SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5938

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, February 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: Senators Ranker, Swecker, Haugen, Delvin, Eide, Sheldon, Jacobsen, Shin and McAuliffe.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/19/09, 2/25/09 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5938 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

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 (Recommended Substitute): 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.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute): The original bill had a technical error which was corrected by the proposed substitute.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: PRO: This bill will allow driving schools to be more effective and efficient in providing driver training.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Derek Goudraan, DOL; Joe Giammon, Dawn Vyvyan, Professional Driving Schools of Washington; Andrew Finley, 911 Driving School; JC Fawcett, Defensive Driving; Don Munro, Munroe's Driving.