Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Transportation Committee
HB 2096
Brief Description: Addressing the issuance of confidential identification to investigators employed by the office of the attorney general.
Sponsors: Representatives Reed, Parshley, Zahn, Ryu, Doglio, Simmons, Berry, Fitzgibbon, Street, Wylie, Duerr, Scott, Gregerson, Ormsby, Berg, Macri, Fosse and Salahuddin; by request of Attorney General.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Allows the Department of Licensing to issue confidential drivers' licenses and identicards to investigators of the Office of the Attorney General.
Hearing Date: 1/19/26
Staff: Sandy Myer (786-7140).
Background:

The Department of Licensing (DOL) may issue confidential drivers' licenses and identicards for undercover or covert law enforcement activities to commissioned officers of state and local law enforcement agencies and agencies of the federal government.

 

Confidential driver's licenses or identicards have expiration dates that are tied to the undercover assignment and are required to be returned immediately upon the officer's retirement, termination, dismissal, change in job assignment, or leave from the agency.

 

The Office of the Attorney General (AGO) conducts undercover investigations as part of the Consumer Protection, Civil Rights, and Environmental Protection Divisions.

 

The Consumer Protection Division enforces public health laws and laws against unfair business practices.

 

The Civil Rights Division investigates discrimination in a range of areas, including in employment, housing, education, credit and insurance transactions, and at government offices and businesses that are open to the public.

 

The Environmental Protection Division investigates serious violations of state environmental law including unsafe products for customers and companies that offer illegal services, such as removing emissions equipment.
Summary of Bill:

Authorizes the DOL to issue confidential drivers' licenses and identicards to investigators employed by the AGO.  Confidential drivers' licenses and indenticards are restricted to undercover or covert civil or criminal law enforcement activities.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.