HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2924


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 House Committee On:
Transportation

Title: An act relating to a driver's license renewal exemption for active foreign service members.

Brief Description: Providing for a driver's license renewal exemption for active foreign service members.

Sponsors: Representatives Flannigan, Ormsby, Liias, Kelley, Wood and VanDeWege.

Brief History:

Transportation: 1/28/08, 1/29/08 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Extends the ability to retain a valid Washington driver's license without a renewal to members of the foreign service and their spouses and dependent children.


HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 24 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Flannigan, Vice Chair; Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Armstrong, Campbell, Eddy, Herrera, Hudgins, Jarrett, Kristiansen, Loomis, Rolfes, Sells, Simpson, Smith, Springer, Takko, Upthegrove, Wallace, Warnick, Williams and Wood.

Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).

Background:

A Washington driver's license issued to a service member in the armed forces remains valid while the individual is serving in the armed forces. The license can be suspended, canceled, or revoked for cause, but otherwise does not need to be renewed in order to remain valid.

Driver's licenses issued to spouses and dependent children also remain valid for as long as the service member is in the armed forces and the spouse or dependent child is residing with the service member.


Summary of Bill:

Washington driver's licenses issued to foreign service officers of the State Department would remain valid, and would not need to be renewed for as long as the officers are employed by the foreign service. Driver's licenses issued to a spouse or dependent child of a foreign service officer would also remain valid for the same amount of time if the spouse or dependent child is residing with the service member.


Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) There are a significant number of demands that are currently being placed on foreign service officers. This bill is something we can do to help them by including foreign service officers where they were left out before.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Flannigan, prime sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.