HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2440

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

Provides a medical alert designation on a driver's license indicating that the licensee has provided information to the Department of Licensing identifying an eligible medical condition, if applicable.
Allows any person to obtain a medical alert designation on a driver's license by voluntarily providing certain certification from health professionals; and a signature of a parent or guardian for applicants under the age of 18.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 28 members: Representatives Fey, Chair; Wylie, 1st Vice Chair; Slatter, 2nd Vice Chair; Valdez, 2nd Vice Chair; Barkis, Ranking Minority Member; Walsh, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Boehnke, Chambers, Chapman, Doglio, Duerr, Entenman, Eslick, Goehner, Gregerson, Irwin, Kloba, Lovick, McCaslin, Mead, Orcutt, Ortiz-Self, Paul, Ramos, Riccelli, Shewmake, Van Werven and Volz.

Background:

For a fee, the Department of Licensing (DOL) issues driver's licenses that are valid for up to six years to every qualifying applicant. The license must include a distinguishing number assigned to the licensee; the name of record; date of birth; photograph; a signature; and, if applicable, a veteran's designation.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Summary of Bill:

The DOL must include a medical alert designation on a driver's license indicating that the licensee has provided information to the DOL identifying an eligible medical condition, if applicable. Any person may apply to obtain a medical alert designation on a driver's license by providing: (a) a certification, signed by a health professional, verifying a medical condition that could affect communication or account for a driver health emergency; (b) a statement from the person that they have voluntarily provided the certification and other information verifying the medical condition; and (c) a signature of a parent or guardian for applicants under the age of 18. The signed certification is subject to the privacy protections of the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act. The certification is not disclosable and is for the confidential use of the DOL Director, the Chief of the Washington State Patrol, law enforcement, and emergency medical service providers.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The moment of contact between law enforcement officers and emergency medical service providers and drivers is critical to the outcome of the interaction. Voluntarily providing information via a designation on the drivers license affects communication, but also alerts law enforcement officers that there is a condition that could account for a health emergency. The certification provided for a medical alert designation must be provided voluntarily and signed by a licensed health professional. The bill is clear about the driver's right to privacy per federal law. Having a medical alert identifier could be the needed missing link when the driver's license is provided to heighten awareness around the need for certain communication or the need for medical attention.

(Opposed) None.

(Other) More information to law enforcement officers helps people remain safe, both the individuals as well as the officers. This bill should be coordinated with the Travis Alert Act to ensure that officers can look up a name through their computer systems and discover the medical condition of the individual.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Kilduff, prime sponsor; Diana Stadden, The Arc of Washington State; and Donna Patrick, Developmental Disabilities Council.

(Other) James McMahan, Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.