A common-sense bill introduced by 17th District Sen. Paul Harris that could result in more lives being saved was signed yesterday by Gov. Bob Ferguson.

Senate Bill 5689 will allow blood-type information to be added to drivers’ licenses and identicards.

“This bill will help improve emergency response by making blood-type information available to first responders and medical staff sooner,” said Harris, R-Vancouver. “In recent years, we’ve seen more accidents on our roads and highways. In these situations, every second matters. A person who puts their blood-type information on their driver’s license also puts themselves in a position to receive life-saving treatment sooner.”

The bipartisan measure was approved by the Senate 49-0 in March before being passed by the House 82-14 in April.

Under the bill, the Department of Licensing must coordinate with health-care providers, emergency responders and blood-donation organizations to educate the public about the availability and potential benefits of including blood-type information on state-issued identification.

On May 2, the governor signed another bipartisan measure introduced by Harris. Senate Bill 5455 will make changes to the administration of the Andy Hill Cancer Research Endowment Board, including requiring that the board include members nominated by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and Seattle Children’s Research Institute.

The 2025 legislative session ended April 27.