HOUSE BILL REPORT

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 Summary of Substitute Bill

(As Amended by House)

Provides a medical alert designation, developmental disability designation, or a deafness designation on a driver's license or identicard, if applicable.
Allows any person to obtain an applicable designation on a driver's license or identicard by voluntarily providing self-attestation that the individual has an eligible medical condition; and a signature of a parent or legal guardian for applicants who have a developmental disability or are under the age of 18.

Majority Report: 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, Dent, 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 several forms of identification to state residents, including driver's licenses and identicards that are valid for up to six years to every qualifying applicant. A driver's 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. To receive an identicard from the DOL, applicants must not have a valid Washington driver's license, prove their identity by providing certain types of documentation that include a photograph and their signature. The design of an identicard must be distinguishable from a driver's license but may also 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:

The DOL must include an applicable medical alert designation on a driver's license or identicard indicating that the applicant has provided information to the DOL identifying an eligible medical condition. Any person may apply to obtain a medical alert designation, a developmentally disabled designation, or a deafness designation on a driver's license or identicard by providing: (a) self-attestation verifying that the individual: (1) has a medical condition that could affect communication or account for a health emergency; (2) is deaf or hard of hearing; or (3) has a developmental disability; (b) a statement from the person that they have voluntarily provided the self-attestation and other information verifying the condition; and (c) a signature of a parent or legal guardian for applicants who have a developmental disability or are under the age of 18. For driver's licenses, the self-attestation is subject to the privacy protections of the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act. The self-attestation, for both driver's licenses and identicards, is not disclosable and is for the confidential use of the Director of the DOL, the Chief of the Washington State Patrol, law enforcement, and emergency medical service providers.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Having a DD designation on a driver's license or identicard would make it easy for first responders to understand what is going on when they communicate with people who have a DD. People who have a DD may have communication issues that may make a first responder think that person is inebriated, combative, or uncooperative. A DD designation would allow first responders to quickly assess a situation and provide appropriate treatment and services to people who have a DD. The DD designation should be specific to DD and not be included with designations of other broader categories like medical alert.

(Opposed) None.