SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5272
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:
Law & Justice, February 11, 2013
Title: An act relating to modifying provisions in the forms for traffic infraction notices.
Brief Description: Modifying provisions in the forms for traffic infraction notices.
Sponsors: Senators Padden, Kline and Delvin.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Law & Justice: 2/01/13, 2/11/13 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Padden, Chair; Darneille, Kline, Ranking Member; Kohl-Welles, Pearson and Roach.
Staff: Jessica Stevenson (786-7465)
Background: The notice form given to a person who commits a traffic infraction represents the final determination that the person committed the traffic infraction unless the person contests the determination. The notice form is prescribed by the Washington Supreme Court and must state extensive information about the specific infraction committed, status of the determination, potential penalties and consequences, person's rights, and procedures for hearings.
The following are the relevant required statements: the penalty for a traffic infraction related to standing, stopping, or parking may include nonrenewal of the vehicle license, a person's driver's license or driving privilege will be suspended by the Department of Licensing (DOL) if the person fails to respond within 15 days, a person's failure to appear at a hearing for a moving traffic violation will result in suspension of the person's driver's license or driving privilege, and failure to appear at a hearing for a standing, stopping, or parking violation will result in DOL refusing to renew the vehicle license.
Summary of Bill: The penalty for a traffic infraction related to standing, stopping, or parking may include nonrenewal of the vehicle registration. If a person fails to respond to the notice within 15 days, the person's driving license or privilege may be suspended by DOL until any penalties imposed have been satisfied. If a person fails to appear for a hearing to explain mitigating circumstances or to contest the determination, the person's driving license or privilege may be suspended for infractions that are not standing, stopping, or parking violations until any penalties imposed have been satisfied. If the offense is for standing, stopping, or parking violations, DOL may refuse to renew the vehicle registration until any penalties imposed have been satisfied. The form must include these changes by July 1, 2014.
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: PRO: If passed, this bill will be aligned with the bill that passed last year requiring suspension of a driver's license for moving violations.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Melanie Stewart, District and Municipal Court Judges Assn.