SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6683
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:
Government Operations & Elections, January 28, 2010
Title: An act relating to sending renewal notices for licenses, registrations, and permits via electronic means.
Brief Description: Concerning the transmittal of renewal notices for licenses, registrations, and permits via electronic means.
Sponsors: Senators Tom and Oemig.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 1/28/10 [DP-WM].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; McDermott and Pridemore.
Staff: Sharon Swanson (786-7447)
Background: Many professions require licensing by the state. Medical, legal, veterinary, and dental are just a few examples of professions that require licensing and renewal. Additionally, many vehicles, facilities, and activities require licensing and renewal.
In some instances, individuals can renew their licenses online. In many instances, licensing is conducted in person or through the mail.
Summary of Bill: Every state agency is required to implement processes to send all renewal notices to customers via electronic means by July 1, 2012.
Every state agency must allow customers to opt for a physical notice in lieu of, or in addition to, an electronic renewal notice.
Renewal notice includes, but is not limited to, notices for the renewal of licenses, registrations, and permits.
State agency includes every state office, department, division, bureau, board, and commission of the state.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 22, 2010.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: OTHER: While the convenience of receiving electronic renewal notices is a good thing and the lack of paper in landfills is a good thing, any potential savings will be eaten up by the upgrades and IT maintenance that this bill will require. The Department of Licensing (DOL) has just implemented a program to allow people to voluntarily receive tab renewal information via email. This program has started off well. The voluntary component is important. The DOL has started slow and is hoping to capture data that will be useful as we decide whether or not to expand the program. One question to consider is whether or not every state agency should be required to develop a notification project individually or if there is something that can be developed and shared statewide. The DOL is more than willing to be the example and come back in a year and share what we have learned.
Persons Testifying: OTHER: Karen Jensen, Department of Health; Alan Haight, DOL.