SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1515

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 March 21, 2017

Title: An act relating to signed written authorizations for special parking privileges.

Brief Description: Clarifying the appropriate format for signed written authorizations for special parking privileges.

Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Graves, Riccelli and Kraft).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/27/17, 96-0.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/14/17.

Brief Summary of Bill

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

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff: Kellee Keegan (786-7429)

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. The DOL is required to define "by electronic means" through rule.

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: PRO: The companion passed off the floor in the House unanimously, and from this committee unanimously.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Paul Graves, Prime Sponsor; Trevor Justin, Washington State Medical Association.

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