SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2095

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 Senate Committee On:

Transportation, March 25, 2009

Title: An act relating to clarifying the permitting, training, and licensing process for driver training schools.

Brief Description: Clarifying the permitting, training, and licensing process for driver training schools.

Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Orwall, Finn, Upthegrove, Simpson, Rodne and Quall).

Brief History: Passed House: 3/09/09, 96-0.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/24/09, 3/25/09 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Becker, Berkey, Delvin, Eide, Jarrett, Kauffman, King and Ranker.

Staff: Janice Baumgardt (786-7319)

Background: In 2006 legislation was passed that put the licensing of driver training schools and instructors under the authority of the Uniform Regulation of Business and Professions Act, giving the Department of Licensing (DOL) the same authority over these groups as it has for other licenses.

Those who have been charged with an alcohol-related violation in the last seven years are ineligible to receive a driver instructor license.

Summary of Bill: Many clarifications and technical corrections are made. In addition, the requirement that all driving school staff who come in contact with students have background checks is narrowed to include only those who have regularly scheduled, unsupervised contact with students. The requirement that a requalification exam for driver instructor licenses be performed every five years is removed.

Those who have been charged with an alcohol or drug-related violation in the last three years are ineligible for a driver instructor license. In addition, those who have two or more such violations in their history are not eligible to receive a driver instructor license.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This proposed legislation was a collaborative effort and clarifies 2006 legislation.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Orwall, prime sponsor; Derek Goudrian, DOL; Fred Wright, JC Fawcett, Private Driving School Association of Washington.