HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1458

                       As Passed House

                       March 12, 1991

Title:  An act relating to limousine charter party carriers.

Brief Description:  Ending dual registration requirements for limousine charter party carriers.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives Ludwig, Heavey, Lisk and Franklin; by request of Department of Licensing.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Transportation, February 19, 1991, DP;

Passed House, March 12, 1991, 98-0.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass.  Signed by 22 members:  Representatives R. Fisher, Chair; R. Meyers, Vice Chair; Betrozoff, Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Basich; Cantwell; Cooper; Day; G. Fisher; Forner; Haugen; Horn; P. Johnson; R. Johnson; Kremen; Mitchell; Nelson; Orr; Prentice; Prince; Schmidt; and Wood.

Staff:  Mary McLaughlin (786-7309).

Background:  Prior to 1989, (1) limousines with a seating capacity of seven or more were regulated as charter buses by the Utilities & Transportation Commission (UTC), and (2) limousines with a seating capacity of less than seven were considered taxi cabs and were required to obtain a for-hire passenger permit from the Department of Licensing (DOL).  As taxi cabs, DOL also required the filing of a surety bond or proof of liability insurance.

In 1989, limousine services were placed under the regulatory authority of the UTC.  Limousines are subject to the UTC's entry standard (Fit, Willing & Able), chauffeur qualifications, safety and insurance provisions, and payment of the annual regulatory fee.  (Rate regulation is not imposed.)

Because of a legislative oversight, limousines with a seating capacity of less than seven are still required to register and comply with the bonding requirements of DOL.

Summary of Bill:  For-hire limousine services are exempt from the taxicab permit and insurance requirements of the Department of Licensing, as these vehicles are now regulated by the Utilities & Transportation Commission.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  None.