SENATE BILL REPORT
EHB 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. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Transportation, March 2, 2020
Title: An act relating to a medical alert designation on driver's licenses.
Brief Description: Concerning a medical alert designation on driver's licenses and identicards.
Sponsors: Representatives Kilduff, Lovick, Chapman, Orwall, Rude, Leavitt, Santos, Pollet and Wylie.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/19/20, 98-0.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/25/20, 3/02/20 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Hobbs, Chair; Saldaña, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Member; Sheldon, Assistant Ranking Member; Cleveland, Das, Fortunato, Lovelett, Nguyen, O'Ban, Padden, Randall, Takko, Wilson, C. and Zeiger.
Staff: Bryon Moore (786-7726)
Background: The 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.
Summary of Bill: DOL must include an applicable medical alert designation on a driver's license or identicard indicating that the applicant has provided information to 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 based on specific self-attestation and verification requirements. For persons under 18 years of age applying for the developmentally disabled designation, a signature of a parent or legal guardian is required.
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 by DOL, the Washington State Patrol, law enforcement, and emergency medical service providers.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on January 1, 2022.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is a bi-partisan consolidation of three separate designations. Other states have gone down this road with much success. This provides crucial information to law enforcement and first responders and will allow a better response to individuals that might have communication barriers or other medical needs. This will help with crisis situations by giving additional information to law enforcement and medical professionals. This is a voluntary system and has built in privacy protections.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Christine Kilduff, Prime Sponsor; Karen Atwood, Washington State Association of the Deaf.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.