SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6595

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 8, 2016

Title: An act relating to improving public safety through driver regulation programs.

Brief Description: Concerning driver regulation programs.

Sponsors: Senators Liias, Rivers, Rolfes, Fain and King.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/02/16, 2/08/16 [DP, w/oRec].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators King, Chair; Fain, Vice Chair, Budget ; Hobbs, Ranking Minority Member; Liias, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Carlyle, Cleveland, Jayapal, Litzow, Miloscia, Rivers and Takko.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.

Signed by Senator Ericksen.

Staff: Kellee Keegan (786-7429)

Background: High risk drivers. In the 2015 Supplemental Transportation Budget, the Legislature directed the Department of Licensing (DOL); in consultation with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, the Washington State Patrol, and other traffic safety stakeholders; to review options and make recommendations on strategies addressing young and high-risk drivers. High-risk drivers include those who have been convicted of high-risk behavior, such as DUI and reckless driving. These recommended strategies were sent to the Legislature and the Governor on December 31, 2015.

A habitual traffic offender is a driver who, within a five-year period, has been convicted of three or more various offenses or found to have been convicted of or committing 20 or more moving violations. If a person is found to be habitual traffic offender, the person's driver's license will be revoked until eligible to be reinstated.

Motor vehicle liability insurance. Persons operating vehicles in Washington are required to carry proof that they are covered by a motor vehicle liability insurance policy, self-insurance, a certificate of deposit, or a liability bond. Insurance companies that issue or renew motor vehicle liability insurance policies must provide the policyholder with an insurance identification card. Proof of financial responsibility must be provided on the request of a law enforcement officer. Failure to provide proof as required is a traffic infraction and subject to penalties.

Summary of Bill: By December 31, 2016, the DOL must to work with the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) and other traffic safety stakeholders to develop a driver improvement course for habitual traffic offenders nearing suspension of their driving privilege.

The course program and fee for the driver improvement course will be determined by the DOL before December 31, 2017. A subsidy program is created to assist indigent persons. This would be developed concurrently with the course fee. The DOL, in consultation with a statewide organization that represents disadvantaged communities, must determine criteria to qualify for the subsidy. A full or partial subsidy voucher must be made available.

By December 31, 2016, the DOL, WTSC, and other traffic safety stakeholders must develop and submit to the Legislature a program for vehicle insurance verification as part of the process of licensing and regulating drivers in the state of Washington.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: None.

Effective Date: The bill contains several effective dates. Please refer to the bill.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill is the result of recommendations from the Department of Licensing. The challenges are different for adult traffic offenders. The concept in principle works.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Marko Liias, sponsor; Tony Sermonti, Dept of Licensing.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.