Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

SSB 6429

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 Description: Providing a designation on a driver's license or identicard that a person has a developmental disability.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Brown, Walsh, Schoesler, Rivers, Van De Wege and Becker).

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

  • Allows an individual to receive a developmentally disabled designation on a driver's license or identicard.

Hearing Date: 2/29/20

Staff: Christine Thomas (786-7142).

Background:

The State Department of Licensing (DOL) issues driver's licenses and identicards that are valid for up to six years. The fee for a six-year driver's license or indenticard is $54 and may include a veteran's designation if applicable.

The Developmental Disability Administration (DDA), within the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), assists individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) and their families to obtain services and support based on individual preferences, capabilities, and needs. Eligibility for DDA services depends on whether the client has a qualified developmental disability, has a functional need, and meets certain income and asset standards.

Summary of Bill:

A developmentally disabled person may apply to the DOL to obtain a DD designation on a driver's license or identicard. The DD designation must be provided to eligible individuals at no additional cost beyond regular driver's license or identicard fees.

To obtain the DD designation, an individual must provide self-attestation that the individual has a developmental disability.

The DOL, jointly with the DSHS, must develop procedures to allow individuals to apply for the DD designation in the most efficient and convenient manner possible. The procedures must include public information regarding the ability to apply for the DD designation on a driver's license or identicard.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 26, 2020.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on January 1, 2022.