuderer, Hasegawa and Conway.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 1/16/18, 1/17/18 [DP-TRAN].
Transportation: 1/29/18.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS |
Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Transportation.
Signed by Senators Darneille, Chair; Dhingra, Vice Chair; O'Ban, Ranking Member; Carlyle, Frockt, Miloscia and Walsh.
Staff: Kevin Black (786-7747)
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Staff: Bryon Moore (786-7726)
Background: DOL issues identicards, containing a picture, to applicants who:
do not hold a valid Washington driver's license;
prove their identity as required by law; and
pay the required fee.
An identicard expires six years after the applicant's first birthday after the identicard is issued. The fee for an identicard is $54, but an identicard must be provided at cost to an applicant who: (1) is receiving continuing public assistance grants and is referred in writing by the Department of Social and Health Services; or (2) is under 18 years of age and does not have a permanent residence.
Summary of Bill: DOC must work in conjunction with DOL to create and implement an identicard program to provide offenders released in Washington State with a state-issued identicard. An offender is eligible for an identicard if the offender:
meets DOL criteria;
is sentenced to the custody of DOC and is incarcerated with an earned release date that is more than one year from the offender's admission date;
is expected to be released to a location within Washington State; and
does not have a current, valid state-issued identification card.
An identicard issued by DOC under this act must expire two years from the first anniversary of the offender's birthdate after issuance. DOL may charge DOC $18 as a fee for issuance. DOC and DOL have the discretion to implement this act over a period of 12 months following January 1, 2019.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: January 1, 2019.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Human Services & Corrections): PRO: This bill removes a step compared to last year's bill. DOC is building a statewide approach to recidivism reduction. This bill will improve public safety by providing individuals being released with current photo identification. Obtaining an ID is a cornerstone to successful reentry. An ID is needed to access housing, treatment services, and employment. This version allows DOC to pay the fee of $18 on behalf of the individual. This bill helps the people who need it the most: those with mental health or substance abuse issues and those processing being released from a long period of incarceration. This small step will help more than you realize.
Persons Testifying (Human Services & Corrections): PRO: Senator Jeannie Darneille, Prime Sponsor; Danielle Armbruster, DOC; Christopher Poulos, Washington Statewide Reentry Council.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying (Human Services & Corrections): No one.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Transportation): PRO: This is part of a statewide approach to reducing recidivism and increase post-release employment. The identicard is needed for employment, treatment, and housing. This removes a significant barrier to successful transitions and reducing poverty.
Persons Testifying (Transportation): PRO: Danielle Armbruster, DOC; Paul Benz, Faith Action Network; Stephanie Sams, DOL.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying (Transportation): No one.