SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5664
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 of February 21, 2019
Title: An act relating to implementing an identicard program to provide individuals a Washington state issued identicard.
Brief Description: Implementing an identicard program to provide individuals a Washington state issued identicard.
Sponsors: Senators Cleveland and Wilson, C..
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/20/19.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Staff: Bryon Moore (786-7726)
Background: The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) issues driver's licenses, endorsements, and identicards that are valid for up to six years. An identicard is a Washington identification card (ID) issued by DOL.
DOL must issue an identicard, containing a picture, to any applicant provided the applicant: (1) does not hold a valid Washington driver's license, (2) proves the applicant's identity, and (3) pays the required statutory $54 fee, unless the applicant receives public assistance, in which case the cost is equal to the actual cost to produce the identicard.
Identicards are distinctly designed so they are not confused with an official driver's license and expire on the sixth anniversary of the applicant's birth date after issuance. An applicant may renew an identicard by means of personal appearance at a DOL office, by mail, or electronic commerce.
Summary of Bill: Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the Department of Commerce, working in conjunction with DOL, must create and implement an identicard program to provide homeless individuals within Washington State a state-issued identicard. Under the program, a homeless individual is eligible for a no fee original or renewal identicard on a one-time basis.
In order to be eligible for the no fee identicard, the individual must: (1) show proof of identity; (2) meet the definition of a sheltered or unsheltered homeless person; (3) be expected to reside in Washington State; and (4) not have a current and valid state-issued identicard or driver's license.
DOL and the Department of Commerce must develop a mechanism to cover the costs of the Homeless Identicard Program.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed, with discretion given to implement the program within twelve months of the effective date.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is part of removing a barrier for homeless individuals. The ID is gateway for many things in our society and this helps address the problem of those not having proof of identification. By providing a no cost identicard, this will allow a homeless individual to get a job and escape poverty. This is a good investment and allows homeless people to restart their lives. This builds off the success of programs in other parts of the country. This is a growing problem throughout our state.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Annette Cleveland, Prime Sponsor; Rud Browne, ID to Work; Ronald D. Rasmussen, Hand Up Project.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.