HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2117

BYRepresentatives Walk, Patrick, S. Wilson, Zellinsky, Gallagher, Heavey, Smith, Prince, R. Fisher, Cooper, G. Fisher, Todd, Nelson, Schmidt, Day, Baugher, Betrozoff and Winsley

Requiring household movers to list their utility and transportation permit number in their advertising.

House Committe on Transportation

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendments.  (24)

      Signed by Representatives Walk, Chair; Baugher, Vice Chair; Schmidt, Ranking Republican Member; Wood, Assistant Ranking Republican Member; Betrozoff, Cooper, Day, G. Fisher, Gallagher, Hankins, Haugen, Heavey, Jones, Kremen, R. Meyers, Nelson, Patrick, Prentice, Prince, Smith, D. Sommers, Todd, Walker and S. Wilson.

House Staff:Mary McLaughlin (786-7309)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION FEBRUARY 28, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Intrastate household goods movers are regulated by the Utilities & Transportation Commission (UTC).  The Commission requires all regulated household goods vehicles to display the carriers's UTC permit number on both sides of the power unit.  The carrier is not required to include the name, address or permit number in written or airwave transmission advertisements. The inclusion of this information in an advertisement is at the discretion of the carrier.

It is a misdemeanor for any person not holding a UTC operating authority permit to advertise services in print.  Airwave transmissions are not addressed.

By law, the Department of Labor & Industries requires construction contractors such as general contractors, plumbers, electricians, etc., to list their state contractor registration number when advertising by print or airwave transmission.

SUMMARY:

BILL AS AMENDED:  An intrastate household goods mover must include his or her Utilities & Transportation operating permit number in any printed advertisement or other ad when the mover's name or address is used.  When advertising by radio or television, the permit number is not required if the person selling the ad obtains the permit number from the mover.

It is a misdemeanor for any person to falsify the UTC permit number used in connection with a printed or airwave transmission advertisement.  In determining if a violation has occurred, the person who purchased the advertising is held potentially liable.

AMENDED BILL COMPARED TO ORIGINAL:  The permit number is not required under certain circumstances.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Remo Galvagno, Washington Movers Conference; Steve McLellan, Utilities & Transportation Commission.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Listing of the permit number protects the public and shows that the mover is a bona fide household mover.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.