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 Reported by Senate Committee On:

Human Services & Corrections, January 17, 2018

Transportation, February 5, 2018

Brief Summary of First Substitute Bill

Requires the Department of Corrections (DOC) to collaborate with the Department of Licensing (DOL) to provide two-year identicards to offenders released in Washington State.
Requires DOL to charge DOC a fee sufficient to pay for 50 percent of the costs of issuing an identicard.

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.

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6280 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

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

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 (First Substitute): 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 must charge DOC a fee to cover 50 percent of the costs for identicard issuance. DOC and DOL have the discretion to implement this act over a period of 12 months following January 1, 2019.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (First Substitute): DOL must charge DOC a fee to reimburse DOL for 50 percent of the identicard issuance cost rather than $18. Language specifying that an identification card issued by DOC may serve as sufficient proof of identify and residence is removed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill (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.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill (Transportation): The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO: This is part of a statewide approach to reduce 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.