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. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Transportation
Title: An act relating to providing a designation on a driver's license or identicard that a person has a developmental disability.
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 History:
Committee Activity:
Transportation: 2/29/20, 3/2/20 [DP].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
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.
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.
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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.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on January 1, 2022.
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.
Persons Testifying: Senator Brown, prime sponsor; Sharon Adolphsen; and Debbie Chapman.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.