SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1478

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 23, 2009

Title: An act relating to vehicle registrations for deployed military personnel.

Brief Description: Addressing vehicle registrations for deployed military personnel.

Sponsors: Representatives Orcutt, Takko, McCune, Hurst, Herrera, Campbell, Johnson, Kelley and Dammeier.

Majority Report: Do pass.

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

Background: A vehicle's licensing registration year begins at 12:01 a.m. on the date designated by the Department of Licensing (DOL) and ends at 12:01 a.m. on the same date of the next calendar year. If a vehicle license previously issued in this state has expired and is renewed with a different registered owner, a new registration year is deemed to commence upon the date the expired license is renewed so that the renewed license will be useful for an entire 12-month period.

Summary of Bill: Deployed military personnel are able to renew their vehicle registrations and have the registration year start on the date that the expired license is renewed so that the renewed license will be useful for an entire 12-month period. To be eligible, the registered owner must be a member of the United States armed forces; have been stationed outside of Washington under military orders during the prior vehicle registration year; and provide the DOL with a copy of the military orders.

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