Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Public Safety Committee

HB 2066

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.

Brief Description: Addressing restrictions on driver's licenses associated with certain criminal offenses.

Sponsors: Representatives Davis, Pellicciotti, Goodman, Appleton, Sutherland, Graham, Klippert, Leavitt and Pollet.

Brief Summary of Bill

Narrows the circumstances in which a driver’s license must be revoked pursuant to a conviction for a felony in which a motor vehicle was used to apply only if the sentencing court has ordered the driver’s license revocation.

Hearing Date: 2/19/19

Staff: Kelly Leonard (786-7147).

Background:

A person may not drive a motor vehicle on a roadway in the state without having a valid driver's license. It is a criminal offense for a person to drive a motor vehicle while his or her driver's license is suspended or revoked.

The Department of Licensing (DOL) is required to revoke a person's driver's license when he or she is convicted of certain criminal offenses, including:

Vehicular Homicide or Vehicular Assault;
certain impaired driving offenses;
failure to stop and give information or render aid in certain circumstances involving a motor vehicle accident resulting in death or personal injury;
perjury or the making of a false statement to DOL under certain circumstances;
Reckless Driving when it is the third or subsequent conviction; or
any felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle is used.

When a person is convicted of any felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle is used, other than the specific offenses listed, the revocation lasts for one calendar year. After the revocation period has expired, the person must reapply to the DOL in order to receive a driver's license. The DOL must be satisfied with the applicant's driving ability, the applicant must provide proof of insurance, and the applicant must pay a reissue fee of $75.

Summary of Bill:

When a driver is convicted of any felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle is used, the DOL is required to revoke the license only when the sentencing court has entered an order requiring the revocation. Provisions requiring revocation for other specific offenses are unchanged.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 18, 2019.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.