HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2463

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 Substitute Bill

Provides a developmentally disabled designation on a driver's license or identicard indicating that the applicant has provided self-attestation that the individual has a developmental disability, if applicable, and at no additional cost to the applicant.
Requires the Department of Licensing, jointly with the Department of Social and Health Services, to develop procedures to allow individuals to apply for the designation.

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 30 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; Young, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Boehnke, Chambers, Chapman, Doglio, Duerr, Dufault, 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. For a fee, the DOL issues identicards that are valid for up to six years to individuals who do not hold a valid Washington driver's license but have proven their identity by providing required documentation for a Washington driver's license or identicard. The identicard may also include a veteran's designation, if applicable.

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Summary of Substitute Bill:

If applicable, the DOL must provide a developmentally disabled designation on a driver's license or identicard indicating that the applicant has provided self-attestation that the individual has a developmental disability. The designation must be provided to eligible individuals at no additional cost beyond other applicable fees. The DOL, jointly with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), must develop procedures to allow individuals to apply for the designation in a convenient and efficient manner. The procedures must include public information regarding the ability to apply for the developmental-disability designation.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

Applicants need only provide self-attestation that the individual has a developmental disability for the designation rather than providing documentation from the DSHS or other documentation proving that the individual has a developmental disability. The effective date is changed from September 1, 2020, to January 1, 2022.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This is a simple bill that has big impacts especially for individuals who have developmental disabilities and come in contact with law enforcement officers or emergency medical service providers. Adults with developmental disabilities are often frustrated or shut down when communicating with law enforcement officers. A designation on a driver's license or identicard could ensure that individuals receive proper care and appropriate services if others are not available to communicate on their behalf.

(Opposed) None.

(Other) There is no debate that more information for officers helps individuals and law enforcement officers to stay safe. This bill should be coordinated with the Travis Alert Act to ensure that law enforcement officers have information available to them through their computer systems as well as on driver's licenses and identicards.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Schmick, prime sponsor; Sharon Adolphsen, Benton-Franklin Parent Coalition; Debbie Chapman, Grant-Adam-Lincoln Parent Coalition; Diana Stadden, The Arc of Washington State; and Donna Patrick, Developmental Disabilities Council.

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