SENATE BILL REPORT
EHB 2373
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 March 20, 2007
Title: An act relating to enhancing school bus driver safety.
Brief Description: Enhancing school bus driver safety.
Sponsors: Representatives McCune, Ahern, Kretz, Pearson, Roach and Kenney.
Brief History: Passed House: 3/10/07, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/19/07.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Staff: Martha Hankins (786-7429)
Background: A certified abstract of a person's full driving record is available only to certain
parties, including employers or prospective employers, organizations who use volunteer drivers
for transporting children or elderly persons, and city and county prosecuting attorneys. Release
of the abstract to employers or prospective employers requires the person's signature.
Insurance companies can obtain a certified abstract covering the previous three years; drug and
alcohol treatment agencies can obtain one for the previous five years.
The Department of Licensing (DOL) charges a $5 fee for each abstract and funds are deposited
in the highway safety account.
Summary of Engrossed Bill: Upon request, DOL must provide to school districts, free of
charge, a complete certified abstract of the full driving record for current or prospective school
bus drivers.
DOL must immediately notify the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) if a
public school bus driver has had a new moving violation, or if any court or departmental action
has been entered on his or her driving record.
A number of modifications reflect more respectful language.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Providing information about school bus drivers' driving records helps ensure children are delivered safely to school. This closes a gap and helps maintain the reputation and public image of public school bus drivers who do an outstanding job. Waiving the fee saves the school districts' money. DOL can establish a system for providing the updated information to OSPI following each record change.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Jim McCune, prime sponsor; Alan Jones, OSPI; Mitch Denning, Alliance of Education Association; Barbara Sandhal, Becky Loomis, DOL.