SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6426
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 January 30, 2020
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, King, Nguyen, Lovelett, Kuderer, Randall, Frockt, Zeiger, Saldaña, Das, Darneille, Wilson, C., Keiser, Hasegawa and Becker.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/29/20.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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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 issued by DOL.
DOL must issue an identicard, containing a picture, to any applicant provided the applicant:
does not hold a valid Washington driver's license;
proves the applicant's identity; and
pays the required statutory $54 fee.
An identicard is distinctly designed so it is not confused with an official driver's license, and it expires on the sixth anniversary of the applicant's birth date after issuance. An applicant may renew an identicard by means personally appearing at a DOL office, by mail, or by 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 one-time, no-fee original or renewal identicard.
To be eligible for the no fee identicard, the individual must:
show proof of identity;
meet the definition of a sheltered or unsheltered homeless person;
be expected to reside in Washington State; and
not have a current and valid state-issued identicard or driver's license.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on January 1, 2021.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill is refined from the previous version last year. This bill is intended to address one of the major barriers for homeless individuals. This will help homeless people get access to employment, education, housing, medical services, and treatment. Many other states have implemented no cost identicard programs with much success. Without an identicard, it is easy for a homeless person to feel invisible. There are thousands of homeless individuals and this is part of helping them take the next step in improving their lives. This is one pillar of a comprehensive effort to improve homelessness in our state. The free identicard is essential to reduce the trauma experienced by those that are homeless. This is a proven and cost-effective method for assisting homeless individuals.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Annette Cleveland, Prime Sponsor; Paul Benz, Faith Action Network; Ron Rasmussen, Hand Up Project; Laura Ellsworth, Council for the Homeless; Rud Browne, Id to Work; Anne McEnerny-Ogle, Mayor, Vancouver; Ty Stober, Councilmember, City of Vancouver.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.